The excitement is building as we near the beginning of the school holidays. 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! Let’s go!
- Howard Centre
BedfordBID/Love Bedford proudly present face painting by the wonderfully talented Glitter-Arty Face Painters. This hugely respected company will offer children of all ages beautiful, painted faces with a cheery Christmas theme FREE of charge. Glitter-Arty will be located near to TK Maxx from 11am–4pm on Sunday. No booking required, just turn up!
- Harpur Centre
Santa will be cosy in his Harpur Centre Grotto all weekend. A visit to the jolly man himself includes a small gift. Why not mark the occasion with a celebratory photo? Love Bedford have arranged a 20% discount at the till, just mention LB1 to purchase a single ticket for £3.20. The Grotto is open from 10am-3pm on Sunday. No booking required, just turn up!
Geek Retreat – BedfordBID/Love Bedford proudly present FREE! ice cream desserts. (Whilst stock lasts) There are a limited number of Love Bedford ice creams available each day, so come into town early! Subject to available seating, find a spot to play a board game or try a new card game. Ideal for teens to discover a safe and fun space to visit and make friends. Offer runs from: 11am–4pm on Sunday.
- Harpur Square
Take a selfie in Harpur Square! The Bedford Town Centre Christmas tree is lit up beautifully with pretty lights and decorations. This year’s tree has space inside it to stand together and take a family photo! The stunning lights on Harpur Suite building light up the steps. This is a great place for a photo with a large group.
- Vue Cinema on Riverside
THE film of the festive season is Wonka, a 2023 musical fantasy film which tells the original story of Willy Wonka a character in the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl featuring his early days as an eccentric chocolatier. The film stars Timothée Chalamet in the title role and Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa.
Showings at Vue Cinema on Sunday 17th are at 10am, 12.45pm and 3.30pm. Book online for super saver tickets from £4.99.
- The Arcade
Head over to The Arcade on Sunday where BedfordBID/Love Bedford are proud to present spectacular balloon artists Epicxtras who will make children their very own special balloon FREE! of charge. Cute dogs, swashbuckling swords, silly hats, tiny teddy bears, we can’t wait to see everyone’s unique balloons.
Our modellers will be outside Gallone’s Ice Cream Parlour from 11am-4pm on Sunday.
Ever wanted to have a go on the retro arcade games at Rewind Entertainment and Merchandise? BedfordBID/Love Bedford proudly present 15 minutes of retro arcade gaming FREE! of charge. Simply collect a special postcard from our Town Centre Champions. Free places are limited, there may be a wait. Booking is not required. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Available Sunday 11am-4pm.
- The Higgins Bedford:
The Higgins Bedford on Castle Lane is always well worth a visit. On Sunday 17th they hold a Christmas Crafternoon FREE! of charge. Explore the amazing art and fascinating artefacts on display around the building, then use your imagination and a range of media and materials to get arty. Drop in anytime from 2pm-4pm. Free Entry. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book!
- Bedford Central Library:
FREE! On Sunday 17th head over to the library for Sunday Funday from 11.30pm-1.30pm. No need to book, just turn up!
- Bunyan Meeting Church:
On Sunday 17th at 9.30am Bunyan Meeting Church on Mill Street holds a Nativity Service for All Ages. Everyone is welcome. Visit www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk for further information.
- Silver Square
The Love Bedford Christmas Wreath is waiting for you to take a selfie! This year’s wreath has a seat inside and is decorated with fairy lights. It’s the perfect spot to take a photo for the family album or to pop on your phone’s home screen. Can you spot our naughty Elf perching on the top?
BedfordBID/Love Bedford are proud to present Ampthill Town Band who will be serenading shoppers at Silver Square in front of the Love Bedford Wreath from 11.30am-1.30pm with their cheery Christmas classics on 17th December.
- Be in town to WIN!
Win!! Whist you’re in town, take a look at the marvellous Christmas window displays. You can vote for your favourite using the QR codes at The Arcade and the Howard Centre. You could win £50 Love Bedford Vouchers for yourself, and £50 for the winning business. Vote now!
Plus…. Win!! tickets to the Panto at Bedford Corn Exchange! Love Bedford have reserved tickets for a family of four for this year’s panto, the spectacular Cinderella! Enter to win at our Love Bedford locations in The Arcade and Howard Centre over the weekend.
