Bedford Borough Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated Bedford Christmas Lights Switch On is back, with a bigger celebration than previously planned. Originally scheduled last Saturday, the event has been rescheduled to Saturday 30 November due to high winds and Storm Bert.
“We were so disappointed to postpone the original switch-on due to Storm Bert, but safety is our top priority,” said Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton. “We’re excited to bring the community together for an even bigger event this weekend, kicking off the festive season in Bedford Borough. There is some fantastic free family entertainment planned and I can’t wait!”
BedfordBID says: “BedfordBID is delighted to be part of the Bedford Christmas Lights Switch On. This is a magical event and this year we are proud to be sponsoring the Bedford Music Service Stage, where choirs, bands and DJ’s will be entertaining us all.
“Plus, the return of our much-loved BedfordBID/Love Bedford Express Land Train, which will be making its way around the town centre, brings even more festive fun, giving our visitors a vibrant and warm welcome, helping them discover everything to see and do in Bedford town centre. Find all BedfordBID/Love Bedford events at www.lovebedford.co.uk”
Mark your calendars for a magical day on Saturday 30 November:
- Festive fun all day: The festivities begin at 10am with a jam-packed schedule, including:
- Stage Performances: Enjoy live music throughout the day, featuring local youth performers from Bedford Music Service, followed by a special Christmas set by Laura Menozzi in the afternoon.
- Christmas Lights Switch-On: At 5pm, join Laura Menozzi, Mayor Tom Wootton, Priory School Choir, and Father Christmas for the official countdown to illuminate Harpur Square!
- Sing-Along and Disco: After the switch-on, belt out your favourite Christmas carols with Laura and groove to festive tunes with DJ Steven Gordon Wilson until 6.30pm.
- Mini Christmas Market: Browse a small selection of craft stalls, showcasing unique gifts and festive finds along Harpur Street, outside Sharman Law.
- Foodie delights: Refuel with delicious treats and beverages from food, coffee, and bar operators in Harpur Square.
- Free family entertainment:
- Christmas crazy golf: Challenge your friends and family to a fun round of mini golf inside the Harpur Suite from 12-7pm, Funded by UK Government
- Christmas Photo Booth: Capture a memorable festive photo in the photo booth and collect your free prints from 12-7pm, Funded by UK Government
- Love Bedford Express Land Train: Take a ride on the festive Land Train, paid for by Bedford town centre businesses and sponsored by BedfordBID/LoveBedford.
- From 4.15pm Laura Menozzi will be singing Christmas songs, Priory School Choir will join in from 4.40pm in the build up to the countdown at 5pm.
- Laura will continue to entertain the crowd until 5.15pm when DJ Steven Gordon-Wilson takes over with a Christmas Disco
- Extended Market Hours: Enjoy extended shopping hours with traders at the Saturday Charter Market on St. Paul’s Square, Midland Road and Harpur Street, open until 7pm.
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning, and Prosperity, added; “It wouldn’t be Christmas in Bedford without an official lights switch on! We did turn on some of the lights in the town centre last weekend to build the Christmas atmosphere and support local businesses but the Christmas Lights Switch-On is a highlight of the year for many families in Bedford.
“We’re delighted to be working with BedfordBID and community groups to make this year’s event even bigger and better, with a fantastic line-up of entertainment and activities.”
It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season and create lasting memories with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information and to discover all the festive events in December, head to: www.bedford.gov.uk/Christmas2024
