St Paul’s Church in Bedford has been transformed into a forest of festive colour this week to mark 25 years of its award-winning Christmas Tree Festival, supporting the historic church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends (BHC&F).
In the run-up to the opening, the church was filled with groups busily decorating their trees for this year’s theme, Christmas Past, Present and Future, for the festival, which was named a Bedford Independent Everyday Hero this year.
There are traditional decorations and Christmas cards, teddies in all sorts of outfits, transport through the ages and rockets heading into outer space.
Knitted figures of much-loved historic toys sat alongside decorations inspired by the latest children’s favourites. Many schools crafted their own decorations to fit the theme, and children from Ukraine created designs in the blue and yellow of their national flag.
Local businesses reflected what they sell, while clubs and groups used their trees to show what they stand for.
Music and memories
The festival officially opened at 10.30am on Wednesday (3 December), when the Bedford Pipe & Drum Band led visitors into the church for an opening speech by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Camilla King, followed by songs from the Haynes Lower School choir.
The festival closes on Sunday, and across the five days, a total of 46 choirs and performers appeared among the 70 trees, filling St Paul’s with live music and giving visitors plenty of chances to take a quiet moment, sing along or soak up the atmosphere.
Organisers said they are delighted with the response from residents and visitors in this special 25th anniversary year. Alongside the trees, there are competitions for adults and children, as well as a raffle with generous prizes donated by local businesses.
Read: Bedford Christmas Tree Festival raises a magical £23,000 for two local charities
The church café will be open throughout the festival, serving coffee and homemade cakes so friends and families can sit together, warm up and enjoy the surroundings while supporting both St Paul’s and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.
The Christmas Tree Festival runs until Sunday, 7 December 2025, at St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Square, Bedford
Opening times were Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, 12pm to 4pm.
