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 10 days.
The Bedford Clanger’s What’s On Guide is kindly sponsored by The Cellar Bar.
From Thursday 17 October until 30 November 2024
Exhibition: Preparing for the Apocalypse – Towers, Prophets & Meaning
Location and time: Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford, MK40 3NX. Open during normal Museum hours.
Free entry
As part of the national Being Human festival, this exhibition explores the ‘Towers’ of the Panacea Society, towers in literature and in the Bible.
The Panacea Society looked forward to the return of Jesus Christ at the Second Coming, and spent their time preparing for the coming Apocalypse. The Society built their own chapel and clock tower, and named their outposts around the world ‘towers’.
Thursday 17 October 2024
Theatre: Mettle
The Quarry @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Multi-award-winning solo performer Nicholas Collett presents “Mettle” – a celebration and commemoration of the Atlantic Convoys of World War Two.
Drawing on conversations with his father (only revealed when his parents celebrated their golden wedding anniversary) – and his service records – he charts his progress as a young man in one of the most dangerous theatres of war and contrasts all this with his personal relationship with the man he is proud to call “Dad”.
The story moves from Sheffield in the 1930’s through the outbreak of war, surviving U-Boat attacks and treacherous weather to the relative calm of West Africa – and even a Glenn Miller concert.
Told in a physical style, using sound and contemporary music to paint the scene, this is a true modern odyssey.
Nicholas Collett’s previous solo work includes “Spitfire Solo”, “Nelson – The Sailors’ Story”, “Your Bard”, “The Ghost Of A Smile”.
Thursday 17 October 2024
Comedy: Rich Hall – Shot from the Cannons
Bedford Corn Exchange @
Tickets:
Fresh on the heels of his critically acclaimed memoirs, Nailing It, Montana’s transatlantic messenger returns with new rants, knife-edge observations, thrilling musical interludes and an ever-formidable knack for laughs on the fly.
You’ll pay for the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge of it.
Thursday 17 October 2024
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Alisa Lands Swing Quartet
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 18 October 2024
Shopping: Christmas launch
The Arc, Howard Street @ 5pm
Free entry
No, your eyes are not deceiving you – that is a massive pink Christmas tree and it is the middle of October. Therefore, it must be The Arc’s annual Christmas launch including their new festive menu, and an array of beautiful gifts (including Xmas decorations, accessories, candles, plates, homewares, kitchenware, cards and gift wrap) all to the soundtrack of Castle Events Bedford who will be serenading customers with opera-style Christmas pop classics.
Crown and Heel smash burgers will be flipping their patties and serving up the good stuff while Gemma dishes out the free fizz on arrival. The most perfectly Bedford way to kick start Christmas…
Friday 18 October 2024
Live music: Hayseed Dixie + guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
‘Maximum rockgrass’ returns to Bedford for the first time in over half a decade, when Hayseed Dixie play Esquires this month.
When John Wheeler and Mike Daly discovered in their drunken epiphany that the Lost Highway of Reverend Hank Williams and the Highway to Hell of Bishop Bon Scott were indeed the identical stretch of tarmac, they were well and truly prepared to document this revelation in situ.
Friday 18 October 2024
Live music: The Howlers + Viddy
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
The Howlers are coming to Bedford Esquires as part of their debut album tour in October. Anyone who caught the London three-piece support Black Honey last year will tell you how good this band are!
These desert rockers have quickly become known for their ferocious and broodingly emotive live performances earning the band recognition across the board from the likes of BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music, KEXP, Clash and earning the band programming on BT Sport, Sky Sports, Soccer AM, UEFA Champions League and much much more.
Friday 18 October 2024
Theatre: The Rise of the Empress
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Step into a world of thought-provoking discussion and captivating storytelling with this groundbreaking play, “Rise of the Empress.” Immerse yourself in an engaging narrative of discovery that digs deep into the lives, experiences, and perspectives of two Black women navigating the world as they know it and the world they would like to see.
In this powerful production, the stage becomes a canvas upon which the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black women unfold. Through a series of moving conversations, heartfelt monologues, and authentic interactions, “Rise of the Empress” brings the complexities of being Black and female in contemporary Britain to life.
Everyone is invited to journey alongside our cast as they explore the intersections of race, gender, heritage, and culture. Audiences will be drawn into the intimate conversations, where laughter, tears, and candid moments of vulnerability create an immersive experience that resonates with the human spirit.
Through the eyes and voices of these characters, “Rise of the Empress” provides a safe space to discuss important themes such as belonging, heritage, self-discovery, and resilience. The play invites you to question preconceived notions, challenge stereotypes, and broaden your understanding of the diverse narratives that make up the vibrant tapestry of Black British life.
Friday 18 October 2024
Double header of live music: Danny Barton & Megapint?
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
The wonderful Danny Barton returns to The Cellar Bar this week, playing a mix of acoustic rock and pop crowd-pleasers and new material. He’s followed by Megapint? who are back for another regular gig at The Cellar Bar. Expect musical excellence mixed with a wonderfully curated list of rock/pop classics.
Friday 18 October 2024
Live music: Luther – Luther Vandross Celebration
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £26.50
The world’s premier show in celebration of ‘The Velvet Voice’. Experience all the hits from Luther Vandross’ amazing career, including many of the greatest dance anthems and love songs ever written. This show is fronted by international Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10-piece band.
From Saturday 19 October 2024
Family fun: Cardboard Clues presents Murder in the Museum
The Higgins Bedford
Tickets: £25 for up to six players
Part murder mystery, part escape room-esque puzzles and part Where’s Wally! Follow the Cardboard Clues characters around the museum, tracing their movements to piece together their stories to solve three unique and curious criminal cases.
How do you follow a real-life cardboard character? Simply look at the direction they’re walking and follow it. You’ll find them further along the route in another part of the museum. Maybe they’re acting suspiciously? Maybe they’ve dropped a clue along the way? Download the app, keep your eyes peeled and use your super-sleuthing skills to crack the case.
Saturday 19 October 2024
Live music: Monthly Saturday organ recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ noon
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Organ recital by Thomas Hawkes. Free with a retiring collection.
Saturday 19 October 2024
Classical music: Bedford Sinfonia concert
St Paul’s Church @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12 / £5 (student)
On Saturday, 19 October 2024, the Bedford Sinfonia’s concert with conductor Ian Smith will consist of a programme of music by three composers who were contemporaries, and whose musical lives were inexorably linked as either teacher or student.
Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 83 (The Hen) will be followed by Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, with acclaimed soloist Tim Hawes. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in Bb, Opus 60 will conclude the programme.
Saturday 19 October 2024
Music: The Ultimate Commitments & Blues Brothers Experience
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £18
Coming to the Quarry Theatre Bedford……In a show that has been described as “absolutely amazing” and “truly authentic”, take a trip down memory lane as you relive the storylines of both classic films and all the fantastic music of The Commitments and The Blues Brothers in a full live-band experience.
A show of two halves where Dublin Soul meets Chicago Blues. Plenty of laughs, crazy dance moves and loads of great Soul, Blues, and even a little Country and Western music in a night to truly remember.
Saturday 19 October 2024
Double header of live music: Cameo & Joe Cullen
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens at 6pm / Happy hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry.
Cellar Bar favourite Cameo is back for another solo performance so expect a beautiful voice and some cracking party tunes! Singing classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and so much in between, be ready for a great party night.
Afterwards, Joe Cullen is back performing, returning after what is only a couple of weeks where he played to a very full room. Playing covers by Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Oasis, Harry Styles, The Killers, Coldplay plus more…
Saturday 19 October 2024
Live music: The Sukis + Balter
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £10
Liverpool-based indie band The Sukis headline the iconic Bedford Esquires on Saturday, 19 October, joined by Northampton-based Balter as support.
Punky and intelligent with songs that dive deep into the psyche of what it is to be young, ‘The Sukis’ catchy, melodic and original material, has seen them sell out shows across the Northwest and drive their debut single Becca to over 20 million streams.
The band have developed a classic and distinct sound that explodes from their latest EP ‘A Sense of Doubt’, released Summer 2023, with nods to The Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Tame Impala and David Bowie.
Sunday 20 October 2024
Walking: “The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
The Norman Conquest of Britain witnessed the introduction of castles to the landscape and in Bedford, a major castle was built in the 12th century. Walk through the old castle grounds, see the mound on which it once stood and hear the story of the castle and its demise in the siege of 1224. This year witnesses the 800th anniversary of the Great Siege of Bedford Castle in 1224.
Join the Association of Bedford Tour Guides for one of their fascinating weekly walks. Each walk is of 90 minutes to two hours duration and covers a distance of one or two miles. Most walks are suitable for people who are less mobile.
Children of all ages are most welcome on all of the walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £4 per adult or £2 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.
Sunday 20 October 2024
Food and drink: Dead Pubs of Bedfordshire volume 3
The Fox Inn at Carlton @ 4pm – 6pm
Join local historian and pub aficionado, Lloyd Lugsden at the Fox at Carlton this weekend to celebrate the launch of the latest instalment of his Dead Pubs of Bedfordshire series. It’s a bargain at just £6 and you can also purchase copies of volumes 1 and 2 on the night.
The book covers dingly dells to the county town of Bedford, via Luton and is a celebration of the pubs, landlords, landladies and punters through the generations. With unashamed nostalgia, the volumes include anecdotes plus evocative pictorial insights of the pubs. Hostelries featured in volume 3 include The Crown on Tavistock Street to the lesser-known Jumps Inn in Marston Mortaine.
Copies are available from The Eagle Bookshop on St Peter’s Street or DM Dead Pubs of Bedfordshire on Facebook or Instagram to order your copy by post. A great Christmas gift for the barfly in your life.
Volume 3 has arrived just in time for Christmas and is a bargain at just £6. You can also grab a copy of volumes 1 and 2. Cheers!
Sunday 20 October 2024
Live music: Annual Chris Robinson Birthday Bash
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
It’s that time of year again when the Sunday afternoon session at Esquires pays tribute to a very special friend, Chris Robinson. The evening will feature friends who played with him, songs that he sang and the music of Pink Floyd that he loved.
There will be a collection and all money raised will go to one of Chris’s favourite charities: EMBRACE (a local charity who support children and adults with learning disabilities). If anyone would like to take part please message the May Contain Nutz page here.
Sunday 20 October 2024
Live music: U18’s Open Mic
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm – 7.00pm / bar opens at 4.30pm
Free entry
The Cellar Bar is throwing its doors open to the next generation of Bedford musicians, with a dedicated junior open mic session for under 18s.
Whether you sing, play guitar, drums, or any other musical instrument, or are a band already, you are welcome to take part. It’s a chance for you to perform on a stage in front of an audience with a full pa, drum kit, amps, lighting.
Hosted by none other than Mat Roberts, Mat will be on hand to offer support and advice, as well as doing a few jam sessions of his own.
Under 18’s are welcome in the bar from 5pm until 9pm on Sundays for Junior Open Mic.
Sunday 20 October 2024
Theatre: StageWrite: Autumn 24
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £5
StageWrite is a hothouse for the development of new writing for theatre, designed to help plays grow from page to performance. It supports writers in the process of getting their work up on its feet and in front of an audience for the very first time.
Plays are performed semi-staged, script in hand to allow for a more developed experience than a rehearsed reading (where actors simply read the play out loud). You’ll be amazed at how much we can do in a short space of time!
StageWrite presents two plays over the course of one evening, performed by professional actors, and includes a short Q&A session after each piece to allow audience members the chance to offer feedback and the writers to discover more about how their work is received. Every time StageWrite happens, it’s different – the nature of profiling brand new work!
Monday 21 – Tuesday 22 October 2024
Mental health and wellbeing: Headfest
The Quarry Theatre
Most events are free
Headfest is a positive mental health and wellbeing festival curated by BBC Radio Three Counties and taking place at the Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s on St Peter’s Street in Bedford.
Throughout Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 October, there are a range of FREE workshops, guest speakers and information stalls offering support and advice if or when help is needed. Events include talks, performances, screenings and stand-up comedy.
Read more and full listing of events here: BBC Three Counties hosts free mental health and wellbeing festival in Bedford
Monday 21 October 2024
Children’s Workshop: Headfest presents – Big Red Bath with Full House Theatre
The Quarry Theatre @ 10am; 1pm & 3pm
Tickets: Free but booking essential
As part of the Headfest festival, this is an interactive workshop for preschoolers with family favourites Full House Theatre. They’ll be joined by award winning children’s author Julia Jarman as she reads from her book Big Red Bath.
Children will be able to enjoy fun and games centred around the bestselling story. Booking is essential as places are limited, so don’t miss out on hearing about Ben and Bella, who are having so much fun in the bath, that everyone wants to join them.
Monday 21 October 2024
Film: Headfest presents – Dear Evan Hansen
The Quarry Theatre @ 6.30pm
Tickets: Free
Film adaptation of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical by Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul about Evan Hansen, a high-school senior with a severe social-anxiety disorder, whose letter to himself that was not meant to be seen by others lands wrongly in the hands of a classmate who commits suicide.
This incident sends Evan on a journey of self-discovery and gives him the chance to finally be accepted by his peers and live the life he never dreamed he could have.
Tuesday 22 October 2024
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ noon
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Piano recital by Lan Hu and friends.
Free with a retiring collection.
Tuesday 22 October 2024
Quizzing: 6 o’clock Record Club
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 6pm
Free entry
Join Pete Burridge for the 6 o’clock Record Club at The Castle on Newnham Street. Come along and enjoy a selection of great tunes from Pete’s record collection or bring along some of your own to be played on the evening too.
Tuesday 22 October 2024
Theatre: Santi & Naz
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £14
Santi and Naz are bestest-best friends living in a village in pre-partition India. One Sikh, one Muslim; they have little understanding of how religion will divide them.
As partition draws closer, the girls remain oblivious to the spreading social unrest and violence. They’re too busy stealing books, swimming in the lake and spying on Rahul (the local hottie).
When Naz is betrothed to a tailor from the soon-to-be capital of Pakistan the threat of separation for the young women looms on the horizon. Bound by their love for each other we learn how far they will go to avoid the inevitable. Santi & Naz explores female friendship, coming of age, and coming out set against the backdrop of a country soon to be changed forever.
Tuesday 22 October 2024
Film: Bedford Film Society presents – Evil Does Not Exist
The University of Bedford, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £70/annual membership, £5/day guest
Evil Does Not Exist is a 2023 Japanese drama film written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi. With a cast of non-professional actors, the film follows a single father who lives in a village that is disrupted by a real estate project and the consequences its development will have to their environment.
It won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2023 Venice Film Festival and Best Film at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival.
Tuesday 22 October 2024
Comedy: Juliette Burton: Hopepunk
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £10
In a negative world, hope is a rebellion. Award-winning comedian Juliette has been through hopeless times in her life. Join her, as part of the BBC Three Counties’ Headfest, as she questions where hope ends and naivety begins. Is positivity passé? Or is despair a deception?
Could relentless optimism be our friend or is hope punking us? EdFringe Total Sold Out shows 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023. As seen on BBC and ITV.
Thursday 24 October – Saturday 2 November 2024
Live music: Bedford Sings – a celebration of choral singing
Various locations
Do you sing in the shower? Do you think singing is only for the rugby ground or church? Then Bedford Sings is here to make you think again. The celebration of communal singing returns from 24 October – 2 November and project Director Duncan Fraser says they’re looking forward to celebrating some of the best choral singing in Bedford.
“We’ve got a range of exciting events from barbershop and collegiate to rock, Disney and Jazz. Over 500 singers will celebrate singing in all its forms, so come and join in the fun.” You can find out about all the events and book tickets at their website.
Thursday 24 October 2024
Theatre: Frankenstein (on a Budget)
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £14
One man, one monster, one glorious dream to singlehandedly tell the most famous cult horror story of all time, and absolutely no budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?
Frankenstein (On a Budget) features one actor, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather based puns, plenty of cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at. Can our ill fated doctor build his monstrous creation, play 25 characters, sing a lot of songs, attempt accents from across the world, perform a dance routine, and ultimately save the day in just 60 minutes?
Thursday 24 October 2024
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Last Chance Ragtime 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 25 October 2024
Children’s Theatre: Exploring 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!
Kaye Leidoskope (aka Kaye Mahoney) is an experienced performer and workshop leader who loves to help little ones (and big ones!) to create and learn. She also runs Puggle Club, the preschooler’s creative arts programme at The Higgins, and you can follow her on social media to find out more.
Friday 25 – Saturday 26 October 2024
Theatre: Murder for Two
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £23
An anarchic musical murder mystery with a twist: one actor investigates the crime, whilst the other plays all the suspects! And they both play the piano throughout!
When the body of an acclaimed novelist is discovered at his birthday party, all the guests fall under suspicion. Can local beat-cop and wannabe detective Officer Marcus solve the mystery before the experts arrive?
With non-stop live music from a shared piano, and plenty of murder and mayhem thrown in, Murder for Two is impossible to resist.
Friday 25 – Sunday 27 October 2024
Art: The Big Fat Salon Hang
POP STUDIO4, The Old Arcade @ 10am – 5pm (late event on Friday til 9pm)
Free entry
Since moving into their space in The Arcade, the POP STUDIO4 artists have gone from strength to strength. The last weekend of October will see this working studio transformed into a floor-to-ceiling feast of original art for sale; from framed originals and limited-edition prints to never-before-seen work created in the space.
“Our aim is to provide an unpretentious, welcoming, creative show for Bedford’s residents and visitors across three days,” said founder and artist, Talia Giles.
“This is a chance to see an art exhibit in the same space that is actually made, right in the heart of the town centre.”
Read: Art sale and exhibition ‘with a twist’ at Bedford’s Old Arcade
All the work on show will be for sale, with artwork to suit all budgets and tastes, from abstract and figurative painting through to intricate illustration and fantasy work.
Friday 25 October 2024
Live music: Duzzy Avocado + Zenana + Prawnstar Martini
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
The wonderful Duzzy Avocado have finished their EP and they are having a launch party at Esquires to celebrate. They’ll be joined by Zenana (read more about their 80s revival here) and Prawstar Martini.
It’s going to be one hell of a hoedown. Don’t miss out!
Friday 25 October 2024
Quizzing: Geoff Ware and friends present – Northern Soul, Motown and 60s/70s club classics
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
Join Geoff and friends for a fun evening of soul and Motown club classics.
Friday 25 October 2024
Live music: Lord Baker Soul & Ska Show
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
An incredible Soul and Ska show that will get you dancing from the first song. Lord Baker really knows how to entertain and you’re guaranteed an unmissable night.
Friday 25 October 2024
Live music: The Wave Pictures + Tugboat Captain
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50
Formed in 1998 in the tiny rural village of Wymeswold in northern Leicestershire, lead singer and guitarist David Tattersall, bassist Franic Rozycki, and drummer Jonny “Huddersfield” Helm were heavily influenced by both the music played by John Peel and their parents’ classic rock collections.
They soon relocated to London, signed to Moshi Moshi Records and have released countless highly acclaimed albums (as well as finding time to collaborate with acts such as Darren Hayman, Herman Dune, The Mountain Goats, Jeffrey Lewis and Stanley Brinks) ever since.
Much loved by BBC6 Music, The Wave Pictures are scarily prolific with a formidable discography. Frontman Tattersall is both a brilliant songwriter and guitarist, often compared to Tom Verlaine (Television), Jonathan Richman and Johnny Marr.
Saturday 26 October 2024
Live music: Skimmington Ride
The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
The Wellington is pulling out all the stops this Halloween with a beer festival AND a performance from Skimmington Ride – a full-on Pogues meets the Dubliners mash-up.
A right ruaille baillie will be had, plus Crown and Heel will be smashing burgers too.
Saturday 26 October 2024
Dancing: Halloween Silent Disco
Bedford Esquires @ 2.30pm – 5pm (family edition) / 9.30pm – 2am (adult edition)
Tickets: see website
It wouldn’t be Halloween without Esquires’ legendary Silent Discos. As ever, the venue will be getting a full makeover for the evening, with Halloween decor throughout the room and a request for revellers to dress to distress!
**Prizes will be on offer for the best (and worst) dressed individuals and groups**
Three DJs will be battling it out, just flick the switch on the new, bass-heavy headphones to choose which one you want to listen to!
Daytime disco for families, 18+ event from 9.30pm.
Saturday 26 October 2024
Live music: Halloween Party with music from World On Fire until 1am
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy Hour until 9pm / late close
Free entry
There have been some ghoulish goings on at The Cellar Bar recently with tin plates disappearing and holes appearing in the walls. The bad spirits have definitely arrived.
Saturday night is Halloween Night and World On Fire are bringing the best spooktacular party vibes to Bedford. Join in the fun to banish those bad spirits and everyone will have an un-boo-lievable evening.
Prizes for the best Halloween fancy dress.
Saturday 26 October 2024
Live music: Dreadzone + DJ Greg Dread
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
After numerous sell-out shows at Bedford Esquires, Dreadzone return as part of their autumn tour to promote their new album NINE.
Nine is the ninth official studio album from Dreadzone and is a reflection of the last five years and a culmination of growing and re-inventing the Dread sound. Dreadzone have been releasing albums and progressively bettering, refining and perfecting their own unique and inimitable take on dub since their inception in 1993. They have successfully navigated through an ever-changing musical landscape and have been a creative force now for over three decades.
At the helm is producer, founder, writer and drummer Greg Dread with bass-master Leo Williams plus Bazil and Blake Roberts with new faces and voices joining Earl 16 and Spee on vocals on the record. Nine also features LSK (Faithless), Cheshire Cat (Leftfield), Zoe Devlin (Alabama 3) and contributions from Don Letts and original Dreadzone member Tim Bran.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Walking: “The Life and Times of John Bunyan” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
Discover the story of Bedford’s most famous son who was imprisoned for his non-conformist preaching. Visit the site of the cottage in which John and his family lived, the churches in which he worshipped and the site of the gaol in which he spent 12 long years and began to write one of the best-selling books in history, The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Join the Association of Bedford Tour Guides for one of their fascinating weekly walks. Each walk is of 90 minutes to two hours duration and covers a distance of one or two miles. Most walks are suitable for people who are less mobile.
Children of all ages are most welcome on all of the walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £4 per adult or £2 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Theatre: Kickhouse Mysterium
The Place Theatre @ 11.30am
Tickets: £12 / £8 / family ticket £32
A quest to make amends, in a magical world of Mysterium. A magical comedy fable, of few words, about perseverance & achievement.
Jon, the chaotic student of Frank the Dog, breaks a precious artefact and has to redeem himself through a series of bizarre, yet playful, challenges and games. if successful Jon will acquire the status of ‘master’, repair the artifact and redeem himself.
Along the way Jon is hampered in his quest; with setbacks, twists, turns, and the interference of the sinister Cyprian Londt. Funny, fast-paced, stylish, ‘clowning’, set in a ‘home-made’, magical, world full of contraptions, illusions and mystifying objects.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Live music: Soul Factory – Sunday Chillout with DJ Rocky
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / bar opens at 3.00pm
Free entry
Head to the Cellar Bar for an afternoon of soul and rnb music with Soul Factory. Happy Hour is also from 3pm now on a Sunday.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Live music: Millie Manders & The Shut Up + Ramona’s Tea Party
Bedford Esquires @ 4pm
Tickets: £15
Millie Manders and The Shutup create cross-genre punk that is hard to ignore.
With a lyricism that pokes fun, draws you in or leaves you questioning social norms teamed with incredible vocal dexterity, grinding guitars, irresistible horn hooks and a pumping rhythm section, the Millie Manders Music Machine churns out more raw punk fusion than you can shake a stick at, with a huge amount of Pop appeal.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Live music: Vinyl Frontier play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Post Punk and new wave covers band Vinyl Frontier play the Sunday Afternoon session.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Relas: Saturday Soundbath
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £15
Seeking relaxation and mindfulness in Bedford? Then allow Yanni to treat you to a relaxing Sound Bath experience at The Place Theatre. A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants are “bathed” in sound waves produced by various healing instruments.
As you recline comfortably, you’ll be enveloped in the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, rattles, chimes, and drums.
For further information on booking, see the Place website.
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.
At the Panacea Museum
Permanent exhibition: Discover the amazing story of a unique religious community
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford MK40 3NX
11am – 5pm (last entry 4.30) Thursday – Sunday | From 3 October: Thursday- Saturday – 10am – 4pm (last entry 3.30)
Free entry
This fascinating hidden gem of a museum tells the story of the Panacea Society – a Christian group formed in the early twentieth century who created their own ‘Garden of Eden’ in the centre of Bedford.
The Panacea Museum is located across several Victorian buildings that formed the community’s headquarters. It tells the story of the Panacea Society and other similar religious groups.
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 to the Cellar Bar from 7.30pm.
Theatre highlights by Paula Walker
