A VERY MERRY BEDFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET WEEKENDER, 2-3 DECEMBER
A BRAND-NEW CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA WEEKEND IS AT THE HEART OF OUR BEAUTIFUL MARKET TOWN.
A Very Merry Bedford Christmas Market Weekender is a two-day celebration of all things Bedford across Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December weekend, brought to you by Team Flea (that's us!), Love Bedford and Bedford Markets.
You’ll feel a buzzing Christmas atmosphere with well over 100 local businesses popping up across the weekend throughout the town centre, including all three market squares. Festivities will include live music, street food, mulled wine, antiques, vintage, art and crafts, gifting, locally produced food and drink, wreaths, plus the much-anticipated return of the Love Bedford Express Land Train.
RIVERSIDE SQUARE
Hosted by Bedford Flea, you'll find quality work from skilled local artists, including painting, illustration, photography, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture.
Visit the Bridges Espresso Festive Bar and listen out for school choirs performing to sing their hearts out on beautiful Riverside Square.
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This market is supported with sponsorship from Love Bedford/BedfordBID as well as a private donation from a local law firm; Emmott Snell Solicitors
HARPUR SQUARE
A feast for all the senses hosted by Bedford Flea. Harpur Square will be home to Flea & Vintage, and best of quality local produce and gifting such as wreaths, fresh bakes, preserves, local gin, cider and cheese to ceramic homewares, skincare and home scents.
Visit Harpur Square for hot street food from some huge names, and treat yourself to mulled wine, homemade hot chocolate, cocktail, mocktails and more.
The Seeing Eye Rum Stage will have a full schedule of music from local singers and bands (announced soon).
'SILVER STREETÂ STATION'
BedfordBID are excited to announce the train is returning to ‘Silver Square Station’
With pretty bubbles floating skywards from the engine and cheery Christmas tunes belting out along the way, everyone will enjoy this unique journey along Midland Road and back to the Silver Faces. Oh what fun it is to ride, the fun, free, Love Bedford Express Land Train, which is provided by Bedford’s town centre businesses.
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Train times (weather dependent):
Sat 2 Dec, 10am - 4pm
Sun 3 Dec, 10am - 3pm
ST. PAUL'S SQUARE &
MIDLAND ROAD
Brought to you by Bedford council's Bedford Markets team, you'll find something for anybody across the weekend! Fresh fruit and veg, meat, eggs and something for those with a sweet-tooth, fashion, DIY and homewares.
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ST. PAUL'S SQUARE,
SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER ONLY:
Find a special Christmas tree market instead of the regular Charter market with a host of other festive stalls too.
HARPUR CENTRE
The jolly man himself will be in the Harpur Centre Grotto. Tickets include a special gift on arrival and there's an opportunity to purchase a commemorative photo.
Grotto tickets are available to buy from the Harpur Centre. Find Santa in the Harpur Centre basement and use code LB1 to get 20% off.
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Sat 2 Dec: 10am - 5pm
Sun 3 Dec: 10am - 3pm
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SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER
Market opening hours:
10AM - 5PM
Head to the market areas below to find out which stallholders are trading on the Saturday. We have over 100 stallholders across the weekend with different businesses each day. So, you get a whole new festive market experience each day!
AFFORDABLE ART & MAKERS TENT
RIVERSIDE SQUARE | SAT 2 DECEMBER
A brand new marquee on Riverside Square full of skilled local artists and quality makers. From photography, illustration and oil painting to jewellery, ceramics and textiles. There's an original, handmade gift ready for everyone!
Wildlife oil paintings, drawings and limited edition prints
Hand drawn illustrations, from the Zodiac to florals
Intricate printmaking inspired by nature and science
Quirky handmade prints, greeting cards and decorations
Bright and bold original oil and acrylic paintings
Original printmaking inspired by nature
Stoneware ceramics and textile wall hangings
Gilded and decorative art delicately handcrafted
Cheeky illustrated goodies and affordable art prints
Fine jewellery with precious metals, gemstones and pearls
Original, fine art abstract paintings
Fairytale fine art and illustration
Lino and screen-printed neon art to make you smile
Handmade earthenware ceramics for the home
Handmade silver jewellery with natural elements
Vibrant mosaic art for your home and garden
Zodiac, tarot card and celestial illustrations
Travel prints from local to around the world and gifts
FLEA & VINTAGE
HARPUR SQUARE | SAT 2 DECEMBER
A true rummaging paradise, get lost in an Aladdin's cave of Flea stalls. Antiques, collectable, rarities, vintage clothing, furniture and vinyl from experienced and knowledgeable collectors.
Original lamps made from repurposed antiques and curiosities
The best of secondhand vinyl across the genres with special editions and rarities
Eclectic finds from across the globe with plenty of wildlife pieces
Personally sourced vintage clothing and homewares
Original, fabulous finds from the 1880's to the 1980’s
Choice vintage homewares that tell a story
Nostalgia items, vintage books, toys, collectible pottery and antique fabrics
Vintage and retro items with a focus on 1970's and mid-century
A beautiful collection of preloved vintage pottery & glass
Eclectic and desirable selection of homewares and collectables
LOCAL PRODUCERS
HARPUR SQUARE | SAT 2 DECEMBER
The best of quality, local produce, handmade or homegrown within 30 miles of Bedford. From fresh bread, beer and cheeses, to wreaths, skincare and home scents.
Gourmet flatbreads with delicious fillings
Sustainably grown, quality seasonal wreaths and dried flowers
Loaded cupcakes, tray bakes and cookies with a festive spin
NUTCELLARS
Macadamia nut treats and spreads partnering with Malawi farmers
Handmade chocolate truffles in a variety of flavours incl. gluten free and vegan
Original hand-weaved baskets, wooden spoons and decorations
Classic loaf cakes, scones and tray bakes freshly baked, & festive cakes to order
Wholesome, one of a kind, handmade pottery for the home
Exploring raw, activated nutrition and drinks, sourced ethically & organically
The best of locally made, artisan cheese from Beds and Northants
Bedfordshire’s first gin distillery, handcrafted and sustainable
Elite cider makers & all round splendid chaps. All profits to charity
Handmade, vegan, eco-friendly, luxurious skincare that won’t cost the earth
Award-winning independent Spiced Rum with a special Lucky No.13 Team Blend
Handmade gifts & gift boxes from small indie businesses in Beds and beyond
Locally sourced craft beer, gin & cider. Gift boxes available
Chilli sauces, plants and seeds grown and handmade in Chawston, Beds
Your one stop coffee shop to refuel on Harpur Square.
Caribbean inspired soy coconut candles & wax melts focusing on mindfulness
Local radio at the heart of the community
STREET FOOD & BARS
HARPUR SQUARE | SAT 2 DECEMBER
A mouth-watering selection of the best local street food, mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, cocktails and mocktails around.
Mulled wine, proper hot chocolate, cocktails, mocktails and more
Festive fare cooked over natural wood & charcoal
Fluffy, hot, Dutch pancakes served traditionally or with festive toppings
Fresh Caribbean cooking. Eat. Vibes. Irie.
Mulled wine and beer as well as their retail craft beer and spirits offering
Serving up local mulled cider alongside their bottled cider, apple brandy and cider vinegar.
RIVERSIDE SQ: find mulled wine and festive drinks next to the Affordable Art &Â Makers tent
Your one stop coffee shop to refuel on Harpur Square
SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER
Market opening hours:
10AM - 4PM
Head to the market areas below to find out which stallholders are trading on the Sunday. We have over 100 stallholders across the weekend with different businesses each day. So, you get a whole new festive market experience each day!
AFFORDABLE ART & MAKERS TENT
RIVERSIDE SQUAREÂ |Â SUN 3 DECEMBER
A brand new marquee on Riverside Square full of skilled local artists and quality makers. From photography, illustration and oil painting to jewellery, ceramics and textiles. There's an original, handmade gift ready for everyone!
Whimsical gifts celebrating Russian folklore
Original painting and prints full of emotion.
House portraits, landmarks and architecture paintings
Intricate printmaking inspired by nature and science
Handmade prints inspired by magical creatures and characters
Contemporary illustrations with a political twist Christmas cards and prints
Contemporary paintings exploring abstract shapes
Expressive abstract paintings by Miroslav Mijatovic
Personalised watercolours and greeting cards, and local landmark gifts
Artist & printmaker inspired by nature and history from a floating studio
Pun-tastic linocuts, prints and homewares that bring you joy
Bold and quirky portraits and colourful illustrated designs
Handmade, chunky and bold jewellery using recycled silver
Decorative tableware, sculpture, wall hangings and jewellery
Oil painter exploring wildlife and nature
Sculptures and flowers from recycled scrap metal
Slow fashion, hairbands and accessories using repurposed and vintage material
Bright and bold, original oil and acrylic paintings
FLEA & VINTAGE
HARPUR SQUAREÂ |Â SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER
A true rummaging paradise, get lost in an Aladdin's cave of Flea stalls. Antiques, collectable, rarities, vintage clothing, furniture and vinyl from experienced and knowledgeable collectors.
The best of secondhand vinyl across the genres with special editions and rarities
Personally sourced vintage clothing and homeware.
CLUTTERBUGS
Vintage and antique jewellery from across the eras
Original, fabulous finds from the 1880's to the 1980’s
Handpicked vintage clothing, accessories and home decor
Choice vintage homewares that tell a story
Retro and vintage collectables, furniture and bikes
Beautiful brocante and tasteful antique homware
LOCAL PRODUCERS
HARPUR SQUARE | SUN 3 DECEMBER
The best of quality, local produce, handmade or homegrown within 30 miles of Bedford. From fresh bread, beer and cheeses, to wreaths, skincare and home scents.
Sustainably grown, quality seasonal wreaths and dried flowers
Handmade home fragrances made in Ampthill. Vegan friendly & cruelty free.
Hand poured soy wax candles and home scents
Macadamia nut treats and spreads partnering with Malawi farmers
Handmade chocolate truffles in a variety of flavours incl. gluten free and vegan
Original hand-weaved baskets, wooden spoons and decorations
Classic loaf cakes, scones and tray bakes freshly baked, & festive cakes to order
Wholesome, one of a kind, handmade pottery for the home
Homemade chutney's, jams, mustard, marmalades and pickled onions
Exploring raw, activated nutrition and drinks, sourced ethically & organically
The best of locally made, artisan cheese from Beds and Northants
Award-winning independent Spiced Rum with a special Lucky No.13 Team Blend
Locally sourced craft beer, gin & cider. Gift boxes available
Handmade gifts & gift boxes from small indie businesses in Beds and beyond
Chilli sauces, plants and seeds grown and handmade in Chawston, Beds
Local farmhouse sheep cheese, yoghurt, milk and gifts
Locally baked sourdough and festive loaves
Enjoy a full range of coffees or how about a luxury hot chocolate or a milkshake?
Handmade pet accessories by Sally
Natural treats &Â pet supplies
STREET FOOD & BARS
HARPUR SQUAREÂ |Â SUN 3 DECEMBER
A mouth-watering selection of the best local street food, mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, cocktails and mocktails around.
Mulled wine, proper hot chocolate, cocktails, mocktails and more
Festive fare cooked over natural wood & charcoal
Fluffy, hot, Dutch pancakes served traditionally or with festive toppings
Mulled wine and beer as well as their retail craft beer and spirits offering
All vegan selection or burgers and hot dogs made from scratch
Delicious homemade choux pastries not to be missed!
Fully loaded toasties based on flavours from cities around the world
RIVERSIDE SQUARE: find mulled wine and festive drinks next to the Affordable Art &Â Makers tent
Enjoy a full range of coffees or how about a luxury hot chocolate or a milkshake?
NEWS COMING SOON
We still have lots more to announce, so make sure you stay tuned for all the latest market news. Follow along on socials for the full lowdown, and to get the full market warm-up experience.
LIVE MUSIC
Stay tuned for the music announcements, including our line up on the Seeing Eye Rum Stage in Harpur square. From choirs to brass bands, we've got something for everyone.
MARKET MAP
A handy online and downloadable PDF map of all the action across the weekend, as well as all the handy need to knows such as nearest parking, coffee stops and where to get your mulled wine!
