Leighton Buzzard Christmas Festival shines light on town's heroes and community spirit

Thousands of residents descended on Leighton Buzzard High Street to celebrate the Christmas Festival Weekend.
June Essex.June Essex.
June Essex.

On Friday the town centre came alive with a Christmas market, food court, fun fair and live entertainment, before local heroes Keith McAngus and Kye Vincent switched on the Christmas lights, proudly joined by the Mayor, MP Andrew Selous, Carnival Queen Princesses and LB First members.

On Saturday shoppers enjoyed watching some brilliant street theatre shows, while on Sunday residents were treated to a Comedy Christmas Cavalcade, and the return of Leighton-Linslade Concert Band.

Credit: June Essex.Credit: June Essex.
Credit: June Essex.

A Leighton-Linslade Town Council spokesman, said: “Our live entertainment was headlined by local band ‘The Catch’ and supported by other performing arts groups from the area.

“Following the successful campaign by the Leighton Buzzard Observer to find a worthy local hero to switch on the lights, Kye Vincent and Keith McAngus led the town’s Christmas celebrations, and launched the firework display which was met with rapturous applause following its conclusion.

“On Saturday, the twice weekly Charter market was boosted by numerous street theatre performances which included the Snow Queen, a chocolate egg laying chicken and a traditional barrel organist playing alongside the Kids Out Santa Dash from Church Square.

“On Sunday, Leighton-Linslade Concert Band performed renditions of Christmas favourites which created the perfect backdrop to the craft and gift stalls, giant bouncing elves, free face painting and balloon modelling activities.

Credit: June EssexCredit: June Essex
Credit: June Essex

“Our Comedy Christmas Cavalcade also rolled into town with Matt Barnard and Gareth Jones delighting visitors with their wacky sense of humour and comic routines, while the fun fair provided something for all ages.”

The three-day weekend was jointly organised between Leighton-Linslade Town Council and LB First, while the Santa Dash was organised in partnership with Leighton Fun Runners.

Photos from the weekend’s festivities will be appearing on the Town Council’s social media accounts over the coming days.

If you would like the chance to win £25 of market vouchers, please let the council have your feedback from the event which can be done via its website: www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/christmas-festival