Bedford Borough Council has confirmed that Queen Street Car Park will remain open overnight on selected dates during this year’s Bedford Summer Sessions, offering free parking after 6pm to support concertgoers heading to Bedford Park.
The move is designed to make it easier for music fans to attend the hugely popular live music series, which takes place throughout July and features performances from artists including McFly, Simple Minds, The Human League, Supergrass, and more.
Parking will be free after 6pm at Queen Street Car Park (MK40 2HA) on the following event dates:
- Thursday, 3 July 2025: Simple Minds with Alison Moyet & KT Tunstall
- Saturday, 5 July 2025: Rag’n’Bone Man with Gavin James & Elles Bailey
- Sunday, 6 July 2025: Proms in the Park featuring Russell Watson, Lesley Garrett, conducted by Robert Emery
- Thursday, 10 July 2025: The Human League with Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins) & Blancmange
- Friday, 11 July 2025: Café Mambo Ibiza – DJs incl. Melanie C, Jax Jones, Fedde Le Grand, Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago, CHLO, FIVEPAST5
- Saturday, 12 July 2025: Supergrass with The Coral & Willie J Healey
- Sunday, 13 July 2025: McFly with Twin Atlantic & Devon
The car park is usually free for the first two hours, but will now remain accessible overnight on these seven dates, removing any worries about post-concert restrictions or closures.
Safe and easy access
Cllr Nicola Gribble (independent/Renhold & Ravensden), Portfolio Holder for Environment, said the initiative was designed to enhance the experience for visitors and reduce pressure on parking across the town.
“We want to make sure everyone can fully enjoy the Bedford Summer Sessions, one of Bedford’s most exciting cultural events,” she said.
“By keeping Queen Street Car Park open overnight and offering free parking after 6pm on event nights, we are making it easier for those attending to do so safely and comfortably.”
Alternatives
All council-owned town centre car parks offer free parking all day on Sundays, and three 24-hour multi-storey sites provide additional options for concertgoers:
- Lurke Street Multi-Storey (MK40 3HZ) – 790 spaces, free after 6pm, approx. 10-minute walk to Bedford Park
- Allhallows Multi-Storey (MK40 1LX) – 430 spaces, free after 6pm, approx. 12-minute walk
- River Street Multi-Storey (MK40 1UH) – 465 spaces, open 24 hours, approx. 15-minute walk (standard evening charges apply)
Notices will be displayed at Queen Street Car Park in advance of each date to inform drivers about the extended hours and free parking offer.
Bedford Summer Sessions is the latest evolution of Bedford Park Concerts, bringing world-class live music to a Grade II-listed park in the heart of the borough.
Read: Bringing the £6million party to Bedford: Why top promoters are backing our town
