Plenty of festive fun in Leighton Buzzard High Street thanks to sparkling motifs and two special markets

Due to the pandemic, Leighton-Linslade Town Council could not hold the traditional December light switch-on, firework display and evening market this year, meaning it has created alternative festive magic in town.

The centre has been enhanced by decorations including three 3D Christmas motifs located within the High Street and Waterborne Walk, while the Christmas tree is standing proud at the bottom of the High Street.

“It’s so lovely seeing people walking from one motif to the other making sure they have pictures of all of them,” said Cllr Amanda Dodwell, chair of the Leighton-Linslade Cultural and Economic Services Committee, who oversaw the work.

“Many of our retailers rely on the income over Christmas to carry them through the less busy months of the year. Showcasing the High Street and bringing in much-needed footfall is very important to business.”

To add extra festive fun, Leighton-Linslade Town Council will deliver a ‘Leighton-Linslade Charity Market’ to support charities that are based in or work within Leighton-Linslade.

Offering gifts, crafts, cards and Christmas-themed accessories, charities from across the town will come together on Sunday, December 6, from 11am - 3pm in the High Street.

The following weekend will see the Christmas Gift Market in the High Street on Sunday, December 13, from 11am – 3pm with crafts and unique items to buy for presents.

A Leighton-Linslade Town Council spokeswoman added: “Stall holders will be following government guidelines and we ask that visitors to the market observe the restrictions placed upon tier 2 areas as well. Visitors should obey the rule of six and remember ‘Hands. Face. Space’.”

Leighton-Linslade Town Council would also like to say thank you to the Rotary Club of Leighton-Linslade who, for the sixth year running, have generously provided the lights for the locally sourced Christmas tree.