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 10.30am-3.30pm on Saturday and 11am–4pm on Sunday. No booking required, just turn up!
- Strolling Magic with Krisgar
Winner of Children’s Entertainer of the Year, BedfordBID/Love Bedford proudly present Krisgar the Magician who will be popping up all over town centre with magic tricks to make you oooh!!! and ahhhh!!! and bring a big smile to little faces. We can’t wait to see what surprises he has in store. Krisgar will be in the town centre on Saturday 16th December between 11.30am and 3.30pm.
- 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-5pm on Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday. No booking required, just turn up!
Two cute Elves and their ‘Goodometer’ are checking to find out who’s been naughty and who’s been nice over the past year! Simply scan your hand underneath the front of their sleigh and one of the presents will light up to indicate whether you’ve been good or naughty. It’s laugh-out loud, FREE! light-hearted entertainment for a giggle. Welcome the Elves and the ‘Goodometer’ to the Harpur Centre on Saturday 16th of December from 12pm-4pm.
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: 10.30am–3.30pm Saturday and 11am–4pm 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.
On Saturday 16th Harpur Square will host musicians, performers and artists. This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Tenor Sax performing Christmas songs.
- 11am – Tsymbal Serhii
Christmas painting activity from Art school Tsymbal.
- 12 noon – Castle Events
Andrea Tweedale and Matthew Palmer, two Bedford based Opera singers, perform a mixture of traditional Christmas music and some classic Christmas songs, all in sparkling arrangements for two classical voices accompanied by professional orchestral backing tracks.
Imajica Theatre presents The North Pole Elves as singing, dancing and signing elves. Sparkles and Tinsel just love to sing and dance and use BSL signing (sign supported English) in their choreography. Singing Christmas songs, from the classics to modern pop, they love to entertain their family friendly audience.
- 2pm – Sax’s Cool Band
A saxophone ensemble of 16 local players + bass, established over 20 years ago by a Bedford musician, will perform a variety of styles and festive pieces.
- 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 Saturday 16th and 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 Saturday and Sunday where BedfordBID/Love Bedford are proud to present spectacular balloon artists, Twisted Jon and 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 10.30am-3.30pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday. Also on Saturday, look out for old-time Santa who will be making a special appearance with his long beard and swishy red cape.
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 Saturday from 10.30am-3.30pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.
For some beautifully uplifting Christmas musical entertainment, BedfordBID/Love Bedford proudly present Kempston Hammers Community Choir. They will be performing in The Arcade on Saturday 16th at 12.30pm.
- 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 on 17th December. Free Entry. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book!
- Bedford Central Library:
FREE! On Saturday 16 December from 11am-3pm Bedford Central Library hosts Christmas games day. Plus… the regular Lego Club takes place from 11am-3pm. On Sunday 17th head over 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?
On 16th at 12 noon, BedfordBID/Love Bedford are proud to present May Blossom Vintage Songbird, who’ll be getting us all in the mood for dancing with her up-beat Christmas songs and her talented dancers will show us how to jive!
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.
