Tom Middleton and I are honoured to share some very special news. Mrs Susan Lousada, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, will officially open the first Shortstown Local Produce Market on Sunday 1 November.

The Lord-Lieutenant is His Majesty The King's personal representative in the county, so this is a wonderful moment for Shortstown and for everyone who has helped make the market happen.

Be there for the opening

The market will be officially opened at 9.30am on the Square at Beauvais Avenue, and runs until 1pm. Come along early to be part of it.

What to expect

Every trader is a grower, baker or maker based within about 20 miles of Shortstown, so everything on the stalls is genuinely local. Expect fresh produce, proper bakes and brilliant local makers.

Entry is free, dogs on leads are welcome, and there is parking next to the Square.

Step inside the Shorts Building

The historic Shorts Building will be open on market morning. Built in 1917 as the headquarters of Short Brothers, the company that gave Shortstown its name, it sits at the heart of Britain's airship story. Shortstown Parish Council recently bought the freehold to protect it for the community.

The airship museum will have a stall inside, with items from the airships on display and an expert on hand to answer your questions. Once inside, you will also be able to see the historic wooden revolving doors, recently refurbished by New Cardington Estate Management (NCEM).

A market with a long history

The market is held under the market charter granted to Bedford by King Henry II in 1166. It is run on a not for profit basis by volunteers at New Cardington Residents Association (NCRA), and any surplus from pitch fees goes back into the local area.

We would like to thank Shortstown Parish Council and NCEM for their support, and the Lieutenancy for so kindly agreeing to join us.

Dates for your diary

  • Sunday 1 November 2026: our first market, officially opened by the Lord-Lieutenant
  • Sunday 13 December 2026: Christmas market

All markets run from 9.30am to 1pm on the Square at Beauvais Avenue. Find out more at shortstown.co.uk/market.

We hope to see you there for a very special morning.

Leigh and Tom