Back in the mists of time (2014) Buzzfeed posted 57 Reasons Why Living in London Ruins your Life. We’re not ones to jump on bandwagons immediately, so six months later here are our 57 Reasons Living in Bedford Ruins You for Life:
1 Because the beautiful River Great Ouse runs right through it.
2 Because the Victorians did such an amazing job when they designed Bedford Park.
3 Because right next to the river is Russell Park.
4 Because internationally successful sportsmen and women come from Bedford.
5 Because Just Giving announced that Bedford was the most generous town in the UK.
6 Because the River Festival is the largest free UK festival after Notting Hill Carnival.
7 Because Bedfringe brings internationally renowned artists to Bedford theatres.
8 Because the Kite Festival attracts thousands of kite fans each year.
9 Because John Bunyan wrote the Pilgrim’s Progress here.
10 Because penal reformer John Howard lived here.
11 Because we have some stunning public art including statues, sculptures and musical steps.
12 Because the Cardington hangars are seriously massive.
13 Because our local delicacy, the Bedfordshire Clanger, is truly unique.
14 Because the town supports an independent arts and culture paper: Bedford Clanger.
15 Because Bedford Film Festival brings cinematic variety to locations around the town.
16 Because some of the best bands in the world have played at Esquires.
17 Because one of our nightclubs (The Pad) is in an end of terrace house.
18 Because The Quarry Theatre will open soon.
19 Because we have the Place Theatre and UoB Theatre in town too.
20 Because Bedfordians show compassion and tolerance.
21 Because there’s almost nowhere as diverse in the whole country.
22 Because of all the curry houses on Tavistock Street.
23 Because we’ve got Charles Wells brewery.
24 Because there is so much creativity here.
25 Because we have a great market.
26 Because of our community spirit.
27 Because of the wealth of food, coffee and culture the Italian community has brought to Bedford.
28 Because of the Gurdwara in Queens Park.
29 Because The Higgins is a great place to spend a day with the family.
30 Because The Panacea Museum celebrates the non-conformity of Bedfordians.
31 Because the John Bunyan Museum celebrates the life of Bedford’s most famous son.
32 Because the river can be enjoyed on the John Bunyan Community Boat.
33 Because just minutes from the town centre is Priory Country Park.
34 Because of volunteer-led events like Bedford Park Run.
35 Because we have no Starbucks (in the town centre).
36 Because of all the pubs.
37 Because it’s great being twinned with Bamberg which brews over 50 beers.
38 Because of Bedford Beer Festival…
39 …. and the Bamberg beer festival
40 Because The Welly doesn’t serve lager.
41 Because we can get fabulous cocktails at Lost & Found.
42 Because of the Eagle Bookshop.
43 Because of creative collectives like the Eagle Gallery.
44 Because the Bedford Blues are at the heart of the town.
45 Because you can do indoor skydiving at Bodyflight.
46 Because St Paul’s Church is a beautiful centrepiece to the town.
47 Because Bromham Apple Day is the only place you’ll see ferret racing.
48 Because we’re lucky enough to have so many indie retailers.
49 Because Goldings sells pretty much anything you could want…
50 … and if they don’t have it, Harrison & Simmonds probably will.
51 Because strolling down the Embankment on a sunny day makes you feel glad to be alive.
52 Because Etienne Stott made sure we got a golden post box.
53 Because of the amazing Bedfordshire countryside.
54 Because Bedford’s talented musicians can be found at jam nights almost every day of the week.
55 Because where else would you find a bar like Noble Rot?
56 Because La Piazza is a great place to watch the world go by.
57 Because of the people….
