Ride on the L service for free during all four Christmas Saturdays in Leighton-Linslade
Bus rides will be free on every Christmas Festival Saturday in Leighton Buzzard.
Families will be able to use the L service for free on November 28, December 5, December 12 and December 19 – as the town council champions climate friendly travel and supports high street businesses.
Meanwhile, it is understood that arrangements for free parking during the festival are still being worked out with Central Bedfordshire Council – who own and operate the town’s car parks.
Leader of Leighton-Linslade Town Council and Liberal Democrat Councillor Nigel Carnell, said: "Thanks to the town council, residents will now be able to travel into the town on Saturdays for free on the L buses throughout the Christmas period.
"Christmas is a great time to support our town’s independent shops and market and we urge everyone across the town to take advantage of what's on offer."
Each of the four Saturdays will have its own festive programme – with free music, events, and activities taking place throughout the day, alongside festive traders on the market offering seasonal gifts, food, and drink.
Combined with free travel on the L service buses, it is hoped that the extended festival will boost town centre trade.
Cllr Carnell added: "Our Christmas Festival has always been a hugely popular event – and this year it will be even bigger and better."
The decision to run free L service buses was approved by full council on September 28.
A Leighton-Linslade Town Council spokesman, said: "By way of a delegated decision, the Cultural and Economic Services Committee agreed to support free bus travel over the Christmas Festival weekends.
"The initiative was well received by the parish when previously run last year – passenger numbers were up when compared to a typical Saturday.
"In supporting the scheme, the town council is demonstrating its commitment to the climate change agenda by offering a viable alternative to private car travel."
The Christmas Festival is the end of a busy 2026 calendar of events put on by Leighton-Linslade Town Council – including Pride, Big Lunch, the Canal Festival and Last Night of the Proms. It kicks off with the Christmas lights switch on Friday, November 27.
To find out more details about what's on during the festive season, keep an eye on the town council's Facebook page – or click here to visit its website.
You can click here to see the timetable and information about the Centrebus L services.