Bedford’s annual Christmas Tree Festival is celebrating its Silver Jubilee with a magical theme of Christmas Past, Present and Future. This year, 70 Christmas trees will be beautifully decorated by local community groups, schools and businesses, turning St Paul’s majestic church in the heart of Bedford town centre into a festive forest.
Across five days, visitors will be treated to performances from 39 choirs and eight instrumentalists, creating a truly special Christmas event in Bedford for families, friends and supporters of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.
A sparkling start to Christmas in Bedford
The Festival begins on Wednesday, 3 December at 10.30am. St Paul’s bells will ring out across St Paul’s Square, followed by the Bedford Pipe Band, who will lead guests into the church for the official opening by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Mrs Camilla King.
The opening morning will also feature the first of many school and community choirs. Children can join in the fun by spotting Christmas-themed trees around the church, with the chance to win a book token.
‘Fizz at the Festival’ – opening night with friends
‘Fizz at the Festival’ offers a relaxed, sociable way to experience the Bedford Christmas Tree Festival on opening night. For just £12, you can bring friends to enjoy a drink and canapés while you wander among the trees and vote for your favourites.
It is a perfect midweek Christmas night out in Bedford, while helping to raise funds for Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends and St Paul’s Church.
Book via: fizzatthefestival@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk or through the church office.
Festival Concert with ‘Amici Music’
On Friday evening, 5 December, ‘Amici Music’, a group of 25 musicians, will celebrate its own 25th anniversary at the annual Festival Concert.
The programme will include music by Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi, alongside seasonal favourites and other fabulous pieces, all performed in the atmospheric surroundings of St Paul’s Church and the glittering Christmas trees.
Book via peoplesfundraising.com/concert-tickets or email festivalconcert@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk.
All for good causes
In 25 years, the Bedford Christmas Tree Festival has raised over a quarter of a million pounds, shared between Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends and St Paul’s Church.
In recognition of this remarkable achievement, the Festival won the Fundraiser of the Year (Team) category in Bedford Independent’s Everyday Heroes Awards 2024. This award reflects the immense dedication of over 300 volunteers and office staff who work tirelessly to ensure that everything runs smoothly year after year.
Progress Publishing’s Paul Hutchinson, standing in for White Hart Press, presents the award for Fundraiser of the Year (Team) 2024 to the Bedford Christmas Tree Festival committee. Image: Bedford Independent
The Committee is grateful to the Festival’s main sponsor, Jayne Beard Associates, and to the many other sponsors, businesses and individuals who give their support. New volunteers are always welcome.
By visiting the Bedford Christmas Tree Festival, you are directly supporting two vital local charities and helping them continue their work in our community.
Plan your visit
Join us for this much-loved and excellent start to the Christmas season in support of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends and St Paul’s Church. Bring friends and family to enjoy refreshments, enter competitions and buy raffle tickets generously provided by donors.
Open 3–7 December
St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford MK40 1SQ
Opening times:
- Wednesday–Saturday: 10am–5pm
- Sunday 7th: 12pm–4pm
Entry:
- £4.00
- Under 16s: free
Special events
Fizz at the Festival
- Wednesday 3 December, 6pm–8pm.
- Tickets: £12.
- Book via: fizzatthefestival@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk or through the church office.
Festival Concert with ‘Amici Music’
- Friday, 5 December, 7.30pm.
- Tickets: £25.00 (includes a glass of wine and a mince pie).
- Book via peoplesfundraising.com/concert-tickets or email festivalconcert@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk.
