Your weekly what’s on guide for Bedford and the surrounding area from the Bedford Clanger.
Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford Clanger what’s on guide lands every Thursday and is the only guide you need to know what’s on and what’s happening across the Borough for the next 11 days.
The Bedford Clanger’s What’s On Guide is kindly sponsored by The Cellar Bar.
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Dancing: Bedford Morris Men
The Horse & Groom Clapham @ 7.30pm
Brewpoint @ 8.30pm
The Wellington Arms @ 9.30pm
Come and join the Bedford Morris Men on their festive ‘Carols and Capers’ borders tour. With special guests Hemlock Morris and Red Cuthbert Morris.
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Karaoke: Drag karaoke and Bingo hosted by Drag Queen Fanny Burns
The Cellar Bar @ 8.00pm. Bar opens at 7.00pm.
Free entry
Guaranteed to be a very funny evening with Fanny Burns, her new home at The Cellar bar.
Joining us every month, drag queen Fanny Burns will bring her own spin on karaoke and bingo, it’s hilarious and good fun. The bingo cash jackpot has been well over £100. £2 per card of 6 tickets, meaning 6 chances of winning. Raffle tickets for Fanny’s Flaps game are just £1. £2 tickets for Fanny’s Flaps with a cash jackpot of upto £250 to be won.
The Cellar Bar is a safe, inclusive, environment for all of our customers. Free entry, just turn up. Make sure you’re there early enough to get drinks and bingo tickets.
This show contains adult humour and swearing and is strictly over 18s.
Thursday 19 December 2024
Dancing: Red Cuthbert Morris present The Mummers Play
The Kent Arms @ 8pm
The Burnaby Arms @ 8.45pm
The Wellington Arms @ 9.30pm
For one night only, Red Cuthbert Morris will perform The Mummers Play at pubs around Black Tom. A saga of love, greed, villainy and Loch Ness monsters in the heart of Bedford.
Thursday 19 December 2024
Live streaming: The Royal Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Stevington Cinema Club, Stevington Village Hall, MK443 7QT @ 6.45pm
Tickets: £6
Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs bring festive charm to Peter Wright’s beloved Royal Ballet production, as fairytale magic comes together with spectacular dancing in this unforgettable classic ballet.
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. Peter Wright’s much-loved production for The Royal Ballet, with gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular dancing.
Thursday 19 December 2024
Comedy: Castle Comedy Special 2024
The Quarry Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £16
Comedy Comedy is back at The Quarry Theatre with a Christmas Special featuring Jen Brister, Nathan Caton and Aaron Twitchen. Castle Comedy favourite Paul Revill will host the show.
Thursday 19 December 2024
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring The Umbrella Big Band
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99
An evening for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. Cashless bar, plenty of seating (night club set up) and dance floor. Book in advance and come along at 7.15pm for a 45-minute dance class in Balboa, one of the original swing dances of the era. For the main event, just turn up – pay cash at reception – have fun, no booking needed.
Friday 20 December 2024
Storytelling: Exploring Weather with Kaye Leidoscope
The Place Theatre @ 10am
Tickets: from £2
Join Kaye Leidoskope for these lively & lovely interactive storytelling sessions for under-fives and their grown-ups. Expect songs, games, crafts and dancing …perfect for little ones to creatively learn through play!
Friday 20 December 2024
Magic: James Phelan: The Dreamer
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £20
Internationally acclaimed star of The Greatest Magician, James Phelan, returns from his unprecedented, complete sell out, 300 date theatre tour with a brand new show. “This dazzling, five-star rated magic show will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief. Unlike anything you’ve seen before. Don’t miss it.”
Friday 20 December 2024
Live music: Mad Mods and Englishmen
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Anyone that has seen the ‘Mad Mods’ live will tell you that they are no traditional covers band. Their energetic performances have built them a massive following and they have a reputation of packing every venue they play at, and then bringing the house down.
Their repertoire includes hits from The Who, Small Faces, The Kinks, Rolling Stones, Spencer Davis, Yardbirds, The Jam and many more, and yes, they’ve even been known to smash the odd guitar up on stage!
Friday 20 December 2024
Live music: The Black and Gold
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
The Black & Gold played their first full gig ever at The Cellar Bar on St Patrick’s Day and went down a storm. Fronted by Rich Taylor on guitar and vocals with Samantha Hughes (banjo/vocals), Mary Wilcockson (fiddle), James Lewin (drums), Dan McGrath (harmonica) they’ll be playing songs by The Pogues, The Dubliners, American-Irish and upbeat trad tunes. And of course, it’s Christmas so there are bound to be some ‘Fairy Tales’ to be told…
Friday 20 December 2024
Dance music: Boombastic – Christmas Decades Party – 80’s vs 90’s
Bedford Esquires @ 9pm
Tickets: £7.50
Expect all of the biggest hits of the two decades as well the Christmas bangers and as fancy dress is customary – choose to go festive or dress as your hero from the 80s or 90s!
Saturday 21 December 2024
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Wilstead, MK45 3DY @ 10am
Wilstead, MK45 3DY @ 1pm
This morning’s outing is a circular 5.5-mile walk north of Wilstead. The afternoon walk takes in the south of Wilstead in a six-mile circular walk.
Walkers are welcome to take part in both to achieve an 11.5-mile circular walk in the countryside around Wilstead.
Please bring a drink, snack or lunch as the group always stops for a break. Check out the North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ excellent website for further information.
Saturday 21 – Tuesday 31 December 2024
Pantomime: Snow White
Bedford Corn Exchange @ times vary, please check the website
Tickets: £22/£20/£18/family ticket £62
The kingdom buzzes with excitement as Princess Snow White’s birthday approaches. However, the festivities are marred by the jealousy of her stepmother, the evil queen, who longs to be the fairest in the land.
When the Queen’s magic mirror declares Snow White as the most beautiful, her envy turns to rage, and she banishes Snow White to the enchanted forest.
Meanwhile, Prince Alexander, captivated by Snow White’s innocence and kindness, sets out to rescue her. With the help of the audience’s cheers and boos, the heroes overcome wicked spells, hilarious mishaps, and daring escapades to restore happiness to the kingdom.
Filled with slapstick comedy, audience interaction, and catchy tunes, “Snow White Pantomime” is a magical adventure that delights audiences of all ages.
Join Snow White and her friends on a journey of laughter, love, and happily ever afters in this family-friendly pantomime.
Saturday 21 December 2024
Dancing: Cotton Club Bedford Jingle Bell Ball featuring The Last Chance Ragtime Band
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99
Monthly live music & dancing at The Cotton Club; come on down and join in the fun at this wonderful venue with a great wooden floor and an inexpensive bar.
Saturday 21 December 2024
Live music: Indi Forde
D’Parys, D’Parys Avenue @ 7 – 9pm
Free entry
Indi Forde performs live at the D’Parys tonight.
Saturday 21st December 2024
Live music: Cameo & Last Laugh Lane
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm. Bar opens at 6.00pm. Happy hour 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Free entry.
Cellar Bar favourite Cameo opens the bill, singing classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Chili Peppers and so much in between.
Taking you into the early hours are Last Laugh Lane playing classic throwback indie anthems of the 2000’s including The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Kings of Leon.
Not to be missed – it’s usually a packed house when these guys play!
Saturday, 21 December 2024
Dance music: Forever Indie Club Night
Bedford Esquires @ 9pm
Tickets: £5
Esquires’ Forever Indie club night returns for an Xmas dance-off!
Featuring Yeah Yeah Yeahs, MGMT, Klaxons, Blondie, DEVO, Talking Heads, PiL, Jamie T, Bloc Party, Idles, Bowie, White Stripes, The Cribs, Maximo Park, Art Brut, LCD Soundsystem, CSS, Fontaines DC, Viagra Boys, Primal Scream, Kate Bush, The Hives, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, Weezer, Outkast, QOTSA, The Rapture, Kings Of Leon, Kasabian, The Killers, The Libertines, MIA, Vampire Weekend, The Gossip, The Futureheads and many more…
Special guest Lily Fontaine (English Teacher) can no longer join us, so tickets are now just £5 advance, with any tickets at the original price being automatically refunded by See.
Sunday 22 December 2024
Live music: Soul Factory – Sunday Afternoon Chillout with DJ Rocky & Guests
The Cellar Bar @ 3.00pm. Bar opens at 3.00pm.
Free entry
Help the Cellar Bar crew celebrate their second birthday with an afternoon of pure soul, funk, rnb, house, Motown & Northern Soul classics with Soul Factory.
As a thank you, they’ll be doing Happy Hours ALL DAY AND NIGHT, so join the party!
Saturday 22 December 2024
Live streaming: Nativity 2 – Danger in the Manger
Stevington Cinema Club, Stevington Village Hall, MK443 7QT @ 3.30pm
Tickets: £6
A new teacher (David Tennant) at St. Bernadette’s Primary School is forced to accompany his class on a road trip to a holiday music competition.
Sunday 22 December 2024
Live music: Who Stung Sting play the Christmas Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A fresh four-piece playing a selection of reggae and ska classics, plus a few ‘converted’ songs.
Tuesday 24 December 2024
Live music: Christmas Eve with the A Band
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Tickets:
Christmas Eve wouldn’t be Christmas Eve at Esquires without the A Band’s traditional Christmas Bash. Please note it’ll be the same time as the Sunday afternoon sessions.
Thursday 26 December 2024
Dance music: Silent Disco – Boxing Day Edition (80s vs 90s vs 90s)
Bedford Esquires @ 9.30pm
Tickets: £9
The time has once again come to dance off the turkey bellies with Esquires’ legendary Boxing Day Silent Disco, your annual escape from the house for a proper dance-up.
Grab a pair of three-channel headphones on the way in – three DJs will be spinning big tunes from across the decades, just choose which one you want to listen to. Dance, sing, shout the night away and leave with a big smile on your face!
Channel 1: 80s/ Channel 2: 90s / Channel 3: 00s
Friday 27 December 2024
Dance music: Ultimate RnB
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
After an incredible, sold-out show in March, Ultimate RnB are back to Esquires for a very special Christmas party, with the highest quality tribute to some of the greatest music ever made. Ultimate RnB are a full six-piece live band featuring session musicians and vocalists that have played with some stone-cold legends.
This Midlands-based band consists of three outstanding lead vocalists, one male and two female voices in precise harmony. A top quality, full professional band lineup of synth keys, melodic guitar and an uber-tight rhythm section. Combined they recreate the live authentic RnB sounds of the 90’s era.
Individual band members draw on their diverse musical backgrounds, having supported and billed with the likes of Soul legends Jocelyn Brown, Mica Paris, Soul to Soul, Sister Sledge and Clean Bandit, while touring nationally and internationally with the elite AMC Gospel Choir, top UK tribute band Ultimate Madness, dance phenomenon, Hacienda Classical and Lewis Capaldi.
The dynamic result features hit songs from the most memorable artists of this genre: En Vogue, Lauryn Hill, Sisqo, Next, TLC, Boyz II Men – the list of favourites continues throughout this 90-minute show.
Support comes from the finest DJ this town has produced in a long time, MASS C, who will be spinning Hip Hop, Funk, Soul and Breaks before and after Ultimate RnB.
Friday 27 December 2024
Live music: Megapint?
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm
Free entry
The guys are back for another regular gig at The Cellar Bar. Expect musical excellence mixed with a wonderfully curated list of rock/pop classics
Great news too that they will be a regular addition to our schedule during 2025 – it doesn’t get any better!!
Saturday 28 December 2024
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Riseley near Fox and Hounds MK 1DT
Wilstead, MK45 3DY @ 1pm
A 6.3-mile walk from Riseley to Melchbourne via Coppice Wood 6.3 miles
Please bring a drink, snack or lunch as the group always stops for a break. Check out the North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ excellent website for further information.
Saturday 28 December 2024
Food & drink: Cocktail Masterclass
The Cellar Bar @ 3.00pm
£35 per person
The perfect holiday treat – a cocktail masterclass with Marley, the Cellar Bar’s resident mixologist.
After a demonstration from Marley, it’s your turn to put what you’ve learned into practice by making (and drinking) three cocktails, plus some treats along the way.
Groups of three or less may be asked to share with others in the same session. Full booking details on the website.
Saturday 28 December 2024
Live music: The 2tones Ska Band
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
This eight-piece band formed in 2007 and have been blowing away audiences with their unique treatment of classics from the Trojan and 2 Tone Labels mixed with a few cheeky modern classics.
If the soundtrack of your life has a few of these classics in it then you are in for a good ‘moon-stomping’ night out: Gangsters, Sally Brown, Tears of a Clown. Rat Race, Baggy Trousers, Pig Bag, Message to you Rudy, Ska Train, Town Called Malice, Red Red Wine, This Is Ska, 3 Little Birds, Nightboat to Cairo, Rat Race, Pressure Drop to name but a few…
Saturday 28 December 2024
Live music: Mat Roberts
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens 6pm
Free entry
Mat Roberts will be at the Cellar Bar for a ‘betwixmas’ night of musical entertainment. Expect a diverse range of music, from pop to rock and anything in between. Performed with his partner in music – the duo J37.
Sunday 29 December 2024
Live music: Pearl Handled Revolver
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Pearl Handled Revolver return to their home venue for their annual festive extravaganza show.
The PHR Esquires shows have become a highlight of the year for many… a chance for the band to pull out all the stops. As part of the tradition, the band select a superb support; this year it is the London-based modern prog trio Tieger.
Sunday 29 December 2024
Live music: Soul Factory – Sunday Afternoon Chillout with DJ Rocky & Bobby
The Cellar Bar @ 3.00pm / bar opens at 3pm
Free entry
An afternoon at the Cellar Bar of pure soul, funk, rnb, house, Motown & Northern Soul classics with Soul Factory.
Sunday 29 December 2024
Dance music: Nicky Blackmarket
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £15
It’s a Christmas cracker at Esquires, with the D&B and Jungle legend, Nicky Blackmarket – one of the original pioneers of drum and bass, and still the most faithful soldier for the scene around the world.
His early influences came from his mother’s background in the jazz scene, and it is improvisation and variety that characterise his DJ performances throughout his career. No stranger to Bedford, anyone who has caught one of his s*ld out parties over the years will know he brings it, every time.
Tuesday 31 December 2024
NYE: Hello 2025 N.Y.E. with the Blue Hawks with Eddie Mac
Location and time: Gt Barford Village Hall, Fishers Close, Bedford, MK44 3JL @ 8pm – 12.30am
Tickets: £45 includes Bucks Fizz / grazing table / Champagne & party favours / B.Y.O.B.
A New Year’s Eve to remember for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. The main event starts at 8pm and finishes at 12.30am with a DJ and band. Smart evening dress only and tickets must be booked in advance.
Tuesday 31 December 2024
NYE: New Year’s Eve party with live music from Frazzled
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry
Open all day New Year’s Eve, join us early doors for some music from 6pm with female duo ‘Frazzled’. Free entry, no tickets required.
Tuesday 31 December 2024
Live music: New Year’s Eve with Danny Barton & The Krakens
The Cellar Bar @ 9pm / bar opens at 6pm / last entry 11pm
Tickets: £10 in advance, £15 on the door
There is a fantastic line-up of entertainment this New Year’s Eve at the Cellar Bar – the perfect place to see in 2025.
Danny Barton will be hosting the whole night, as well as performing with his band playing pop and rock classics, followed by The Krakens, playing rock and pop party crackers.
Doors open 6pm with a 3am close.
Tuesday 31 December 2024
NYE: Common People Indie Club vs Mass C’s New Year’s Mixtape
Bedford Esquires @ 9.30pm
Tickets: Earlybird £7 (limited to 100) / General admission £10 / Group ticket (four people) £30
Esquires heads into its 35th anniversary year with one big blowout with two of the town’s finest DJs playing across two rooms.
In Room One, it’s the Common People Indie Club Night with Sam Voidoid and a whole box of tasty tracks spanning Indie, Britpop, New Wave, Madchester and Big Beat! Slip on your dancing shoes (Adidas Gazelles…), NYE bucket hat and we’ll provide the Hooch.
In Room Two it’s Mass C’s NYE Mixtape, as, quite simply the best DJ from these here parts, takes you on a journey through sound, as he plays back-to-back bangers from across the decades – all killer, absolutely no filler.
Confetti canons are at the ready and your first drink is free – let’s dance away a funny old year!
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Rediscovering Black Portraiture
The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
The newest exhibition at the Higgins began as a diversionary lockdown project in 2020 and can now be seen at Kensington Palace, the Bodeian Library in Oxford and now in Bedford.
It features the work of Manchester-born professional opera singer, Peter Brathwaite, who has lived in the Black Tom area of Bedford since 2018.
With all his singing work cancelled during the pandemic, Peter began looking for an outlet for his creative talents and started recreating famous and lesser-known Black portraiture paintings using as props whatever he could find around his house.
It was inspired by the Getty Foundation’s lockdown project, but quickly took on a life of its own, gathering a large international online following. You can explore the project at his Instagram page @peter_brathwaite.
And from Saturday, 18 May, they will form part of an installation at the Higgins Bedford which will lead visitors through the main collections and into Cecil Higgins’ house, with Peter’s interpretation of The Paston Treasure at its heart.
Read: ‘Rediscovering Black Portraiture’ at the Higgins Bedford this May
Exhibition: Edward Bawden & Me
The Higgins Bedford until
Free entry
Brand new work by some of the biggest names in contemporary British art, illustration and textiles are on display at an exhibition at the Higgins Bedford in celebration of the work of one of Britain’s most inventive and influential artists
Entitled Edward Bawden & Me, the exhibition has been curated by Bawden’s good friend, illustrator and printmaker, Chris Brown and also features work by local artists’ collective, the Circus of Illustration.
Read: Star-studded new Edward Bawden exhibition opens at the Higgins Bedford
You can also read the full article in the February issue of The Bedford Clanger.
Every Thursday
Cocktails, Quiz Night & Karaoke
The Cellar Bar from 5.00pm
Pit your wits against The Cellar Bar’s resident quizmaster to see if you can win the jackpot every Thursday from 8pm. £2 per person entry and a maximum of six per team. The winning team will win the jackpot PLUS a round of shots. Followed by Karaoke til close
Every Saturday
Food & drink: Cocktail mixology masterclass
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / doors open at 12 noon
£30 per person
The Cellar Bar’s resident mixologist, Marley, will explain how to create some outstanding cocktails for your tasting enjoyment. Then, it’s your turn to put what you’ve learned into practice by making (and drinking) three cocktails!
Every Sunday
Live Music: Open Mic Night
The Cellar Bar @ 7.30pm
Free Entry
Every Sunday, join Mat Roberts for the Cellar Bar’s weekly Open Mic night. An opportunity for new and experienced performers to get up on stage and perform.
So whether you think you are the next Tom Grennan or just want a good night of entertainment, head the to Cellar Bar from 7.30pm.
Theatre highlights by Paula Walker
