christmasin bedford

Gift ideas, Events, Late Night Shopping, Town Centre Gift Vouchers, Bluecaps, and more!

Free parking from 30th November to 5th December

4 what’s onEvents and information.

6 the great gift huntGreat presents revealed and readily available in Bedford Town Centre today.

36 jewellersDirectory of jewellery stockists

37 fashionOver 300 top brand names and designer labels and where to find them.

39 town centre vouchersWhy the Bedford Town Centre gift voucher is the perfect gift alternative.

40 harpur centreChristmas opening hours and Santa’s Grotto times at the Harpur Centre.

41 parking informationOpening times, prices and parking details for the Christmas period

“Parking will be free during the first week in December”42 bluecapsThe BedfordBID Bluecaps are here to help you during the festive season - and they’re handing out free goodies

43 town centre mapBedford Town Centre information.

Produced by BedfordBID on behalf of Bedford Town Centre businesses.

All information featured in this brochure is correct at time of going to print. However, prices and information may be subject to change without notice. Styles and colours of items may also vary, and all items are also subject to availability.

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Welcome to our 2009 Christmas in Bedford brochure, packed full

of great gift ideas and things to do in Bedford Town Centre this Christmas.

Christmas shopping seems to get harder and harder every year. Finding the right gift for the right person can be time consuming, especially when you went out and bought everybody such great gifts last year.... how on earth are you going to better it this year?

Well, we’re here to help. Not only is this brochure packed full of gift ideas, thanks to the businesses of Bedford Town Centre, but it will also provide you with all the information you’ll need to make this a Christmas to remember.

Bedford Town Centre is full of great places to shop for Christmas, from big-name retailers like Argos, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, WH Smith and the new HMV store to unique Independent shops you won’t find anywhere else in the country, offering gift ideas such as Charisma, Planet Clothing, Close Encounters, Goldings and more.

Better yet, parking in the Town Centre will be completely free during the first week of December, plus the Town will be open until 9pm on Wednesdays in the run up to Christmas; meaning shopping in Bedford Town Centre will be more convenient than ever.

And, as ever, our BedfordBID Bluecaps will be available for your convenience throughout the festive season, offering advice, information and a friendly smile for everyone coming into Bedford Town Centre, as well the chance to win some fabulous Christmas goodies.

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We hope you find this brochure helpful during all your Christmas endeavours!

Merry Christmas with love,The BedfordBID team

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Bedford’s Christmas Carol, the Christmas Light Switch OnThe Embankment, Wednesday 18th November, 7pm

Don’t be put off by a cold November night... wrap up warm, bring the family along and be amazed at the dazzling celebration of seasonal fire and light set to festive music...

...a fantastic beginning to Bedford’s Christmas Festival!

For more information telephone 01234 221955

The 17th Bedford Victorian Christmas FairBedford Town Centre, Friday 11th, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th December

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a true Victorian Christmas, with stalls throughout the heart of the Town Centre selling an array of seasonal gifts, foods and treats. It’s the ideal place to pick those extra special gifts for Christmas!

20th Annual Christmas CrackerBedford Corn Exchange, Friday 11th December, 7.30pmA traditional, familiar format over the past nineteen years, this popular annual concert given by the Bedford Hospital Choir and supported by the Bedford Brass Band is this year in aid of St. John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger.

Tickets £7.00. Telephone 01234 269519 for more details.

Grumpy Old Women Live 2: Chin Up BritainBedford Corn Exchange, Wednesday 2nd December, 8pm

A brand spanking new show from three of Britain’s top grumps, including Jenny Eclair, ex-Coronation Street star Wendi Peters and Ms Susie Blake. Ninety minutes of advanced grumping – plus vital tips on getting through these gloomy days the grumpy way!

Tickets £20.00. Call the box office on 01234 269519 for more details

The Syd Lawrence Orchestra – Mistletoe and MillerBedford Corn Exchange, Sunday 6th December, 7.30pm

Swing into the season of goodwill with Chris Dean

what’s on

..................................................................................................................................04 what’s on

Bedford’s Christmas Carol (above) will mark the switching on of the Christmas lights.

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what’s on 05

and the best big band in the land. Christmas would not be complete without the ultimate festive Big Band concert, packed with the music of the legendary Glenn Miller alongside yuletide favourites, bringing non-stop Christmas cheer.

Tickets £18.50. Call the box office on 01234 269519 for more details.

Dick WhittingtonBedford Corn Exchange, from Monday 28th December to Saturday 2nd January 2010.

Bedford’s own family pantomime returns to the Corn Exchange this Christmas for another week of fun. Full of comedy, music and action our panto

is an affordable treat for everyone.

Tickets £10.00. Call the box office on 01234 269519 for more details.

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Late Night ShoppingLate night Christmas shopping will take place every Wednesday night in the run up to Christmas from Wednesday 18th November.

There will be additional late night shopping on Friday 11th, Thursday 17th, Saturday 19th, Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December.

Santa’s GrottoFather Christmas himself will be making a special guest appearance at the bottom of the spiral in Bedford’s Harpur Centre from Saturday 28th November. Every child who meets Santa receives a great present – guaranteed not to be socks!

Go to page 40 for the full Harpur ShoppingCentre & Santa’s grotto opening hours.........................................

“Don’t forget free parking in Bedford during the first week of December”

For more What’s On, visit www.comearoundtobedford.co.uk

All Ears97 High StreetTel. 01234 341004

Beautiful gifts from around the world. Silver jewellery, ethnic clothing, bags and incense; perfect for stocking fillers.

Prices start at 10p

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..................................................................................................................................06 the great gift hunt

Christmas can be a stress-ful time, but it needn’t be, when everything you need is available right here, on your doorstep.

Assuming the paper boy (or girl) hasn’t taken a wrong turn and delivered this brochure to your house in Inverness, Bedford Town Centre is right around the corner. It means that whatever it is you want, or whatever it is you need, you can go out and get it. Today.

the great gift huntThere are no nasty P&P costs (thanks for that, Internet), or postal strikes. We’re never too crowded, there’s always plenty of parking and you can even stay for lunch.

That’s got to be better than driving for miles and spend-ing a small fortune on petrol, shopping at yet another bland supermarket or order-ing something off the Internet only to find they’ve sent you the wrong item, again.

Of course, we’re a little biased and this is why we’ve filled this brochure with some helpful Christmas gift ideas, courtesy of the friendly faces behind the many businesses of Bedford Town Centre.

BHS13 – 21 Midland RoadTel. 01234 353349

Find everything you need to sparkle this Christmas at BHS with our range of clothing and gifts for him and her, children and the home.

DVD & Book Sets: £15.00(Special Offer: 2 for £20.00)

Wooden wine drum: £20.00

Cuddly reindeer or penguin with marshmallows: £7.50

Wine Selection in gift box: £15.00

Pool Table: £30.00

6 Luxury Christmas crackers: £15.00

Autumn Flowers Ltd28 St Loyes StreetTel. 01234 213020

Perfect PresentFresh flowers and foliage arranged in containers or simply gift wrapped for that perfect gift for Christmas.

Prices start from £25.00

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Clinton CardsWest Mall, Harpur CentreTel. 01234 352988

7A Harpur StreetTel. 01234 348581

Christmas at Clintons for cards, wrapping paper, decorations and gifts for your family and home, even your dog! Exclusive stockists of Deco and Boofle gifts.

Buzz Bees Cards4 Howard CentreTel. 01234 217023

We specialise in all greeting cards and also stock Bedford Christmas cards. We have a lovely range of cuddly Elliots, ideal as a Christmas or birthday present.

Please come in and browse at your leisure, lots of lovely gifts, photo frames, candles, giftwrap, boxes and party ware, and pleasant and helpful staff.

Christmas cards from 89pElliots start from £5.99Elliot cushion £9.99

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..................................................................................................................................08 seasonal gifts

The ‘Me to You’ range (above) is also available from Buzz Bees Cards

Fusion O3 Howard StreetTel. 01234 330390

At Fusion O, you will find a truly unique blend of East meets West. Impress your family and friends by recreating your favourite Chinese dishes at home with our authentic ingredients, snacks and confectionary.

For that special someone, choose from a selection of our exclusive gifts and home ware.

Art Centre and Gallery7 Howard StreetTel. 01234 344784

At the Art Centre and Gallery you’ll find inspiration for something truly creative. We have a huge range of art and craft gifts to suit all ages and abilities. We offer a complete picture framing service for your individual needs; mementos, sports shirts, photo frames etc. For that personal touch why not choose from the large selection of individual cards and gifts, or from our impressive range of contemporary paintings, glassware and ceramics on display in our gallery.

Prices range from £1.00 to £1000.00

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..................................................................................................................................home style gifts 09

C. J. Beavis14 – 16 The ArcadeTel. 01234 353741

Bedford’s premier china shop and only stockist of Steiff and Moorcroft. See also in store for Royal Crown Derby, Poole, Willow Tree, Betty Boop and lots more including an extensive range of cake decorations and cookware.

Steiff bears from £20.00Poole from £28.00Moorcroft from £70.00

Royal Crown Derby available from £56.00

Cake decorations from 15p

Cargo Home ShopUnit 14, Harpur CentreTel. 01234 210026

Visit Cargo Bedford for the ultimate Christmas shop. Here you will find decorations to suit both the contemporary and more traditional home. You will be amazed at the gift shopping that you can do all under one roof!

Chocolate Monopoly£12.00

Pasta Italiana Set£21.99

Christmas ornaments start from just £4.00

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..................................................................................................................................10 home style gifts

The Picture Gallery8 Harpur CentreTel. 01234 345937

Come and see our stunning range of photographic images of Bedford printed on canvas. An ideal gift exclusive to The Picture Gallery.

Prices start at just £24.99

Interphase Interior Design18 Lime StreetTel. 01234 262730

Sculptured bronze collectables available by artist Philip Turner; carefully finished and hand-polished to a high standard, available exclusively in Bedford’s premier interior designers - Interphase Interior Design studio.

We also offer high quality curtain making and fitting, carpets and wall coverings as well as bespoke furniture.

Gift prices start at £2.00Moongazing Hare: £95.00

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J. E. Beales26 – 36 Silver StreetTel. 01234 353292

Chanel Coco MademoiselleA soft, feminine, modern fragrance; luxurious and sensuous – try layering this fragrance using the beautiful body products for depth and longevity.

Eau de parfum, 50ml £55.00Fresh bath gel, 200ml £29.00Fresh body cream, 150g £50.00

Lap TraysPerfect for those TV dinner nights in and writing letters to loved ones. This multi-purpose, supportive lap tray is available in an assortment of both feminine and masculine designs. It’s a fantastic buy that all the family can use.£14.00

Kitchenalia7 – 9 The ArcadeTel. 01234 262440

Kitchenalia has moved next door and doubled in size.

We sell Le Creuset casserole dishes which are known for their quality, performance and good looks, helping you get the best out of your ingredients.

We also stock a wide range of Christmas themed cake decorations and more.

Prices start from just £4.99. Visit our new store for more details!

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Boots33 – 37 Harpur StreetTel. 01234 356231

Exclusive to BootsSoap and Glory’s Plane Jane£18.00

Exclusive to BootsGok Wan ‘Spend a Moment More’, £20.00.

FCUK Sport 100£18.00

Transformers 3D Bubble Bath£5.00

All items are under £20.00 and in the 3 for 2 mix and match.

Savers6 - 10 AllhallowsTel. 01234 267191

Christmas gifts and box sets are available today from Savers including a wide range of perfumes and aftershaves.

Box sets from Nivea, Lynx and Olay start from just £3.49

We also stock a large range of chocolates and stocking fillers for all the family.

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..................................................................................................................................fragrances 13

The Body Shop12 Silver StreetTel. 01234 341126

“Merry Cranberry” seasonal bath and body range, a Body Shop classic. Among the range; sumptuous skin softening body butter (£12.20), iridescent frosted body lotion (£7.80) and fruity indulgent soap free bath and shower gel (£5.85) plus much more, including a Merry Cranberry seasonal delights gift set at £17.50.

The range contains cranberry seed oil plus many community traded ingredients such as shea butter, honey and soya oil.

Prices from £2.40 - £17.50

Debenhams48 – 54 High StreetTel. 08445 616161

For all the ladies, brand new Lola fragrance by Marc Jacobs. 50ml eau de parfum: £44.04

We also stock Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss and many more top brand names.

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..................................................................................................................................14 fragrances & gifts for girls

Claire’s Accessories53 Midland Road Mall, Harpur CentreTel. 01234 325557

Claire’s Accessories stock a range of exclusive gifts for stocking fillers and presents, including jewellery, handbags and fashion accessories.

Gift prices start at just £2.00

Charisma Gift Shop19 The ArcadeTel. 01234 330200

Aromatherapy Gift Boxes and Gift Bags: Beautiful gift boxes and bags filled with an assortment of aromatherapy bath products. All hand made with essential oils, cocoa or shea butters.

Gift box shown: £24.99Gift bag shown: £9.99Christmas gifts from £1.99

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Sue’s Little Bits Dolls House Specialists4 Mill Yard, Mill StreetTel. 01234 360284

A new range of wooden toys are now available at Sue’s Little Bits.

Ranging from hair bands with little wooden animals to puzzles. Stocking fillers, wooden pencil sharpeners, finger puppets and spinning tops to name a few.

Prices start from just 60p

Muffti bears also available from £18.00 - £100.00

New Look18 – 22 Midland RoadTel. 01234 363430

At New Look, we stock an exclusive range of ‘Me to You’ gifts, as well as Moonlight, Shimmer, Gifted Girls and Cupcake ranges.

A variety of Christmas gifts are also available for men.

Our gifts start from as little as £3.00

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..................................................................................................................................16 fragrances & gifts for girls

Blacks13 Harpur StreetTel. 01234 218961

The North Face and Berghaus, hats, gloves, scarves, slippers and hand warmers combined with waterproof Gore-Tex jackets and fleeces to complete your collection. With great prices on outdoor gear there’s no need to freeze this winter!

Gloves and scarves starting from £12.99

Singer Sewing Centre2a Lurke StreetTel. 01234 350186

Craft kits, cross stitch, latch hook kits and sewing boxes for sewing enthusiasts. A wide range of sewing machines, fabrics and accessories also available.

Boxes from £9.00Craft kits from £4.50

Sewing machines start from £99.00

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The Kiln2 Ram YardTel. 01234 216799

Santa & Snowman Bowls Promotion

These Santa and Snowman bowls are a perfect present for everyone. Paint them in fun, festive colours, fill them with chocolates and they are a unique and tasty gift.

Christmas promotion price of £15.00 all inclusive (includes studio fee).

Millets3 Church ArcadeTel. 01234 357375

Millets stock a large range of gifts for all the family including colourful wind-up torches, flasks and handwarmers, so have yourself a warm, bright Christmas.

ALS Ditsy Print Wind Up Torch£14.99

ALS Knitted Hand-warmers£9.99

ALS Ditsy Print Flash£9.99

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..................................................................................................................................18 hobbies & craft

Goldings107 High StreetTel. 01234 352321

A wide range of model kits including Airfix, Maisto and starter kits for beginners.

Goldings specialise in house wares, DIY products and tools, and stock a selection of fireworks for the New Year.

Model kits start from £4.69

Colemans78 High StreetTel. 01234 328891

We stock a wide range of Filofaxes from soft vinyl cover to beautiful calf leather.

Prices range from £9.99 to £99.99

To complement these we also stock a comprehensive range of quality pens from Parker, Sheaffer, Cross and Waterman.

Gifts for all the family at Colemans.

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Music Centre35 – 37 Tavistock StreetTel. 01234 346206

Marshall MS-2 Mini-AmpStrap a screamin’ stack to your belt! Rock with your guitar anywhere, with this Marshall mini-amp. Classic Marshall looks, crunchy distortion and plenty of volume for good, clean fun. Controls for overdrive, tone and volume powered by one 9v battery. Includes belt clip and headphone jack. 5 ¾ inches high.

Price: £25.95

Guitar Empire5 Howard CentreTel. 01234 216482

We stock a wide range of musical instruments for beginners or experienced musicians at low, low prices.

Spread the cost of Christmas: Interest free credit available, also pay weekly / monthly.

Electric guitars starting from £109.00

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Close Encounters59 Midland RoadTel. 01234 270777

Close Encounters offers a massive range of import comics, graphic novels, manga, toys and collectibles. We stock all the latest Yu-Gi-Oh, World of Warcraft and Magic Cards. The store also offers a subscription and ordering service.

Comics start from 10pIron Man helmet £199.99‘Joker’ by Brian Azzarello £15.99Signed print £12.99Batman Joker £39.99Toxic Swamp Cat £19.99

No Limitz42 Harpur StreetTel. 01234 350720

Bedford’s only specialist sports shop, specialising in running, rugby, hockey, cricket, badminton and more.

We are a stockist of MBT and offer expert friendly advice.

Polar R5300X +G1 GPS sensor: £169.99

Ski goggles start from £29.99

Balls start from £7.99

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Harrison & Simmonds80 High StreetTel. 01234 266711

A true Gentlemen’s Emporium. Come and browse our wide selections of:

Pens from £10.00Chess sets from £25.00Pocket watches from £45.00Model cars & aircraft from £6.00

Flasks and tankards with quick and reasonably priced engraving available!

Games Workshop10 GreyfriarsTel. 01234 273663

Main stockists of Warhammer box sets for hobbyists and gamers. Extensive set of science-fiction novels and a full range of hobby equipment.

Battle for Skull Pass box set: £50.00Ork Stomper (right) box kit: £60.00

Sets start from just £12.00. Citadel hobby starter set also available for £30.00

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..................................................................................................................................22 hobbies & gifts for him

Michael R Peters19 The BroadwayTel. 01234 352107

Toshiba DVR19DTDVDR / VCR recorder can copy your video tapes onto disc and features: Freeview+, DVD upscaler, HDMI, DV and scart inputs.

Don’t throw your video tapes away. Buy one of these machines and watch your past events as well as record your future ones.

Price £239.00

Informatica 200040 St Peters StreetTel. 01234 273700

Informatica 2000 is a PC and laptop sales and service centre. We offer many different services to a wide range of customers, each with individual needs, and we pride ourselves in offering a same day repair service.In store you will find lots of gift ideas for your computer enthusiast.

USB prices start from £15.00Carry cases start from £29.95

15.4” Acer Notebook £395.00

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Sevenoaks Sound & Vision29 – 31 St. Peters StreetTel. 01234 272779

Zeppelin is an iPod docking station that fills a room with a crisp, deep, lifelike stereo sound, and delivers musical detail that you won’t believe your iPod is capable of. That’s because the two have so much in common: blissfully simple design and world-leading technologies that let you get the most out of your music.

Zeppelin is an integrated iPod docking station from Bowers & Wilkins, the makers of the speakers that much of the music on your iPod will have been made using. B&W creates technologies and systems that world-leading studios depend on and that find their way into the Zeppelin, its first iPod speakers.

This is the iPod docking station your music has been waiting for! £400.00

Tavistock Sound & Vision21 The BroadwayTel. 01234 356323

Pure One ClassicDAB and FM radio with 30 pre-sets in black, white or pink. £59.00

iPod Touch: £169.00iPod Shuffle: £45.00

We also stock a large range of radios, TV’s and Hi-Fi systems.

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..................................................................................................................................24 electrical

WS Records3 Mill StreetTel. 01234 266244

Skullcandy HeadphonesIncorporating the best possible audio components, tri-axial ear-cup rotation and compact folding capability, Skullcandy’s professional grade DJ headphones offer unmatched perfection in music reproduction. Huge range starting from £40.00

Record BoxesHolds 80 pieces of 12” vinyl, hinged removable lid, rubber feet, chrome finish corners, riveted alloy extrusions, gel filled handles, lockable butterfly catches. £39.95

Classic Music7 Lime StreetTel. 01234 357221

We are an independent record shop specialising in classical and nostalgic CDs. We sell opera, ballet and nostalgic DVDs. We are also agents for London Theatre tickets by Albemarle of London.

Christmas with Perry Como £4.99

Christmas Favourites £2.99

Carols from Trinity £8.99

Christmas Choral Spectacular £5.99

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..................................................................................................................................music, books & dvd 25

QD Stores22 – 30 GreyfriarsTel. 01234 345204

Artificial trees, books, kitchenware, Christmas lighting and decorations, giftware range, table decorations, and presents for all the family including a fantastic pet range, plus cards, gift wrap and Santa costumes.

Visit QD stores for a huge range of Christmas stock and great stocking fillers.

Gifts start from 99p

Wesley Owen Books and Music30 St Loyes Street01234 262517

VeggieTales – Saint Nicholas (DVD)

Laura Carrot’s Christmas stocking might be empty this year because her dad is in danger of losing his job. Follow Bob (the tomato) and Larry (the cucumber) in discovering the story of Saint Nicholas. Find out as the VeggieTales discover the true joy of giving to others at Christmas time.

Price £9.99

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..................................................................................................................................26 music, books & dvd

County Town Books7 High StreetTel. 01234 341789

Just a small selection of our extensive range of products to be found in our Local Interest section including ‘The Bedford Triangle’ by Martin W. Bowman, ‘Britain in Old Photography: Bedford’ by Richard Wildman, ‘Bedfordshire Memories’ DVD and Bedford themed calendars, post-cards and more.

Visit us in the High Street to find out more.

Gift prices start from £2.00

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WH Smith29 – 31 Midland Road, Harpur CentreTel. 01234 363545

Visit WH Smith for Gift Experiences, books, toys, DVDs and CDs. Plus, you can get 3 for 2 across all of our Christmas gift shop, including Christmas roll wrap and boxed Christmas cards.

Waterstones11 – 13 Silver StreetTel. 01234 272432

‘Return to the Hundred Acre Wood’ by David BenedictusRRP: £12.99, Waterstones price: £9.99

‘The Twilight Journals’ Collectable tin setby Stephenie Meyer RRP: £16.99Waterstones price: £12.99

‘Bedfordshire 2010 Calendar’ by InfocadoThirteen beautiful images of rural BedfordshireWaterstones price: £5.99

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The Works6 – 10 AllhallowsTel. 01234 326500

Winterworks Luxury Crackers, 12 pack, assorted designs – only £4.99

Forever Friends “Santa Bear”, a heart warming Christmas story, was £7.99, now £3.99

The Story of the Beatles, unique box set with removable memorabilia. Was £25.00, now £14.99!

(other titles available)

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‘Lego Brickmaster Pirates’ by LegoRRP: £16.99Waterstones price: £9.99

‘Princess Party Set’ by Let’s PretendRRP: £10.99Waterstones price: £5.49

Prices may be subject to change.

This Year’s Top Video GamesYou can pick up all the latest video games and consoles this Christmas from one of our many stockists.

GAME27-29 Midland RoadTel. 01234 356191

GameStation15 Silver StreetTel. 01234 216934

ArgosHarpur CentreTel. 01234 362740

Close Encounters59 Midland RoadTel. 01234 270777

CEX18 Midland RoadTel. 01234 358604

HMV Bedford1 Silver StreetTel. 0843 221 0382

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HMV Bedford1 Silver StreetTel. 0843 221 0382

Visit the brand new HMV store in Silver Street, offering all the latest music, DVD, Blu Ray and video game releases.

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Debenhams48 – 54 High StreetTel. 08445 616161

The Star Wars collection available at Debenhams.

Clone Trooper Helmet£40.00

Yoda bobble head: £12.00

Remote Control R2-D2 £25.00

Barc Speeder bike and trooper: £15.00

Early Learning Centre87 High StreetTel. 01234 219596

Superstar Cool Keyboard with stoolFrom 3 years, £45.00

Big City GarageFrom 3 years, £55.00FREE Super Wheels cars worth £25.00 when you buy Big City Garage

Rosebud HouseFrom 3 years, £110.00FREE Bedroom set worth £15.00 when you buy Rosebud House

Night Time TimmyFrom 2 years, £18.00

Retro RobotFrom 18 months, £30.00

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..................................................................................................................................30 toys & games

ArgosHarpur Centre, BedfordTel. 01234 362740

Bounce ‘n Spin ZebraAge 1 year and over£48.59

Waybaloo Play n’ Wiggle Yo Jo JoAge 18 months and over£26.99

Baby AnnabellAge 3 years and over£39.99

Lulu My Cuddlin’ KittenAge 4 years and over£49.99

Go Go HamstersAge 4 years and overFrom £9.99

Lego MinotaurusAge 7 years and over£16.99

Bop ItAge 8 years and over£19.99

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V Tech Kiddizoom cameraAge 3 years and over£49.99

Transformers MV2 Bumblebee Movie HelmetAge 5 years and over£39.99

Lego City Police StationAge 6 years and over£59.99

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Wilkinson29 - 41 High StreetTel. 01234 365565

Whether you’re stocking up for Christmas or searching for that perfect gift, you’re sure to find it all at Wilkinson, at our famous low prices.

Gift Wrap from just 60pJCB Talking Tool Bench, £29.99Plush Christmas Bear, 97pKid’s Bikes from £60

Iceland15 – 19 Greenhill StreetTel. 01234 356249

Iceland stock a wide range of frozen, grocery and chilled foods for all your Christmas needs.

Party food: 3 for £5.00Party platter: £5.00

D. P. Clarke Family Butchers5 Church ArcadeTel. 01234 328323

Christmas meat & poultry available from D. P. Clarke Family Butchers: Norfolk Bronze turkeys, free range geese, Scotch beef from the Orkney Islands, free range chickens, best English beef, Suffolk free range pork, local venison, Gressingham ducks, delicious English lamb and 20 different varieties of quality sausages.

10% discount on all your Christmas orders on production of the Christmas in Bedford brochure 2009. Deposit required.

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..................................................................................................................................32 food & drink

Lidl5-9 St. Peters StreetTel. 0870 4441234

Top Iced Christmas Cake907g, £3.99

Luxury Christmas Pudding750g, £2.99

Luxury Gingerbread Selection500g, £3.99

Forrero Rocher375g, £3.50

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Price CheckHorne Lane Mall, Harpur CentreTel. 01234 211036

Large range of Italian items, plus pop in and see our new fresh deli section.

Amaretti di Saronno £4.99

Panettone £4.99

Sapori Siena Panforte £3.99

Other Christmas products also available.

Marks and Spencer1 – 3 Midland RoadTel. 01234 270308

For 125 years we’ve been delighting generations of customers with a treasure trove of imaginative presents, gorgeous decorations and glorious festive food. And it’s just as magical today! Discover gifts for him, for her and for the kids, plus gourmet treats.

M&S Family Biscuits: £10M&S Fruit Cake: £12

Christmas Hampers start from just £10(plus the cost of your selection of Marks and Spencer goods)

..................................................................................................................................34 food & drink

The Blue Glass43 St Cuthberts StreetTel. 01234 347732

£9.95 Tabali Reserva Syrah 2007, Chile

£9.95 Aureus Blanc de Blancs – Cremant de Loire 2002

£11.95 Chablis, La Colombe 2008

All three wines on offer during December, call in and ask for details.

Wines start from £5.49

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ThorntonsMidland Road Mall, Harpur CentreTel. 01234 357899

Visit Thorntons for a wide range of selection boxes, advent calendars and chocolate treats.

Advent calendars, Santa models and snowman models, which can all be personalised in store for that extra Christmas touch at no extra cost, come and see!

A wide variety of stocking filler chocolates start from just 69p

Arcadia Sweet Shop11 The ArcadeTel. 01234 352322

Tickle your taste buds this Christmas with our selection of all your old favourites...

Turkish delight, marzipan fruits, chocolate ginger, crystallised fondants, New Berry Fruits, chocolate liqueurs such as Mon Cheri, along with many novelty gifts including jigsaws.

Prices range from 50p to £50.00

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Each of Bedford’s eleven jewellers offer exquisite jewellery and unparalleled quality with affordable prices.

What’s more, they’re all ready and waiting to offer you professional advice to make sure you’ll be able to find that perfect gift for that perfect person.

Baker Brothers JewellersDiamond specialists, offering beautiful designer diamond jewellery from all over the world and loose diamonds that can be purchased and then made into bespoke pieces especially for you.11-13 St Peters Street, Tel. 01234 352343

Barovic JewellersBarovic provides jewellery manufacturing and design service.2 The BroadwayTel. 01234 340006

Ernest Jones JewellersJewellers specialising in watches and diamonds on Silver Street.15a Silver StreetTel. 01234 210824

Fraser HartJewellery, watches, diamond rings and repairs.Harpur CentreTel. 01234 341605

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H SamuelHigh Street jewellers selling beautiful jewellery at high standard and low prices. Gifts for all occasions.31 Midland RoadTel. 01234 216739

John Bull & CoThe County jewellers. Fine jewellery, watch and diamond specialists. We also offer a design service, valuations and repairs.21 St Peters StreetTel. 01234 352005

John MedhurstFine jewellery.10 Mill StreetTel. 01234 351458

Millman JewellersDiamond and wedding ring specialists, offering choices of quality gold and branded silver ranges with a friendly service. Repairs and valuations also undertaken. 2 Church ArcadeTel. 01234 354026

Sena JewellersAn independent jewellers and repairers.16 Church ArcadeTel. 01234 219662

The Jewellers Bench Ltd.Bespoke jewellers, makers of fine hand-made individual pieces of jewellery, re-storing, re-mounting, re-stringing and repairs. Also stocking a wide selection of new and vintage jewellery.86 High StreetTel. 01234 349962

WatchworkAs well as stocking watches, gold and silver jewellery, Watchwork also offer on the spot watch repairs, with batteries fitted, water pressure testing, new watch glasses and ultrasonic cleaning.20 The ArcadeTel. 01234 352710

jewellery & fashion

There are over 300 top brands and designer labels available today in Bedford Town Centre.

Find the latest fashion at the following outletsAmanda Jane, Harpur StreetAngels & Urchins, St Cuthberts St.Ann Summers, Harpur CentreBamboo Boutique, Lime StreetBeales, Silver StreetBhs, Midland RoadBlacks, Harpur StreetBlue Inc, Harpur CentreBon Marche, Midland RoadBoutique Planet, The ArcadeClued Up, High StreetDebenhams, High StreetDorothy Perkins, now in BHS Evans, High StreetFunky Junction, High StreetHoworth Shoes, Mill StreetJD Sports, Midland RoadJinx, High StreetKrisp, Harpur CentreLaura Ashley, High StreetKempston Footwear, Howard Cen.Marks & Spencer, Midland RoadMaysons, The ArcadeMichael Bailey, Harpur StreetMillets, Church ArcadeMoss Bros, Silver StreetNew Look, Midland RoadNext, Silver StreetNo Limitz, Harpur StreetPeacocks, Allhallows Planet Clothing, The ArcadePlush, Mill YardPrimark, Harpur CentreRhino’s Bags, Howard CentreRisk, relocated to Silver Street River Island, Silver StreetSports Direct, Harpur CentreTK Maxx, Howard Centre Top Shop, Harpur CentreWalberrys, The Arcade

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Armani, Azor, Bay Trading, Ben Sherman,

Bench, Berghaus, Calvin Klein, Converse, Criminal, D&G, Diesel,

Ecko, Firetrap, Gio Goi, Hugo Boss, John Rocha, KDK London, Levi, Moontide, Paul Costelloe, Per Una,

Ralph Lauren, Regatta, Sloggi, TFNC, Ugg,

Ventuno, White Stuff and more.

available in Bedford Town Centre

Mobile PhonesAll the latest mobile phones, contracts and accessories are available from our mobile phone stockists.

T-Mobile27 Midland RoadTel. 01234 272102

Vodafone ShopThe Harpur CentreTel. 01234 364245

Car Phone Warehouse30 Midland RoadTel. 0800 1388 696

Phones 4UThe Harpur CentreTel. 01234 342888

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Christmas in Bedford is anotherpromotion from BedfordBID. Vote YES in February 2010

Visit www.comearoundtobedford.co.uk or call freephone 0800 013 0339

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3StoreThe Harpur CentreTel. 01234 216325

One Stop Connections13 Howard CentreTel. 01234 344486

The Orange Shop36 Silver StreetTel. 08703 763213

O217 Silver StreetTel. 01234 364695

Jessops76 High StreetTel. 01234 328856

Nikon Coolpix S225 CameraOnly £99.00

Digital camera prices start from £69.00

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town centre vouchers

So you’ve slowly spent the last five or six Christmases exhausting every single gift option you have,

and now you’ve found yourself looking at socks and underwear…

It doesn’t have to be this way – and when you’ve truly run out of ideas, or even worse, you do have ideas, but you’re not sure if they’re the right ones, there’s always the trusty gift voucher to fall back on.

Most stores and retailers offer their own vouchers, but if you’re looking for something that offers a broader range of options, then the Bedford Town Centre gift vouchers are for you.

You can pick them up from the Tourist Information Centre (in St Paul’s Square) and they come in £5, £10 and £20 denominations.

The best thing is, they’re redeemable at over 180 different businesses in Bedford Town Centre. So many, we can’t even list them here, and the number is growing as new businesses sign up each month.

These include high street names such as Marks & Spencer, Argos, WH Smith and Boots, plus Independent retailers such as Arcadia Sweet Shop, Guitar Empire, Art Centre & Gallery, Maysons, Harrison & Simmonds and many, many more.

The full list of shops you can redeem the vouchers at is on our website at www.comearoundtobedford.co.uk. If you can’t get online just give us a call on freephone 0800 013 0339, or just look out for the “We accept Bedford Town Centre Vouchers” window stickers at participating shops in the town.

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“You can pick up your Bedford Town Centre vouchers from the Tourist Information Centre.”

Top 5 unusual things you could end up buying a relative for Christmas by giving them Bedford Town Centre vouchers:

1. Watering can (Goldings)

2. Vibration training workout (Flexibility Gym)

3. A freshly made fruit smoothie (Luscious Juice Bar)

4. A Chinese lantern (Fusion O)

5. A new house (Absolute Estate Agents)

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harpur centreChristmas shopping hours at The Harpur Centre in Bedford Town Centre

NovemberWednesday 18th 9am – 9pmWednesday 25th 9am - 8pm

DecemberWednesday 2nd 9am – 8pmWednesday 9th 9am – 8pmFriday 11th 9am – 7pmWednesday 16th 9am – 8pmThursday 17th 9am – 8pmSaturday 19th 8am – 6pmMonday 21st 9am – 8pmTuesday 22nd 9am – 8pmWednesday 23rd 9am – 8pmChristmas Eve 8am – 5pm

Boxing Day 9am – 6pm

Normal hours are 9am – 5.30pm Monday-Saturday or Sunday 10am - 4pm.

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Santa’s Grotto Opening HoursVisit Santa in his magic grotto at the bottom of the spiral. Every child that meets Santa receives a great present!

NovemberSaturday 28th 10am - 5pm

DecemberSaturday 5th 10am - 5pmSunday 6th 10am - 3pmFriday 11th 10am - 5pmSaturday 12th 10am - 5pmSunday 13th 10am - 3pmWednesday 16th 10am - 5pmFriday 18th 10am - 5pmSaturday 19th 10am - 5pmSunday 20th 10am - 3pmMonday 21st 10am - 5pmTuesday 22nd 10am - 5pmWednesday 23rd 10am - 5pmChristmas Eve 10am - 1pm

Santa will be away feeding his reindeer for one hour each day.

Photographs can be purchased separately at an additional cost from Event Photos.www.eventphotos.co.uk

Admission Prices One child £4.00 Two children £7.50Three children £10.00Four children £13.50

..................................................................................................................................40 harpur shopping centre, www.harpurshopping-bedford.co.uk

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Park & RideDriving into Bedford? Park and ride makes a lot of sense - easy to use, easy on your pocket and easy on the environment.

It’s free to park. Just pay on the bus.Travel time is approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Operating Monday to Friday at:07:10, 07:25, 07:40, 08:00Then 08:00 to 09:30 every 10 minutes09:30 to 16:45 every 15 minutes16:45 to 18:45 every 10 minutes

Saturdays07:20 to 18:44 every 12 minutes

Adults £1.50 each, accompanied children ride free. Family ticket (up to 7 people) £3

Late Night Shopping, last bus 9.15pm

Wednesday 18th & 25th NovemberWednesday 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd,Thursday 17th, Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December 2009.

Park & Ride will be free from Monday 4th to Saturday 9th January 2010.

For Sat Nav users, use the following postcodes:

Allhallows Car Park MK40 1LNLurke Street Car Park MK40 1HZRiver Street Car Park MK40 1PXQueen Street Car Park MK40 2HAElstow Park & Ride MK42 9XF

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parking informationCar ParksThe Bedford Town Centre multi-storey car parks will be open until 9pm for late night shopping on the following dates in the run up to Christmas:

Wednesday 25th NovemberWednesday 2nd DecemberWednesday 9th DecemberWednesday 16th DecemberThursday 17th DecemberMonday 21st DecemberTuesday 22nd DecemberWednesday 23rd December

Car parks will be operating normal hours on Christmas Eve.

“Free parking in Bedford Town Centre from Monday 30th November to Saturday 5th December 2009.”

River Street Car Park and Allhallows Car Park will be open until 7pm on Boxing Day, 6pm on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th December, and car parks will resume normal service from Tuesday 29th.

Car parks will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. St. Peters Street and Riverside Square are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

bluecapsIt’s tough being a BedfordBID Bluecap. As well as being constantly exposed to the harsh British elements (rain, mostly); they also have a hundred and one tasks to perform each and every day in Bedford Town Centre.

The Bluecaps have now been operating in Bedford Town Centre since 2005, and are there to make sure your experience in Bedford Town Centre is enjoyable and stress-free.

The work they do varies from day to day, but can involve anything from giving directions, assisting shoppers, handing out promotional information, logging graffiti for removal, or visiting on average, over 40 business per day.

They are also linked, via radio, to CCTV and the Police, meaning that they are just a button press away from reporting incidents or calling for assistance when needed.

This means that Bedford Town Centre is a safer and friendlier place to visit for everyone. You can find a Bluecap from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm on the corner of Midland Road and Silver Street in Bedford Town Centre. Feel free to stop

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and say hello this Christmas when you’re out doing your festive shopping.

“The BedfordBID Bluecaps help to make Bedford Town Centre a safer, friendlier place to visit”Find out more about the BedfordBID Bluecaps, by visiting our website at www.comearoundtobedford.co.uk or call us on freephone 0800 013 0339.

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Free Christmas goodies!Come Around to Bedford this Christmas for free goodies, handed out by our own BedfordBID Bluecaps. These include festive jingle bells for your purse or handbag, candy canes for the kids and the chance to win instant spot prizes. You can also be entered into our prize draw to win £250 of Bedford Town Centre gift vouchers!

Just visit a Bluecap on Saturdays or late night shopping in Bedford Town Centre for more details or visit our website at www.comearoundtobedford.co.uk

Christmas in Bedford, produced by BedfordBID______________________________________

BedfordBID goes to vote in February 2010. If you would like to see more promotions such as Christmas in Bedford, please vote YES. Look out for information in local press and radio.1 Lurke Street, Bedford, MK40 3TN Telephone 01234 404500, Fax 01234 290946 Email info@comearoundtobedford.co.uk

FREE PARKINGin Bedford Town Centre from Monday 30th November to Saturday 5th December 2009Free parking courtesy of Bedford Borough CouncilFor more information visit www.comearoundtobedford.co.ukor call free on 0800 013 0339