The town centre came alive last week with fireworks and lights for the official start of the Christmas celebrations.

BedfordBID arranged for Santa, who can now be found in his grotto at the Harpur Centre, and his reindeer to pull a beautifully hand-made sleigh around the town centre on Wednesday November 26th.

Harpur Centre Manager, Samantha Laycock said  "It was great to see Santa come out of his grotto for the Reindeer event prior to the light switch on.  The sleigh ride, balloons and music from Bedford Rock Choir and Bedford Theatretrain all added to the festive ambience in the town centre."

To add to the seasonal atmosphere Bedford Rock Choir and Bedford Theatretrain were fantastic. Thank you to Simon and his team at Toni & Guy who generously gave make-overs to some of the singers prior to the show. 

For the little ones, also courtesy of BedfordBID, Balloon modellers Twistina and Twistopher were creating endless figures such as candy canes, penguins and reindeer. 

To follow this afternoon of festivity, the riverside fireworks display, sponsored by BedfordBID began along The Embankment with 10,000 people attending. At the same time the town centre Christmas lights were switched on.

These events marked the start of Christmas late night shopping Wednesdays which continue until December 17th with the biggest and best open to welcome customers. At the same time parking is free from 5.30 pm on those nights at key car parks.

Full details of everything festive on our Christmas page www.lovebedford.co.uk/christmas