On Saturday 9th March, The Harpur Centre hosted a carnival event for Bedford’s shoppers to celebrate the relaunch after a refurbishment. At 11am, Mayor Dave Hodgson cut the ribbon on the Centre’s brand new elevator.

Visitors to the Centre enjoyed an array entertainment from fabulous showgirls, a lively samba band and exciting carnival acts who performed at intervals throughout the day. Children also immersed themselves in the celebrations at the face-painting station, where they were transformed into glamorous carnivalesque characters.

Retailers and groups from the wider Bedford community got involved in the celebrations. WHSmith hosted a competition where children could hunt for Gruffalo. Bruno’s Brazilian Soccer Club also came along to play games with visitors during the event in order to promote local sporting activity.  In addition, Tilly’s Teashop, Bedford, set up a cake stand to allow visitors on the day to enjoy a delicious handmade treat.

Samantha Laycock, Centre Manager at Harpur Centre, commented: “We are so proud to have unveiled the Harpur Centre’s highly anticipated refurbishment at our exciting carnival celebration! Our investment programme has been a fundamental part of our vision for the future and ensuring that our visitors have the best shopping experience possible. It’s an exciting time at The Harpur Centre and we were delighted to share this event with our community – it was great to see visitors of all ages getting involved in the exhilarating activity!”

Featured in this exciting new refurbishment is a space that provides the community with a lifestyle and community hub that will ensure visitors enjoy an enhanced shopping experience. The changes include: a revitalised central atrium feature also known as the Harpur Tree, a lift and new stairway from the car park, refreshed ceilings and floor finishes and even new décor. New customer toilets and a brand new open area have also been added to the refurbished Lower Ground floor. 

For more information visit the website: www.harpurcentre.co.uk/offerswhats-on, or visit www.facebook.co.uk/harpurshoppingcentre, follow us on Twitter @HarpurCentre and follow us on Instagram @Harpur_Centre.