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.
Wednesday, 30 July 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 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 prebooked.
Thursday, 31 July 2025
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Minnie and the Moochers
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 (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.
Friday, 1 August 2025
Family fun: Puggle Club
The Higgins Bedford @ 10.30am – midday and 1pm – 2.30pm
Free drop-in activity
A chance to get creative, have fun, and socialise. Puggle Club is a free drop-in activity, so no need to book. Just pop in any time and stay for as long as you like.
Please be aware that 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 may be asked to wait until there is space.
Friday, 1 August 2025
Live music: Tom Robinson Band + Hens Bens
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
Tom Robinson first became known in the late 1970s as a musician and LGBT activist, releasing 2-4-6-8 Motorway, Glad To Be Gay, Up Against The Wall and the band’s debut album Power In The Darkness, which went gold in the UK and Japan.
As a radio broadcaster, Tom hosts two shows a week on BBC Radio 6 Music and was awarded a fellowship of LIPA for his support of new music.
Friday, 1 August 2025
Live music: alphabet + The Vandervalls + Tie-Break
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
London-based alternative band alphabet are quickly making a name for themselves with their dynamic fusion of post-punk grit and ethereal soundscapes.
Formed by four close friends – Lena, Milo, Tom, and George – the group’s roots trace back to Brighton, where they first crossed paths while playing in different bands. When life led them all to leave Brighton around the same time, they reconnected in London, and alphabet was born.
Drawing inspiration from The Cure, Slowdive, and Sonic Youth, their sound is a mix of melodic yet abrasive guitars, meteoric drumming, and a balance of punchy and atmospheric vocals. Their music walks the line between urgency and dreamlike serenity, turning raw emotion into something hypnotic and powerful.
Since playing their first show in late 2023, alphabet has been making waves in the UK’s alternative scene. They’ve supported acts like Our Girl, Humour, Ulrika Spacek, Traams and Splint, earning respect from the likes of Fontaines D.C. and Shame.
Friday, 1 August 2025
Live music: New Classics
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
This five-piece band from Beds, Herts and Bucks seamlessly blend a variety of eras and genres to create an unforgettable musical experience.
Friday, 1 August 2025
Live music: Samantha Hughes
The Cellar Bar @ 11pm / bar opens @ 6pm
Free entry
Samantha Hughes is back to The Cellar Bar, performing a selection of rock n roll, country, 50s/60s and 80’s party tunes, spreading some good old-fashioned music from years gone by.
Saturday, 2 August 2025
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Stagsden Church, MK43 8SQ @ 10am
Turvey, MK43 8ER @ 1.30pm
This weekend’s morning walk is a leisurely five-miler around Stagsden.
At 1.30pm, meet in the picturesque rural setting of Turvey for a six and a half mile circular walk to the south of the village.
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, 2 August 2025
Family: Kempston Fun Day
Addison Howard Park @ 11am – 6pm
Free entry
There’s a family-friendly day in store this weekend at the new Kempston Fun Day with entertainment including live music, children’s activities, food and drink stalls, an animal farm and petting zoo, and much more. The event aims to bring the community together for a day of fun and celebration.
Saturday, 2 August 2025
Open Mic: Bedford’s Got Talent 2 – Open Mic Night
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Sponsored by Simply Creative Agency, Bedford’s Got Talent is back by popular demand – and it’s going to be even bigger, better, and bolder.
Expect a vibrant mix of spoken word, poetry, music, comedy, singing, and more – all in the intimate and inspiring setting of The Place Theatre, where many well-known names have taken to the stage.
Saturday, 2 August 2025
Live music: May Contain Nutz
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm
Free entry
This four-piece rock band from Bedford have performed several times already at The Cellar Bar and always get the party started.
Saturday, 2 August 2025
Live music: MattFest25
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
Tickets: £8
For the eighth year, MattFest returns to Esquires to celebrate the life of friend/brother and band member Matt.
As requested, this year sees the return of Karl Phillips and the Rejects, with support from KERRANK! Give me your teeth and FaceDown. All proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Sunday, 3 August 2025
Walking: “Bedford in World War II” 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)
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.
Sunday, 3 August 2025
Live music: Music in the Meadows featuring Milton Keynes Brass
Mill Meadows @ 3pm – 5pm
Free to attend
Bedford’s much-loved Music in the Meadows bandstand concerts return this August, so bring the family, pack a picnic and enjoy two hours of traditional bandstand music.
Sunday, 3 August 2025
Live music: The All New Blues and Soul Revue (Blues Brothers Tribute)
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm / bar opens @ 3pm
Free entry
Jake and Elwood are coming to Bedford and they want YOU to come and see them perform!
The All New Blues and Soul Revue has been wowing audiences with a spectacular and authentic tribute to the classic cult movie ‘The Blues Brothers’™ since 2002 and pays true homage to a movie which has never declined in its popularity since the original release over 40 years ago.
Audiences are encouraged to don their suits, hats and shades and to become an interactive part of the show, as our Jake and Elwood tear down the fourth wall – creating the ultimate interactive experience!
This show may contain adult humour and swearing and is strictly an over 18’s event.
You can combine an afternoon of Blues & Rock n Roll with one of the Cellar Bar’s Afternoon Tea packages. The performance is 5pm – 7pm and afternoon tea is 4pm – 6pm. See details below.
Sunday, 3 August 2025
Food & drink: Afternoon Tea with The All New Blues and Soul Revue (Blues Brothers Tribute)
The Cellar Bar at 4pm
Tickets: from £25 / bottomless options available
The Cellar Bar has teamed up with Creme Brew Lait to bring you a two-hour themed afternoon tea experience, combining beautiful food, wonderful drink options and amazing live music. This event is a Blues Brothers Tribute Show (see info above).
The entertainment starts at 5pm, so when you arrive at 4pm you’ll have some quiet time before the entertainment starts to catch up with friends or family and enjoy your afternoon tea. You can then choose to stay in the Purple Room and enjoy the music in the background or go full throttle and move to the main bar for a fully immersive experience.
And don’t worry, you will still be able to get your bottomless glasses filled up as soon as they empty.g room only.
Tuesday, 5 August 2025
Cruising: Family Eye-Spy cruise
Departing from Suspension Bridge (Mill Meadows side) @ 1.30pm and 3pm
Tickets: £11/£8.50
Keep the kids entertained during the school holidays with the John Bunyan Boat’s Family EyeSpy cruise. Relax as you cruise by Bedford’s landmarks along the Embankment and spot wildlife on the Great River Ouse. How many of the landmarks you can spot?
*Departing from: Suspension Bridge (Mill Meadows side) at 1.30pm & 3.00pm for a 45 minute cruise along the embankment before returning to Suspension Bridge.
Tuesday, 5 August 2025
Quiz night: 6 O’clock Record Club
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 6pm
Free entry
Join Pete Burridge on Tuesday for the 6 0’Clock record club. Bring along your favourite songs to be played on the night or just come and listen to some great tunes.
Wednesday, 6 August 2025
Walking: “I Didn’t Know 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)
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.
Wednesday, 6 August 2025
Walking: Bedford Mindful Embankment Walk
Meet outside the Bedford Swan Hotel @ 6.30pm
Free / just turn up
This month’s walk marks the one year anniversary of Bedfod Mindful Embankment Walks and to celebrate, walkers are invited to enjoy a drink at Albero Lounge after the walk.
As ever, the walk will begin with an introduction and wellbeing check as you head towards the Butterfly Bridge. From there you will be guided through a meditation practice before walking towards and finishing at the riverside bar in silence.
This is a safe space and community for everyone. Monthly walks all year round. Reclaim your peace and freedom with every step.
Wednesday, 6 August 2025
Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz
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, 7 August 2025
Quiz night: Irish Folk Night
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 6pm
Free entry
Head to the Castle for some classic foot tapping Irish tunes and a great craic.
Thursday, 7 August 2025
Live music: Karaoke
The Cellar Bar at 8pm
Free entry
The ONLY place you need to be for karaoke on a Thursday night – The Cellar Bar on the High Street. Pure karaoke with over 50,000 songs to choose from.
Perform like a pro with the Cellar Bar’s professional lighting, sound and a proper stage, with the best-sounding performers and acoustics on the High Street. Sing with your friends using multiple microphones and hosted by Cameo and Sarah Ellen.
Thursday, 7 August 2025
Quiz: Esquires’ Monthly Music Quiz
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
£2 per person / max six people per team
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, 7 – Tuesday, 26 August 2025
Festival: Wild Canvas
Turvey House
Tickets: Day entry from £15/£5 / check website for camping availability and prices
Now in its sixth year, Wild Canvas is a one-of-a-kind camping experience blending nature, music, creative arts and wellness – right on our doorstep in the beautiful riverside grounds of Turvey House.
Day tickets and camping packages are available.
Guests can take part in a range of activities including bushcraft, circus skills, life drawing and kids craft sessions. Paddleboarding lessons are available, or campers can bring their own kayaks and SUPs to explore the River Great Ouse. Other activities include an outdoor games club, kids disco and talent show.
New for 2025, an intimate live music stage will feature small-scale jazz and folk performances on Saturday evenings.
Friday, 8 August 2025
Live music: Miles Hunt (The Wonder Stuff)
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.50
Miles Hunt’s live shows are peppered with classic Wonder Stuff tunes and Miles’ natural raconteur spirit, so expect funny anecdotes aplenty.
“Hup’fully” this will be even better than last years sell-out show. Guaranteed not to let us down (gently) at all.
Friday, 8 August 2025
Live Music: MoonDog & The SunCats
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
The Cellar Bar is excited to welcome the pioneering band of ‘schwafflepop’ – MoonDog & the SunCats. They are not just a band, but more of a fun experience in melodic storytelling.
Last time they rocked the house! Not to be missed.
Friday, 8 August 2025
Live music: Kerrank!
The Cellar Bar @ 11pm / 3am close
Free entry
KERRANK! is the ultimate Live KERRANG! tribute bringing the anthems, attitude, and sweat-soaked sound of the 90s – 00s to the stage.
Saturday, 9 August 2025
Shopping: Bedford Craft Market
Silver Square & Silver Street
From soap flower gifts to up-cycled jars and glasses, wax melts to handmade bags and clothes, hand-painted plant pots to knitwear, you will find high-quality and original produce that showcases local crafters’ passion and expertise.
There will be free workshops and performances in Silver Square too.
Saturday, 9 August 2025
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Sharnbrook, Parking at the Academy MK44 1JL @ 10am
Colmworth Golf Club, MK44 2AP @ 1.30pm
This weekend’s morning outing is a 13 mile walk to Poddington.
At 1.30pm, meet at Colmworth Golf Club for a 6.5-mile summer walk across the local countryside.
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, 9 August 2025
Walk: Brewpoint pub walk and talk
Location will be confirmed when booking is made
Tickets: £25 (includes a half pint/soft drink at each pub)
A walking tour of five of Wells & Co’s pubs and venues in Bedford in the company of Brewpoint’s pub expert.
You’ll discover the history of the company and how each pub ties in with that story. Expect lots of interesting facts and anectodes plus try Brewpoint beers and bask in the ambience of our regional brewing culture.
The tour is limited to 15 people, so booking is essential. You can make a booking here.
Saturday, 9 August 2025
Dance music: Good Times – K-Klass, DJ Swan-E, MC Magika, Dave Bergin & Gav James
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16
Good Times presents the history of House featuring K-klass, DJ Swan-E, MC Magika, Dave Bergin and Gav James. A star-studded line up of true legends taking you on an exhilarating, electrifying, ecstatic journey through dance music history of the 90s and beyond.
Saturday, 9 August 2025
Live music: Cameo playing all night
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 awesome party tunes. She’ll be 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 cracking party night.
Sunday, 10 August 2025
Shopping: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market
Harpur Square @ 10am
Your one-stop shop for all things flea, art and local produce. Bedford Flea prides itself on being the purveyors of quality with the emphasis on locally made, grown and sourced products, from some of the area’s most skilled small businesses and hobbyists.
The perfect start to your Bedford Sunday!
Sunday, 10 August 2025
Walking: “Plaques and Plinths” 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)
Have you ever wondered about the stories behind some of the blue plaques that adorn several buildings around the town or wanted to know more about some of the statues and monuments that grace the town centre? This walk will reveal the stories behind the Plaques & Plinths and why such recognition is warranted.
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, 10 August 2025
Live music: Music in the Meadows featuring May Blossom Vintage Songbird
Mill Meadows @ 3pm – 5pm
Free to attend
Bedford’s much-loved Music in the Meadows bandstand concerts return this August, so bring the family, pack a picnic and enjoy two hours of traditional bandstand music.
Sunday, 10 August 2025
Dance music: Daytime Disco
The Cellar Bar @ 4pm – 11pm
Free entry
It’s back – and The Cellar Bar Daytime Disco is now going right through to 11pm. Not only can you dance and sing along to some of the greatest hits ever on a Sunday afternoon, you get to carry on partying well into the evening too. And it’s all free! No tickets required.
Indulge in an afternoon filled with nostalgic tunes, sing-alongs, and a great atmosphere. The glitterball will be up and the neon outfits on. Anyone dressing up will get a free shot from the bar. Free glow sticks and props.
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Colour and Light
The Higgins Bedford until 2 November 2025
Free entry
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
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 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
