On Saturday 13th June from 9.30am - 4.30pm, Bedford High Street will be taken over once again by a special summer festival.

Following on from last year’s hugely popular event, which attracted tens of thousands of people to the High Street, the Big High Street Showcase is set to return. Expect to see a range of local businesses, community groups and entertainers all coming together on Bedford High Street and Mill Street to showcase their talents in the heart of Bedford.

This community event, organised by Bedford Borough Council, displays the fantastic wealth of independent retailers in Bedford, particularly in, and around, the High Street area. Over 35 businesses will be trading outside on the day, demonstrating their products and services, with many at special event prices alongside the Handmade in Bedfordshire Craft Market. Further attractions include children’s entertainment; face painting, craft activities and funfair rides; the Owls from The Raptor Foundation plus the live music and dance stage featuring everything from choirs, bands and soloists to street dancing, swing and ballet.

The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “The Big High Street Showcase was a tremendous success last year, with huge numbers of additional visitors attracted to the town centre.  We want as many people as possible to come and enjoy the fun this year, too, with an array of activities, stalls, entertainment and more on offer. We’re looking forward to a great atmosphere once again, as people take the opportunity to enjoy and support their town centre at this genuine community event.”

New for 2015 will be the opportunity to practice your golf swing on the inflatable golf shot or your putting skills on the green.  Why not try your hand at kayaking or table tennis and for the children, they can have a go at gymnastics on the inflatable airtrack, egg & spoon races on the sports day track or even have a go on the climbing wall.  It’s all set to be fantastic family day out, so put it in your diary!

View the programme here or pick one up from Council outlets, local retailers, the Travel & Tourism Centre, Bedford Library, The Higgins Bedford and Café Number 13.

For further information, please go to www.bedford.gov.uk/highstreetshowcase or contact Sian Hughes on 01234 276 257 or email sian.hughes@bedford.gov.uk

Please note: Bedford High Street will be closed to traffic from the junction with St. Peter’s Street to the north of St. Paul’s Square and from Duke Street on Mill Street, from 6am - 7pm, on Saturday 13th June. 

The event has been funded with support from The Town Heritage Initiative and Bedford Borough Council.