Christmas in Bedford - from the lights switch-on to festive shows and markets

Now Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night are out of the way, we can set our sights on Christmas without feeling too bad about it.

And the festive season will officially arrive in Bedford on Saturday, November 22, with the Christmas lights switch-on.

The event includes live music, carols, food and free family fun, as well as the all-important lights. It starts in Harpur Square at noon, and will run until 6pm.

Choirs and dance groups will perform on stage throughout the afternoon, and there will also be a sneak peek at the Aladdin pantomime.

Then at 4pm, mayor Tom Wootton will switch on the lights – followed by another choir and Christmas Disco courtsey of Bedford Radion, which runs from 5pm to 6pm.

From 2pm there will be events at the Harpur Suite, including free face-painting and colouring for children.

Councillor Andrea Spice, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and prosperity, said: “We are delighted to welcome everyone to Bedford’s Christmas Light Switch-On. This event is a wonderful way to bring our community together, launch the festive season, and support local shops and entertainment venues. We hope the lights and festivities spark joy for all ages and help create lasting memories.”

The festive fun continues with the Bedford Music Service stage in Harpur Square on the weekend of November 29 and 30, showcasing live performances by over 200 young local students. There’ll be rock and jazz bands, choirs, steel pans, DJs, orchestras, dhol drummers and more. This is supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

On Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, Harpur Square will host Bedford Flea and Affordable Art and Local Produce, while the Harpur Suite offers a variety of around 30 crafters with unique, handcrafted gifts from artisanal decorations to bespoke jewellery and festive treats. There will also be a large screen showing Christmas films from 10am to 8pm, a bar, and food available to purchase.

A Christmas sing-a-long, led by Grace Community Church, is planned for Harpur Square on Saturday, December 20, at noon and 3.30pm.

Throughout December, Bedford town centre will offer plenty of free activities for families. Bedford Central Library will run Christmas-themed crafts each Saturday, such as letters to Santa and making Christmas cards, and Sunday Funday will continue each week.

The Higgins Bedford is free to explore, with all sorts of exhibitions and displays. Alongside storytelling sessions and other activities, there is the monthly family Crafternoon on Sunday, December 14 where children can make Christmas cards and decorations.

Festive shows at Bedford Corn Exchange include ABBA-Merry Christmas, Step into Christmas, Aurie Styla’s Christmas Crackup, and the Bedford Choral Society Christmas Concert. The highlight for many families will be this year’s pantomime, Aladdin, with tickets now available.

Mayor Tom Wootton added: “The festive season is a special time here in Bedford borough, and we are proud to offer such a rich programme of events that bring families and friends together. From light displays to music and theatre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our vibrant town centre.”

The Kempston Town Council Christmas lights will be switched on Sunday, November 30 at the Saxon Centre. The event runs from noon through to 6pm, with the mayor of Kempston Town Council turning on the lights at 4pm. The community event will include Christmas art and craft stalls, kids rides, and food trailers.

Christmas activities in Bedford town centre are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.