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Discover the Best of Bedford

Love Bedford is your comprehensive guide to everything unique in Bedford town centre. It’s a vibrant showcase of businesses, exclusive offers, exciting events, culture and heritage, the latest news and everything that makes this town truly special. Love Bedford also contains a directory for essential services, how to get here and where to stay. What’s more, you can sign up to receive our regular e-newsletters with offers, discounts and up-to-date news about town!

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Colour My Canvas

Colour My Canvas

‘Colour My Canvas’ is the opportunity to paint your own Festive glass and enjoy one of their delicious cocktails plus some tasty nibbles. Cheers!

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Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church

Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church

The St Paul’s Church Christmas Tree Festival returns in 2024 with this year’s theme being ‘The Magic of Christmas’. From December 4th to 8th you can enjoy music and performances and explore the display of more than 65 beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Plus, there are two additional events to make this Festival even more special!

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Festive Wine Tasting at BlueGlass

Festive Wine Tasting at BlueGlass

Thinking about Christmas and what to bring or serve at one of the many Festive soirees? Then it’s ho, ho, ho, off to BlueGlass you go – to enjoy their Christmas wine tasting. Grab a friend or two and get the season started in style!

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Christmas Opening Times at The Harpur Centre

Christmas Opening Times at The Harpur Centre

Head to The Harpur Centre for all your Christmas shopping, where you can find cheap and cheerful, fun and giggles, or gloriously glam – along with some yummy treats! Late night shopping on Thursdays means there are no excuses!!

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The Dark Room

The Dark Room

Welcome to The Dark Room, the world’s only live-action, text-based adventure game. It’s strange, insane and addictive – a choose-your-own-adventure…. so choose it!

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DJ Party Night at The Bedford Swan

DJ Party Night at The Bedford Swan

Celebrate the season in style! Get together with colleagues, friends or family for an outstanding Christmas celebration in the Coach Room at The Bedford Swan Hotel & Spa. Places must be booked and tickets are selling fast!

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An Evening with Ollie

An Evening with Ollie

For a fine start to Christmas season, head to La Terrazza for live jazz, swing and Festive classics with Ollie Corbett.

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Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum

Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum

Head to The Higgins Museum and join Kevin the Platypus’ little cousin Puggle for lots of creative fun. There are two sessions, one from 10.30am-12noon and one from 1pm-2.30pm.

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Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

DJ Swift Official returns to The Nazar Lounge to get the party started. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, put this one on the calendar. The Nazar Lounge has an excellent reputation for their delicious Turkish food and fabulous atmosphere.

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Bedford Youth Community Gospel Choir

Bedford Youth Community Gospel Choir

On Small Business Saturday, we welcome Bedford Youth Community Gospel Choir who will be performing at the Silver Faces. The choir is made up of individuals from Bedfordshire and surrounding counties covering various age groups, singing abilities and backgrounds. We can’t wait to hear them performing live!

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New Zealand Wine Tasting at Decant

New Zealand Wine Tasting at Decant

Head to Decant Wine & Cheese Bar for an evening of tasting a range of fine New Zealand wines.

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Opus 18 at the Harpur Centre

Opus 18 at the Harpur Centre

On Small Business Saturday, Opus 18 arrives to perform in the Harpur Centre. Opus 18 performs a wide range of song styles, including classic pop, folk songs, world music light classics and musicals from stage and screen, singing secular and sacred song.

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Salvation Army Band

Salvation Army Band

Returning to Bedford town centre for Small Business Saturday is the Salvation Army Band, who will be bringing joyful, festive tunes to raise money for their Church and Charity.

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Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is designed to highlight the importance of small, locally-owned and operated retailers. Bedford town centre boasts a truly amazing array of much-loved independent businesses. Come into town and explore them for yourselves!

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Bedford Christmas Markets

Bedford Christmas Markets

Explore the Bedford Christmas Market and soak up the festive atmosphere with local artisan stalls, delicious treats, and festive rides at the Harpur Suite and Harpur Square. With plenty of free rides, courtesy of Bedford Borough Council, there is plenty of family fun for everyone.

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Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade returns to the Nazar Lounge. Enjoy smooth sounds while dining on the delicious selection of Turkish food that Nazar is famous for!

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Bedford Christmas Markets

Bedford Christmas Markets

Explore the Bedford Christmas Market and soak up the festive atmosphere with local artisan stalls, delicious treats, and festive rides at the Harpur Suite and Harpur Square. With plenty of free rides, courtesy of Bedford Borough Council, there is plenty of family fun for everyone.

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Eagle Gallery Christmas Exhibition

Eagle Gallery Christmas Exhibition

The Christmas Exhibition at Eagle Gallery, running until 24th December, presents a wide selection of work, including sculptures, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, textiles and photography. Along with unframed original works and greeting cards, handmade Christmas decorations will also be available to purchase.

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A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

The Quarry Theatre presents Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson, with Dickens’ classic festive fable. Famed for bringing multiple characters to vivid life, Masterson recreates Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, Tiny Tim et al in an enchanting, performance that will dazzle!

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A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

The Quarry Theatre presents Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson, with Dickens’ classic festive fable. Famed for bringing multiple characters to vivid life, Masterson recreates Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, Tiny Tim et al in an enchanting, performance that will dazzle!

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Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church

Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church

The St Paul’s Church Christmas Tree Festival returns in 2024 with this year’s theme being ‘The Magic of Christmas’. From December 4th to 8th you can enjoy music and performances and explore the display of more than 65 beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Plus, there are two additional events to make this Festival even more special!

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East West Rail Consultation 2024

East West Rail Consultation 2024

You are invited to visit Bedford Swan Hotel to share your views on the proposed East West Rail link between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.

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Eagle Gallery Christmas Exhibition

Eagle Gallery Christmas Exhibition

The Christmas Exhibition at Eagle Gallery, running until 24th December, presents a wide selection of work, including sculptures, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, textiles and photography. Along with unframed original works and greeting cards, handmade Christmas decorations will also be available to purchase.

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Festival Carol Concert with East Anglian Air Ambulance

Festival Carol Concert with East Anglian Air Ambulance

At St Paul’s Church the East Anglian Air Ambulance will be bringing the London Show Choir to perform their Christmas Carol Concert. Come along to support this most worthwhile Festive event.

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Five Star Swing at Christmas

Five Star Swing at Christmas

Swing into Christmas with the unique Five Star Swing Band Show! Enjoy all your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic swing band treatment from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie and Nat King Cole – jazzing up those jingle bells! Tickets are selling fast!!

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Christmas Opening Times at The Harpur Centre

Christmas Opening Times at The Harpur Centre

Head to The Harpur Centre for all your Christmas shopping, where you can find cheap and cheerful, fun and giggles, or gloriously glam – along with some yummy treats! Late night shopping on Thursdays means there are no excuses!!

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Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day

Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day

Every December millions of people come together for Christmas Jumper Day. Save the Children’s annual event raises money for the children who need it most.

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The Barley Mow Christmas Drive

The Barley Mow Christmas Drive

The Barley Mow has always been community-minded, holding events for all ages and for those in need. This Christmas they are holding their very own Christmas Drive for those who are struggling most. On December 13th The Barley Mow will be holding two ‘shopping’ sessions with budget friendly options for all your Christmas shopping.

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The Barley Mow Christmas Drive

The Barley Mow Christmas Drive

The Barley Mow has always been community-minded, holding events for all ages and for those in need. This Christmas they are holding their very own Christmas Drive for those who are struggling most. On December 13th The Barley Mow will be holding two ‘shopping’ sessions with budget friendly options for all your Christmas shopping.

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Love Bedford – Have Fun!

Love Bedford – Have Fun!

BedfordBID/Love Bedford is delighted to shine a spotlight on all of the children’s Christmas activities in the town centre taking place over this fun, festive weekend, with many of the activities FREE! of charge or offered with a discount. It’s a really great opportunity to do a spot of Christmas shopping and enjoy some fun-time with the children too!

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The Snowman

The Snowman

Enjoy a special screening of the timeless classic animated film, The Snowman, featuring a live performance of Howard Blake’s musical score, specially adapted for brass band and performed for you by the Hitchin Band together with a pianist and young solo singer. Performances are at 10.30am, 11.45am and 1pm and last approximately 30 minutes. Tickets are selling fast!

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The Glenn Miller & Rat Pack Era

The Glenn Miller & Rat Pack Era

Recapture the sounds of a bygone era as the Nick Ross Orchestra presents ‘an unmissable evening of music and song’ the classic big band sound of the 40s and 50s with a liberal sprinkling of very special Christmas Big Band arrangements.

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Glenn Miller Memorial Dance

Glenn Miller Memorial Dance

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove to the sounds of the Harborough Big Band Head to the Harpur Suite and experience a night of 1940s dance music. Paying tribute to the legendary Glenn Miller, this event commemorates his connections to Bedford.

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Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend

Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend

Over the weekend of December 14 and 15, come to town and celebrate the music of the legendary Glenn Miller. You will be able to enjoy live performances from May Blossom, Vintage Songbird, in Harpur Square, featuring his timeless swing tunes.

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Jamhuri Day – Kenyan Day of Independence

Jamhuri Day – Kenyan Day of Independence

Celebrate Kenyan Independence Day on Saturday 14th December. The celebration is part of the ‘Back to our Roots’ programme, which gives underrepresented groups of people or communities a platform to share their cultures and visions.

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Salvation Army Band

Salvation Army Band

Returning to Bedford town centre for our Love Bedford Have Fun weekend is the Salvation Army Band, who will be bringing joyful, festive tunes to raise money for their Church and Charity.

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Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade returns to the Nazar Lounge for an evening of live music. Enjoy smooth sounds while dining on the delicious selection of Turkish food that Nazar is famous for!

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Bottomless Brunch at The Nazar Lounge

Bottomless Brunch at The Nazar Lounge

Head to Nazar Lounge for a bottomless brunch, with live entertainment, featuring garage anthems and get the Christmas party started!

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Love Bedford – Have Fun!

Love Bedford – Have Fun!

The excitement is building as we near the beginning of the school holidays. BedfordBID/Love Bedford is delighted to shine a…

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Bedford Town Band

Bedford Town Band

Returning to Bedford town centre for our Love Bedford Have Fun weekend, we are delighted to be welcoming back Bedford Town Band.

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Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend

Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend

Over the weekend of December 14 and 15, come to town and celebrate the music of the legendary Glenn Miller. You will be able to enjoy live performances from May Blossom, Vintage Songbird, in Harpur Square, featuring his timeless swing tunes.

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Knitting & Crochet at The Higgins Bedford

Knitting & Crochet at The Higgins Bedford

This friendly, informal group meets on the third Tuesday of every month at The Higgins Bedford to knit and crochet together. They sometimes work on their own projects, but also knit for charities and events throughout the year.

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Celebrate a Life with Sue Ryder

Celebrate a Life with Sue Ryder

Sue Ryder invites you, your family and friends to take a pause and join us at Celebrate a Life Bedfordshire, to remember and give thanks for the lives of those important to you.

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Castle Comedy Christmas Special

Castle Comedy Christmas Special

The Quarry presents The Castle Comedy Christmas Special. Featuring three outstanding comedians and hosted by Paul Revill, get ready for a jolly old time! Tickets are selling FAST!

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An Evening with Ollie

An Evening with Ollie

For a fine start to Christmas season, head to La Terrazza for live jazz, swing and Festive classics with Ollie Corbett.

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Christmas Opening Times at The Harpur Centre

Christmas Opening Times at The Harpur Centre

Head to The Harpur Centre for all your Christmas shopping, where you can find cheap and cheerful, fun and giggles, or gloriously glam – along with some yummy treats! Late night shopping on Thursdays means there are no excuses!!

View Event
Christmas Opening Times at The Harpur Centre

Christmas Opening Times at The Harpur Centre

Head to The Harpur Centre for all your Christmas shopping, where you can find cheap and cheerful, fun and giggles, or gloriously glam – along with some yummy treats! Late night shopping on Thursdays means there are no excuses!!

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Bedford Borough Council’s Family Fun Weekend

Bedford Borough Council’s Family Fun Weekend

A weekend dedicated to family-friendly fun, with the Council’s Family Fun Day offering games, activities, and entertainment for kids of all ages.

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Salvation Army Band

Salvation Army Band

The Salvation Army Band returns to Bedford town centre for the Bedford Borough Council’s Family Fun Weekend, with joyful, festive tunes to raise money for their Church and Charity.

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Snow White Christmas Pantomime

Snow White Christmas Pantomime

Who’s the fairest of them all? Christmastime is panto-time and this year Bedford Corn Exchange presents Snow White, with love, laughs and happy every afters! Running from 21st-31st December, with performances at 1pm and 4pm.

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swan hotel and thermal spa and Bedford river and town bridge
Credit: The Swan Hotel & Thermal Spa

The BedfordBID

In 2005 BedfordBID was one of the first Business Improvement Districts in the UK and, thus, one of the first to see the benefits of bringing businesses together and pooling money to improve the town centre.

BedfordBID seeks to make Bedford a cleaner, safer place to be for both residents and visitors. To help our town centre thrive, and to provide a high quality visitor experience. To create a vibrant place to live, work, study and to do business.

BedfordBID’s marketing arm, Love Bedford, delivers and supports events to help put Bedford on the map and to showcase the town centre. These include Christmas events, Easter and Halloween Trails, sponsorship of Bedford River Festival, and regular social media. Along with involvement in cultural and heritage initiatives, such as High Street regeneration, BedfordBID also works to support exhibitions, tours and walks.

About The BedfordBID
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