Bedford – a Town of Markets 
NEW MARKETS GUIDE AVAILABLE NOW!!!
Bedford is a thriving market town with its original 'charter' dating back more than 800 years when King Henry II granted it in 1166, allowing Bedfordians to hold their own market. A market has been held on St Paul's Square since the 1500's.
Wednesday & Saturday Charter Market
The general Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays on the historic Harpur and St Paul's Squares, and on Thursdays on the Saxon Centre, Kempston, has retained a freshness and appeal by offering a wide range of quality goods at affordable prices, from olives to key cutting services, toys to hot food.
But Bedford’s market trade isn’t just historic – since 2004 the county town has transformed itself into ‘A Town of Markets’ by introducing several new speciality markets.
Thursdays in Bedford are now filled with the sensual delights of its regular Gourmet Food market whilst Fridays plays host to the beautiful Home and Garden market.
Thursday Gourmet Market
The speciality markets are held in Harpur Square in the heart of the historic town centre. Bedford’s Gourmet Food Market, offers a wide range of quality foods and food-related products. The lunchtime trade is also catered for with tasty takeaway food and drinks being available. On the second Thursday of each month the market is boosted by the local Farmers’ Market with its local produce and WI cakes. From February 2009 the Farmer's Market will be on the Market on the second AND fourth Thursday of the month.
Friday Home & Garden Market
Friday's Home & Garden Market offers an arra
y of cut flowers and plants, together with specialist garden products. It’s proving to have a year-round appeal, with shoppers and town centre staff seen carrying armfuls of flowers through the town at lunchtime!
Antiques, Arts Crafts and Collectors Fair
During 2006 the monthly Antiques, Arts, Crafts and Collectors Fair joined the stable with its wide range of handmade craft items, collectibles, antiques, etc. It takes place in the Harpur Suite and on Harpur Square alongside the Gourmet Market, on the last Thursday of the month, January to December from 9.30am-4pm.
The dates for the 2010 fairs have now been confirmed:
28th January 22nd July
25th February 26th August
25th March 30th September
22nd April 28th October
27th May 18th November
24th June
Handmade in Bedfordshire Markets
Talent abounds in the Bedfordshire area.
Come to the Handmade markets and see what talented neighbours you have. These craftspeople gather to display their skills with enthusiasm and pride. They enjoy encouraging others and passing on their knowledge. From painting to pottery, needlecrafts to calligraphy…the market embraces a diverse range of crafts which need your support, and if your craft is not represented please apply to join the market. Besides selling from their stock the stallholders will happily discuss commissions and take orders. Buy British in Bedford. Summer Saturdays will not be the same with the launch of the “Handmade in Bedford” Craft Markets. These will take place on the second Saturday of the month on Midland Road from May through to September 2010.
Whether you want to bag a bargain, find that unique gift, taste something special or just soak in the atmosphere, Bedford Markets are the place to be.
Local, accessible and fun!
Bedford Market Regulations
Market Application Form
Casual Traders Regulations
Come and experience the crafts, sights, smells and tastes of genuine Tunisian culture. For more information on this and any of our other markets please contact the Markets manager on (01234) 221890 or email markets@bedford.gov.uk
For more information please contact the Markets Office, Bedford Borough Council, Town Hall, St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ. Tel 01234-221890 or 221672 or email markets@bedford.gov.uk
