Entertaining visits to Leighton Buzzard town centre with Christmas on the horizon

Throughout October, November and into December, entertainers have been booked for different days each week by Leighton-Linslade Town Council to ensure maximum exposure to the public and those who only visit the town on certain days. No timetable for visits will be published and entertainers will be escorted by a council officer to assist with safe distancing.

Activities began last Tuesday on market day with the Magical Musical Bike who played music, created giant bubbles, and safely interacted with stall holders and members of the public during his time in the town centre.

And it's been all change for the town council’s popular events programme this year.

The council says many people have shared how much they have missed the events like Big Lunch Food Festival, Concerts in the Park, yet throughout the year council officers have sought alternative delivery methods or organised other activities instead.

The recently launched Living History Shop Trail running throughout October and November is one such an example. The focus now is on preparations for the Christmas season, but, as expected, the Christmas Festival weekend will not take place as usual.

Whilst the true Christmas season is December, the pre-Christmas season starts in October and many people are buying presents early whilst they can as no-one knows what the future holds with the pandemic continuing to have its impact.

“We have been delivering a variety of actions to support our local businesses and also continue some form of entertainment for residents such as the online Sunday Band Concerts over the summer months,” said Cllr Amanda Dodwell, Chair of the Cultural and Economic Services Committee.

“We are living through very difficult times and the council remains a strong supporter of our businesses and residents. We will continue to be creative in that support.”