Fantastic news the total raised was £23,523. Thanks to all the amazing volunteers. Bosom Pals sold 2,310 raffle tickets and manned the café on two days and with the help of some bakers in Oakley, provided some delicious homemade cakes. The money will be divided equally between St Pauls Church and Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends.

This year Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends are directing their efforts to raise £600,000 for a new Cardiac CT scanner upgrade.

Considering the awful wet weather it didn’t deter the crowds coming to support this important Community Celebration, which is in its 23rd year. There were more performance groups than ever and a more varied schedule of performances from Schools to Children Musical Drama groups; Acapella choirs to Period Costume performances as well as the Handbell Ringers and the Festival was opened by the magnificent Bagpipes.

The two worthy winners of the People Choice competition who received trophies donated by Lane Holmes were the 1st Brickhill Brownies (pictured right) and Lemon & Ginger Knitting group (pictured above) who now meet in the Albero Lounge on Monday & Wednesday’s. The four children who won the Book Tokens donated by Time Table Rockstars were all thrilled to have won.

Finally, the theme for the Festival next year is “The Magic of Christmas” and it will be open to the public from Wednesday 4th December to Sunday 8th December if you have got your 2024 diary!

If you would like to volunteer to help with the raffle or man the coffee shop or bake a cake or
all three, please let us know.

Well done to all the volunteers, we couldn’t have done it without you!