What’s on Bedford: 25 June – 6 July 2025

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 Wednesday and is the only guide you need to find out 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 Bedford.


Tuesday, 24 June – Saturday, 28 June 2025

Community Theatre: Hangmen
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12

A pint of lager alongside a hand-drawn hangman doodle

Harry Wade is a hangman who likes to keep his counsel. Until the momentous day when hanging is finally abolished in the UK and Harry is asked to give an interview to the local paper.

Surrounded by his acolytes and family, his vanity gets the better of him and he agrees to speak his mind. At the same time, a stranger walks into Harry’s pub who will set off a chain of events that will eventually spiral out of even Harry’s tight control.


Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Art: The Circus of Illustration’s Drink and Draw – Summer Parties
The Park pub, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Free (£2 donation appreciated)

The Circus of Illustration's June event is based on summer parties and the poster is a sunset sky with the words Summer Party Drink and Draw

On the last Tuesday of every month, Bedford’s creative community meets up at the Park pub for the Circus of Illustration’s monthly Drink and Draw sessions. With a different theme each month, it’s open to absolutely anyone (over 18) of any skill level and there’s no need to book.

This month, it’s a celebration of all our favourite summer celebrations! Are you hosting a barbie? Seeing the sunrise at the stones? Putting on a kite and car fest? Let everyone know what’s going on with your own poster or invite

Equipment and resources are provided in a no-pressure, relaxed atmosphere to chat, drink and doodle.

Drink and Draw is for all grown ups!
– Chat with new people who like creative stuff
– Do some no-pressure doodling and get inspiration from others.
– Equipment provided
– All abilities welcome
– No membership, no signing up, it’s free to just turn up and join in.
– £2 donation welcome!


Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Walking: “A Tour of St Peter’s Church” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)

St Peter's Church, Bedford. Image: St Peter's Church

St. Peter’s church is one of the oldest Saxon churches in Bedfordshire. It has withstood attacks by the Vikings and the Normans and two world wars and has played an important part in the history and development of Bedford. Join our guides on a tour of this historic church and discover its story.

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.


Wednesday, 25 June 2025

On the river: Anchor Lunch Cruise
Priory Marina @ 11.15am
Tickets: £47

The John Bunyan Community Boat on the River Great Ouse with Bedford's Castle Mound in the background
The John Bunyan Community Boat

Enjoy a cruise on the River Great Ouse, departing from Priory Marina by coach at 11.15am, to Great Barford for a pub lunch at The Anchor and return via a three-hour cruise on the John Bunyan Boat to Priory Marina. Enjoy a drink or snacks available onboard from our Galley Bar.


Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm   Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz.  Rolling cash jackpot of £150 plus £60 cash for the winning team and other prizes to win

Cellar Bar - SpeedQuizzing

Quiz nights will never be the same again as SpeedQuizzing comes to Bedford town centre.  Get your team of up to six players together and enjoy a fun, interactive night of entertainment hosted by Owen.

There’s a £60 bar tab to the winners and there is a rolling jackpot each week. 

Walk ins are allowed on the night until the venue is full.  Reserve your table online and get a 20 point head start.


Thursday, 26 and Friday, 27 June 2025

Theatre: Bedford School Creative Arts Festival presents – A Servant to Two Masters
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets:£9.00 (£7.00 concessions)

A Servant to Two Masters Image Bedford School

This slapstick play revolves around the wily, greedy servant Truffaldino, who, in trying to fill both his purse and his stomach, attempts to serve two masters simultaneously. Meanwhile, his mistress disguises herself as her dead brother to claim the dowry from his bewildered, bereft fiancée.

The plot is full of mishaps and mix-ups, confusions, disguises and mistaken identity, before the murder and entangled romances can be resolved. Lee Hall’s contemporary, faithful version is fast-paced, funny and idiomatic. This show will have you rolling in the aisles! Part of Bedford School’s Creative Arts Festival 2025.


Friday, 27 June 2025

Children’s Theatre: Exploring Summertime with Kaye Leidoscope
The Place Theatre @ 10am
Tickets: from £2

Kaye Leideskope is wearing a zebra print jacket against a pink background and looks like she is holding up a rainbow with both hands
Image: Kay Leiderskope

Join Kaye Leidoskope for these monthly lively and lovely interactive sessions for children aged two to five years and their grown-ups. At each session, a new subject area like transport, animals and weather, is explored.

You can expect play, songs, crafts, and there are always bubbles… perfect for little ones to creatively learn through play!


Friday, 27 June 2025

Live music: Skinnyman
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £14.25 / £16.96

Skinnyman performing

Skinnyman is one of the few British emcees who needs almost no introduction.

After the period of incarceration, he released his masterful solo debut album, “Council Estate of Mind”, in 2004 with a deal via Low Life Records. Heavily autobiographical and socially analytical, the album makes much use of samples from “Made in Britain”, a British film from the early 80s.


Friday, 27 June 2025

Live Music:  Generation 5pan
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry

A line drawing of the band Generation Span

Generation 5pan are back to The Cellar Bar this month, playing a mix of rock/pop and blues covers from the 50’s to modern day. These guys know how to rock a venue and they’ll definitely be rocking The Cellar Bar.


Saturday, 28 June 2025

Live music: Cockney Sing-a-long
The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street @ 7pm
Free

Tom Carradine offers a traditional Cockney knees up at The Wellington Arms

If you like a right old Cockney knees up, then the Welly is the place for you this month. On Saturday, 28 June, Tom Carradine will be hosting a Cockney sing-along for anyone that is ready to roll out the barrel and get their knees up, Mother Brown.


Saturday, 28 June 2025

Dance music: Betty Boo + Catlea
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £26

A head shot of the British rapper Betty Boo
Betty Boo still doing the do. Image: Sonic PR

Hip Hop pioneer and 90’s icon Betty Boo is a platinum-selling, Brit, and Ivor Novello Award-winning singer-songwriter and rapper. In 2022 after a 30 year hiatus, Betty Boo made an unexpected return with the critically acclaimed Boomerang and is back on the road to celebrate 35 years of Boomania.

Read our interview with Betty Boo here.


Saturday, 28 June 2025

Live music: The World Famous Elvis Show
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £30

Elvis impersonator Chris Connor

Starring and produced by world-renowned Elvis performer Chris Connor, with his 12-piece live band ‘The Steels’, and backing vocals by ‘The Sweet Harmonies’, this production recreates two iconic Elvis Presley concerts.

If you were not lucky enough to see Elvis live, you will walk away from this concert feeling that you have! 


Saturday, 28 June 2025

Live Music: New Harmony
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy Hour until 9pm /3am close
Free entry

Black and white photo of soul duo New Harmony

Making a return to The Cellar Bar, New Harmony, are the ultimate crowd pleasers, bringing you the very best in Reggae, Motown and all the classics.


Sunday, 29 June 2025

Community: Armed Forces Day
Bedford town centre from 10am

Armed Forces Day parade on Bedford High Street. Image: Bedford Borough Council
Armed Forces Day parade on Bedford High Street. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Bikers will lead a parade down Bedford High Street this Sunday to begin the annual celebrations of Armed Forces Day in the town centre.

150 people will be taking part in the parade, which will begin at De Parys Avenue at 10am and culminate at Harpur Square for the special celebrations to honour serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military charities.

Read: Parade and festivities planned this month for Armed Forces Day


Sunday, 29 June 2025

Walking: “The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)

River Great Ouse. Image: Bedford Borough Council
River Great Ouse. Image: Bedford Borough Council

The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown is undoubtedly the River Great Ouse and its Embankment. This entertainig and informative circular walk takes you along the banks of the river, which has been described as one of the finest riverside settings in England. Learn the story of the Victorian Embankment development and enjoy a walk in the ornamental gardens.

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, 29 June 2025

Gardens: Howbury Hall garden opening
Howbury Hall, Renhold @ 2pm – 5pm
Tickets: £6 (in aid of St Paul’s Church Tower, Clock & Bells Appeal) / Free for children under 12

Howbury Hall's walled garden

Visit Howbury Hall’s late Victorian garden with mature trees, sweeping lawns and herbaceous borders. The large walled garden is run as a cut flower business in one half and for growing a variety of vegetables in the other half. Tea and cake is available and all proceeds go to the St Paul’s Church appeal.

Entry via front drive off the A4280/St Neots Rd.


Sunday, 29 June 2025

Film: Premiere of It’s Time
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 5pm
Tickets: £10

The poster for the Italian independent film, It's Time, filmed in Italy and Bedford

It’s Time is a powerful, socially conscious independent Italian film directed by Matteo Pedone and Michele Creanza, making its UK premiere in Bedford.

Shot across Southern Italy and England – including scenes in Puglia, Campania, London, and Bedford – this independent production tells a compelling story of injustice, resilience, and the courage to say enough is enough.

More than just a film, It’s Time is a community project involving members of the Italian diaspora in Bedford, created on a small budget but with enormous heart and purpose. It features well-known Italian actors such as Gerardo Placido, Alvaro Vitali, and Ludovica Pedone, and touches on themes of oppression, dignity, and personal rebirth.

Italian (with southern dialects) with English subtitles


Monday, 30 June 2025

Art and culture: Bedford School Creative Arts Festival Keynote Speech: Martin Gayford
The Great Hall, Bedford School, 1.45pm
Free

Art critic and writer Martin Gayford

How Painting Happens and Why it Matters is this year’s keynote speech at Bedford School’s Creative Arts Festival 2025. Drawing on decades of conversations with practising artists including Frank Auerbach, Lucian Freud and Jenny Saville amongst many others, the art critic and writer Martin Gayford offers intimate insight into the practice, meaning and potential of painting.

As a way of making images, pigment applied to any surface, from cave wall to canvas, painting has been around for tens of thousands of years. Yet it has proved capable of endless renewal. In his talk, based on his book, Martin will explain ‘How Painting Happens and Why it Matters’. All are welcome.


Monday, 30 June 2025

Exhibition: Bedford School Creative Arts Festival presents: Students’ End of Year Art Exhibition
The Art School, Bedford School @ 6.30pm
Free entry

Bedford School boys taking part in this year's Creative Arts Festival

View the stunning art coursework and exam pieces that Bedford School’s Upper Sixth and Fifth Form boys have been working on for months as part of their GCSE, A Level and IB courses.

Take in the imagination of the boys and see their thoughts and ideas realised on paper, canvas, in print and in sculpture. Part of Bedford School’s Creative Arts Festival 2025.


Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)

Close up of violin. Image Pixabay : niekverlaan

Lunchtime recital featuring students from Bedford Modern School. Free with a retiring collection.


Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Walking: “Bedford in WWII” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)

The bust of Glenn Miller is situated on the exterior of the Corn Exchange in Bedford

A walk that reveals the way of life in Bedford and some of the little-known facts about the role it played during World War II. Learn how Bedford became the main hub of the BBC during the war and how it also became a centre of wartime entertainment. Discover a ‘secret’ Bedford and the connections of the town to the code breakers at Bletchley park. 

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.


Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Food & drink: How frozen food waste is heating up sustainability
Gastronomica, Colworth Science Park @ 12.30pm
Free entry

Can innovative freezing turn food waste into opportunity?

Discover why frozen is the ‘hottest’ sustainability focus in 2025. Mitch Lee – Podcast host and senior NAM PACK’D explores how the world’s most wasted foods are being reframed. You’ll also experience a tasting session with sensational plant-based goodies. This is a FREE event – come to learn, taste and discuss.


Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm   Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz.  Rolling cash jackpot of £150 plus £60 cash for the winning team and other prizes to win

Cellar Bar - SpeedQuizzing

Quiz nights will never be the same again as SpeedQuizzing comes to Bedford town centre.  Get your team of up to six players together and enjoy a fun, interactive night of entertainment hosted by Owen.

There’s a £60 bar tab to the winners and there is a rolling jackpot each week. 

Walk-ins are allowed on the night until the venue is full.  Reserve your table online and get a 20 point head start.


Thursday 3, July 2025

Live music: Bedford School Creative Arts Festival Concert
The Chapel and the Great Hall, Bedford School @ 6.30pm
Free

A Bedford School boy plays the violin against a neon green splatted background made up for musical symbols

Bedford School’s Creative Arts Festival is delighted to present a wonderful showcase of the talent and creativity of the musicians in the Upper School.

An evening not to be missed! Part of Bedford School’s Creative Arts Festival 2025.


Thursday, 3 July 2025

Quiz: Esquires’ Monthly Music Quiz
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
£2 per person / max six people per team

Esquires music quiz poster featuring two cartoon milk cartons

Brain cells at the ready, it’s Esquires music quiz and everyone’s welcome. Featuring music from the 50’s to the present, it’s £2 per person to enter with teams of up to a maximum of six people.

Cash prize for the winning team.


Thursday, 3 July 2025

Dancing: Planet Swing featuring The Fabulous Miss Jones Trio
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99

The three members of the Fabulous Miss Jones Jazz Trio
Image: The Fabulous Miss Jones Jazz Trio

An evening for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. Cashless bar, plenty of seating (nightclub 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.


Thursday, 3 July 2025

Live music: Irish Folk Night
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry

Exterior shot of the traditional Castle pub on Newnham Street in Bedford. There are abundant hanging baskets and the pub looks very inviting.
The Castle pub on Newnham Street.

Great fun evening of foot-tapping Irish tunes to sing long to on the first Thursday of every month. Free entry and the craic is sure to be mighty!


Thursday, 3 July 2025

TK Maxx Summer Sessions Presents: Simple Minds, Alison Moyet, KT Tunstall
Bedford Park
Tickets: £64.40

Simple Minds Image: Via Cuffe & Taylor
Simple Minds Image: Via Cuffe & Taylor

The legendary Simple Minds will be kicking off this year’s TK Maxx Presents Bedford Summer Sessions this Thursday, with their open-air gig in Bedford Park.

Support comes from the equally brilliant Alison Moyet and KT Tunstall.

Read: Simply brilliant support acts announced for Simple Minds Bedford Park gig


Friday, 4 & Saturday, 5 July 2025

Youth theatre: Love Alters Not – a showcase of classic love stories through time
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre
Tickets: from £15

Two performers are on stage; a man stands in the spotlight on the stage while a woman stands on a balcony above him

Love Alters Not is a devised project taking scenes from works spanning ancient Greece, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare to modern day, channelling them into one complete showcase of how love and heartbreak go with the times. Performed and created solely by a group of eager young artists and creatives. sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk/tickets/


Friday, 4 July 2025

Family fun:Puggle Club
The Higgins Bedford @ 10.30am – midday / 1pm – 2.30pm
Free / no need to book


A chance to get creative, have fun, and socialise at this free, drop-in activity at the Higgins. Please be aware some activities might not be suitable for children under 36 months. Children must be accompanied by an adult and all activities are subject to availability; if the room is getting a bit full, you might be asked to wait until there is space. Come along and enjoy the fun!


Friday, 4 July 2025

Live music: Bedford School Creative Arts Festival presents: A Jazz Evening with Bedford School Jazz Orchestra
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £60 for a table of 6, £5 for upper tier seats

Members of the Bedford School Jazz Orchestra

The Bedford School Jazz Orchestra will perform a huge variety of music, from swing classics to contemporary funk/groove. There will be something for everyone!

Also on show will be some smaller jazz chamber groups and the New Jazz Collective, plus a mystery special guest, with the Quarry Theatre transformed into a Jazz Cafe for one night only. Part of Bedford School’s Creative Arts Festival 2025.


Friday, 4 July 2025

Live music: Glam Rampage 
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm
Free entry

Glam Rampage are making their debut at The Cellar Bar this week. This four-piece glam rock band playing hits from the early 70’s by T Rex, Sweet, Mud, Slade, Bowie and more.


Saturday, 5 July 2025

Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Wilstead, Whitworth Way Car Park, MK45 3DY @ 10am
Wootton Upper School, MK43 9HT @ 1.30pm

North Bedfordshire Ramblers group walking towards the hangars at Cardington
North Bedfordshire Ramblers group walking towards the hangars at Cardington. Image: North Bedfordshire Ramblers

At 10am join the North Beds Ramblers’ morning ramble for a leisurely five-miler towards Haynes.

In the afternoon, they’ll walk a six-mile circular route starting at Wootton Upper School.

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, 5 July 2025

Double header of live music: Cameo & Five Five Six
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy Hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry

The band Five Five Six on stage holding guitars

They are back!

First up, Cellar Bar favourite Cameo is back for another solo performance, so expect a beautiful voice and some cracking party tunes from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and so much in between.

If you’ve not seen Five Five Six at The Cellar Bar before, you are in for a treat, get ready for a great night of legendary rock tunes!


Saturday, 5 July 2025

TKMaxx Summer Sessions Presents: Rag n Bone Man + Gavin James + Elles Bailey
Bedford Park
Tickets: £57.15

Rag'n'Bone Man will headline Bedford Summer Sessions in 2025. Image: HARRIETTKBOLS
Rag’n’Bone Man will headline Bedford Summer Sessions in 2025. Image: HARRIETTKBOLS

BRIT award-winner, Rag’n’Bone Man, is headlining Bedford Park this Saturday..

The singer, who broke onto the music scene in 2016 with his single ‘Human’, is known for blending blues and hip hop with raw emotion and joins Simple Minds on this year’s Summer Sessions opening weekend lineup.

Read: Rag’n’Bone Man announced as latest headliner of Bedford Summer Sessions 2025


Saturday, 5 July 2025

Theatre: The Hundred-Year-Old Letter
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12

A postage stamp featuring half George V and half Queen Elizabeth

In 1916, Christabel Mennell writes a letter of apology to Katie Marsh. It is finally delivered in 2021 and becomes a global news sensation. Travelling from Bath to London, via two world wars and two pandemics, the unreceived letter of apology sparked people’s imaginations.

After a year of speculation and research, Good Wolf peels back the layers of time to reveal a funny, moving story of history, war, faith, friendship and porridge oats.


Sunday, 6 July 2025

Walking: “I Never Knew That” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)

Bedford Town Centre from above
Bedford Town Centre Image: Bedford Borough Council

“I Never Knew That”

The most commonly heard phrase after the completion of a Guided Walk. This Walk encompasses all that information about Bedford and its many features that YOU never knew!

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, 6 July 2025

Cruising: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the John Bunyan Boat
Departing from Priory Marina @ 2pm
Tickets: £42.40

Afternoon tea on the John Bunyan Boat

Enjoy a Special Afternoon Tea Cruise on the John Bunyan Boat, complete with vintage crockery from local caterer Crème Brew Lait.

You’ll be welcomed aboard with a glass of fruit juice, before settling down to an afternoon tea while cruising Bedford’s picturesque countryside along the River Great Ouse.

Discover abundant wildlife and view the picturesque countryside from a whole new angle, looking out through large picture windows or standing out on the John Bunyan Bow.


Sunday, 6 July 2025

Bingo: Bingo Night
The Kent Arms, Salisbury Street @ 7.30pm for 8pm start

Black Tom Bingo bursting out of a bunch of bingo balls

Enjoy an exciting new Bingo Night in the heart of the Black Tom/Prime Ministers area. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a total beginner, this fun and friendly event is open to all. Expect great prizes, a raffle during the break, and plenty of laughs.

Entry is just £10 for a five-page bingo book and if you book online, you’ll receive a free dabber. Dogs are welcome too, so feel free to bring your furry friends along!


Sunday, 6 July 2025

TKMaxx Summer Sessions Presents: Proms in the Park with Russell Watson & Lesley Garrett
Bedford Park
Tickets: £57.15

Russell Watson and Lesley Garrett CBE. Image: Cuffe & Taylor
Russell Watson and Lesley Garrett CBE. Image: Cuffe & Taylor

The much-loved Proms in the Park is set to return to Bedford Park this Sunday, as part of the Bedford Summer Sessions – and this year’s lineup promises an unforgettable evening of classical favourites.

Leading the bill is Russell Watson, the UK’s most prolific classical recording artist. Known for his record-breaking albums The Voice and Encore, Watson is the only classical vocalist to sell over a million albums in the UK alone, achieving platinum status worldwide.

Joining him on stage will be Lesley Garrett CBE, one of Britain’s most celebrated sopranos. With a career spanning over 40 years, Garrett has captivated audiences across opera, musical theatre, concerts, and television.

Read: Russell Watson and Lesley Garrett to headline Bedford Proms in the Park 2025


At the Higgins Bedford

Exhibition: Colour and Light
The Higgins Bedford until 2 November 2025
Free entry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is At-Binsey-Near-Oxford-George-Price-Boyce-1862.jpg
At Binsey, Near Oxford, George Price Boyce, 1862. Image: The Higgins Bedford

Art from the 18th century right up to the present day will be on display at The Higgins Bedford in its new exhibition, exploring the fascinating relationship between Colour and Light.

Read: Exhibition: ‘Colour and Light’ illuminates The Higgins Bedford

Running until 2 November 2025, the exhibition will showcase works from The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection, including iconic pieces by JMW Turner, John Singer Sargent, Sonia Delaunay, Peter Blake, and Chila Kumari Singh Burman.

Colour and Light will also feature a specially commissioned artwork by Bedford-based artist, Alison Goodyear, entitled ‘Light & Colour’, as featured on the front cover of the February issue of the Bedford Clanger. This immersive digital experience, created in collaboration with four Bedford community groups and is inspired by the works in the exhibition.


Exhibition: Edward Bawden – Printmaker
The Higgins Bedford until 26 April
Free entry

A Frog and an Ox by Edward Bawden
Edward Bawden Printmaker. Image: The Higgins Bedford

Take a trip to the Higgins Bedford to explore the Edward Bawden Printmaker exhibition, which celebrates Bawden’s remarkable legacy as ‘The Master of the Linocut’ and offers visitors a chance to delve into his innovative techniques and artistic achievements.


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
Free entry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Panacea-Museum-Garden-of-Eden.jpg

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.


Exhibition: The Panacea Society and the Second World War
The Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford MK40 3NX @ Thursday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Free entry

A new social history exhibition has opened at the Panacea Museum this month, exploring the unseen story of this remarkable society and World War II.

Read: New exhibition: The Panacea Society and the Second World War

The beautiful gardens surrounding the Museum are currently filled with blossoming trees, birds, butterflies and bees, and a stroll through the grounds is a highly recommended in addition to a visit to the museum.


Occasional Wednesdays (please check website)

Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm   Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz.  Rolling cash jackpot of £150 plus £60 cash for the winning team and other prizes to winTo reserve your table –

Quiz nights will never be the same again as SpeedQuizzing comes to Bedford town centre.  Get your team of up to six players together and enjoy a fun, interactive night of entertainment hosted by Owen.

There’s a £60 bar tab to the winners and there is a rolling jackpot each week. 

Walk ins are allowed on the night until the venue is full.  Reserve your table online and get a 20 point head start.


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

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