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, 22 October 2025
Karaoke: Halloween Special – Drag Karaoke and Bingo
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm / Bar opens at 7pm
Free entry
The Cellar Bar is where the Halloween Party is at this year. Not only will the venue be decorated, but there are special cocktails and shots and free cocktails for the best dressed on selected dates: 22 October, 31 October and 1 November. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged.
Fanny Burns’ bingo has a cash jackpot of up to £250 to be won. Come early for Happy Hour, from when the bar opens to 9pm.
Thursday, 23 October 2025
Live music: Johnny Hates Jazz
Bedford Esquires @
Tickets: £27.50
Johnny Hates Jazz achieved prominence in the late 1980s with a string of hits, notably Shattered Dreams, followed by global successes like the anti-war anthem I Don’t Want To Be A Hero, Turn Back The Clock (featuring Kim Wilde), Heart Of Gold, and Don’t Say It’s Love. In 1988, Shattered Dreams reached number 2 on the US Billboard chart and topped the US Adult Contemporary chart.
After parting ways at their peak, Johnny Hates Jazz reunited in 2010 and released the album “Magnetized” in 2013, the title track becoming an instant radio hit in the UK. In 2018, the band marked the 30th Anniversary of “Turn Back The Clock” with a special edition featuring new acoustic versions of every song. Now, for the first time in 36 years, Johnny Hates Jazz will be embarking on their first-ever headline tour of the UK and overseas. With a brand-new show, surrounded by world-class musicians, they’re ready to captivate audiences across the globe.
Friday, 24 October 2025
Acoustic: Hue & Cry
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.50
80s legends Hue & Cry come to Bedford this month for a special Electro / Acoustic show featuring their hits, including Labour of Love, Looking for Linda, Ordinary Angels and more.
Alongside Wet Wet Wet, Texas, and Deacon Blue, blue-eyed soul pop siblings Hue & Cry were one of the most successful acts to emerge from the Scottish music scene that dominated the charts in the late ’80s.
Friday, 24 October 2025
Live music: Jenny Joy
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm
Free entry
The incredible Jenny Joy makes her debut at The Cellar Bar, so expect a night of rock classics, performed by an amazing rock chick!
Friday, 24 October 2025
Dance music: Swiftogeddon – The Taylor-themed club night
Bedford Esquires @ 9pm
Tickets: £10
SWIFTIES – Swiftogeddon returns to Bedford with their Taylor-themed club night this Friday. With a new album, The Life Of A Showgirl, out earlier in the month, this one is a celebration of the new record, alongside all the usual hits, remixes and deep cuts.
Friday, 24 October 2025
Live music: Kyri
The Cellar Bar @ 10.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm
Free entry
Kyri Lillington will be back at The Cellar Bar as a solo performer, playing pop and rock classics.
Saturday, 25 October – Saturday, 1 November 2025
Exhibition: ECLIPSE – an exhibition of fine art drawing by Mo Lea
St Paul’s Church, MK40 1SQ @ 11am – 3pm
Free entry
Artist and teacher, Mo Lea uses drawing and colour to express the fascinating symmetrical designs of moths and each large-scale drawing represents the intricate patterns and structures of these insects while exploring the underlying ethos of rebirth.
Prints will be on sale and contributions of sales will go to The Centre for Women’s Justice. This exhibition is supported by Queen Camilla.
Saturday, 25 October 2025
Dance music: Remedy
Dom Polski, Ashburnham Road @ 5pm – 1am
Tickets: £15 (includes vegan buffet)
Remedy is back at Dom Polski with a cosmic musical journey curated by hosts Patrick Forge and Child of The Deep.
Enjoy the party / dance / make friends / get to know one another / love each other.
Saturday, 25 October 2025
Family fun: Family Silent Disco | Halloween Edition
Bedford Esquires @ 12.30pm
Tickets: £8.90
Boombastic events are back in the building, with a special, all ages family silent disco.
Costumes on, headphones on, big family smiles guaranteed. Dance together while everyone finds their perfect vibe – no dance skills needed, just bring your energy and a dash of spooky spirit!
Saturday, 25 October 2025
Live music: Megapint? playing all night
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy Hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
The guys are back for another regular gig at The Cellar Bar, playing all night until the small hours. Expect musical excellence mixed with a wonderfully curated list of rock/pop classics
Sunday, 26 October 2025
Walking: “Plaques and Plinths” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub in Silver Square
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, 26 October 2025
Live music: Spear of Destiny + Dollface Reunion + Desperate Measures (Matinee show)
Bedford Esquires @ 4.30pm (matinee show)
Tickets: £23
2025 would not be complete without a visit to Bedford Esquires from Kirk Brandon, on tour this autumn with Spear of Destiny, formed in 1983 after the demise of his post-punk iconic rockers, Theatre of Hate.
The current line-up of Spear is the longest serving to date and features Adrian Portas (New Model Army), Craig Adams (Sisters of Mercy / The Cult / The Mission) and Phil Martini (Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind) on drums. Long-time Brandon collaborator Steve Allen-Jones completes the band line-up on keyboards, bringing the full classic sound back to the stage.
Following on from a couple of very successful matinee shows at Esquires, this gig will follow the same format with an earlier door time of 4:30pm and show ending around 8pm.
Sunday, 26 October 2025
Live music: The Vinyl Frontier play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Post Punk and New Wave anthems … Always a packed out show.
Sunday, 26 October 2025
Dance music: DJ Sunrise’s 90s/00s disco
The Cellar Bar @ 4pm – 11pm / doors open at 4pm
Free entry
DJ Sunrise will be playing all the floor fillers that you remember from the 90s and 00s, taking you back on a journey of nostalgia from the afternoon into the evening.
The Cellar Bar Daytime Disco is a great excuse to get out on a Sunday afternoon, and if you want to carry on partying well into the evening! And it’s all free! No tickets required.
Monday, 27 October 2025
Theatre: Dracula – The Panto
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £10
There’s a vampire behind you! Get ready for Halloween and spend a spooky night out as Gothic meets Slapstick in a fun-packed show.
‘Dracula – the Panto!’ has become a true family favourite all over the country – it’s full of irresistibly scary fun in true panto style. Only the Dame and a song sheet stand between the naughty Count and world domination. Suitable for ages from eight to 80. Songs include the fiendish favourites: ‘Bat out of Hell’ ‘Bad Moon Rising’ and ‘In the Midnight Hour’
Tuesday, 28 October – Saturday, 1 November 2025
Exhibition: Celebrating Bedford’s Working Community – David Lewry’s “Bedford at Work”
Basement at Bunyan, Mill Street
Free entry
Acclaimed Bedford-based artist and art educator David Lewry is proud to present his latest project, “Bedford at Work”, a compelling collection of over 35 hand-drawn portraits in coloured pencil capturing the spirit and diversity of Bedford’s working people.
Read: Art exhibition to celebrate Bedford’s working community
This ambitious series, created from David’s own photography, features local workers, business owners, and tradespeople, all drawn with remarkable precision and care. Each portrait takes up to 30 hours to complete, showcasing David’s meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for his subjects. A special private viewing will take place on Monday, 27 October, where many of the individuals featured will see their framed and mounted portraits unveiled for the first time.
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Film: Touch
University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue
Tickets: Annual membership £70 / day member £5
A widower, suffering from memory loss, is advised by his doctor to resolve any unfinished business while he still has time. So, he embarks on a journey to look for his first love.
Sunday, 28 October 2025
Live music: Bedford Bakes
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
Bedford bakes is a baking club where everyone is welcome and this month’s theme is Autumnal Bakes.
During the meeting, share your bakes, both sweet and savoury, swap recipes and discover new creations. It’s the perfect chance to connect with fellow bakers and enjoy new treats in a warm and welcoming atmosphere
No need to book just turn up with your bakes!
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Creativity: The Circus of Illustration presents Drink and Draw
The Park pub, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Free. No need to book, just turn up / £2 donation welcome
Join The Circus of Illustration to doodle along to this month’s Halloween theme of The Monster Mixer.
Bring your preferred drawing materials or use theirs. These relaxed drink and draws are suitable for adults of all levels of artists and illustrators. New people always welcome.
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Children’s Theatre: Maisie and the Misfortune Teller
The Place Theatre @ 11am
Tickets: from £7.50
Join Maisie as she encounters a mysterious Fortune Teller (and companion cat) who helps her turn her bad luck into good!
This charming storytelling show combines handmade puppets and props with an original text, all created and performed by local performing artist Kaye Mahoney (aka Kaye Leidoskope).
The show will run for 25 minutes and Kaye will also host a finger puppet-making workshop before the show, so that the audience can join in!
Suitable for ages four plus.
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Guided Walk: ‘The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown’
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 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.
Wednesday, 29 October 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, 30 October 2025
Children’s Poetry: A Noise Annoys
The Place Theatre @ 2pm
Tickets: from £10
“A Noise Annoys” is a poetry show for all the senses! It features rhymes, noises, songs, surprises and lots of audience interaction. Bursting with joyful humour and witty wordplay, Jude takes the audience on a mind-bending journey through the sounds of language and the language of sounds. There is lots of joy, a healthy dose of nonsense, and a few heartfelt moments of beautiful hush.
Using poems, puns, tongue-twisters, quirky props and a trusty guitar, Jude finds the joy and annoyance in the things we hear, asking: Is it a noise that’s annoying, or the person making it? Do pingers ever ding? If you had a pet badger, what would you call it? This show will engage children with the spoken and written word, and leave them full of joy at the possibilities of language.
Jude Simpson writes and performs joyful comedy, combining quirky observational humour with poetry, wordplay and song. The result is a warm, witty and uplifting act, with wide appeal and a strong feel-good factor.
“Jude Simpson is funny, sharp, emotional in her work and is a terrific performer” – Michael Rosen
Friday, 31 October 2025
Family friendly: Light Party
St Leonard’s Church Centre, Victoria Road, Bedford, MK42 9JS @ 4pm – 5.30pm
Free of charge (voluntary contribution welcome)
Free of charge fun for all the family at St Leonards Centre on Victoria Road for their alternative Hallowe’en “Light Party” with various crafts and games for children, plus food and drink and lot’s of fun.
A safe, community-focused event for children to enjoy, celebrating an alternative to Hallowe’ens darker themes. Children are welcome to come along dressed in bright colours or casual attire, and all are welcome. Parking available on site, the party will run from 4pm until 5.30pm.
Friday, 31 October 2025
Live music: Halloween Special
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Bar opens at 6pm / Happy hour @ 6pm – 9pm
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 will not be disappointed.
The Cellar Bar is where the Halloween Party is at this spooky season. The venue is decorated, special cocktails and shots are on the menu and there are prizes for best dressed on Wednesday, 22 October, Friday, 31 October and Saturday, 1 November.
Friday, 31 October 2025
Dance music: Silent Disco | Halloween Edition
Bedford Esquires @ 9pm
Tickets: £8 – £10
Halloween on an actual Friday!?!?! Spooky scenes…
The ever-popular Halloween Silent Disco is back. As always, the club will be looking frightening, with prizes for the best and worst dressed on offer, so make an effort!
Three singalong channels of brat pop, brit pop, hip hop, dance cheese and indie sleaze…
Friday, 31 October 2025
Cultural Event: Black History Month Celebration
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Free, but please prebook via the Place website
Join the celebration of Cultural Root’s Black History Month Exhibition. The evening will feature Cultural Roots Sound and Light and a host of DJs. Free entry and all are welcome.
Tickets are free but you do need to pre-book your ticket in advance.
Friday, 31 October 2025
Live music: Ska-loween Party by Who Stung Sting
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
An evening of spooky fun singing Reggae and Ska covers. Free entry as always.
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Meet at Wilstead, MK45 3DB @ 10am (morning ramble)
Meet at Wilstead, MK45 3DB @ 1pm
Two walks in Wilstead this Saturday; firstly a leisurley morning ramble of 4.5 miles at 10am. The afternoon walk is a six-miler, walking south of the village towards Haynes.
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Live music: The Herbaliser Band + Guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
Way back in 1995, Ollie Teeba and Jake Wherry, AKA The Herbaliser, released their debut 12” single ‘The Real Killer’ on UK label Ninja Tune. The Herbaliser Band (which would count among its members the likes of Easy Access, Chris Bowden and Kaidi Tatham) continued touring internationally and are now back after a brief hiatus.
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Comedy: Jokes and Laffs
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Jokes and Laffs is back for Autumn 2025, featuring a stellar line-up of comedy acts.
Peter Francis, a dynamic comic with a fresh voice captivates audiences who crave bold and authentic humour. He fills the gap in the comedy scene with honest and raw observations that challenge the norms of conventional stand-up.
Samantha is the sassy, stand-up mum of six Millennials/Gen Zers. Her comedy career kicked off about six years ago, after three decades as an accountant and single mum. Now she’s been freed from the city, she’s really hit her stride, as a truly original act who’s progressing fast on the circuit.
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Screening: Frankenstein Unchained
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12
An interactive trip thru the world of Mary Shelley’s classic story, featuring live narration by Madeline Smith, star of such films as Frankenstein And The Monster From Hell (with Peter Cushing), Taste The Blood Of Dracula (with Christopher Lee)and the James Bond film Live And Let Die, and a new original soundtrack, performed live-to-picture to underline and support the story, by composer Jason Frederick.
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Live music double header: Cameo & Five Five Six
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens at 6pm / Happy Hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
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! Singing classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and so much in between, be ready for a party.
Second up, Five Five Six, and if you haven’t seen them at The Cellar Bar before, you are in for a treat. Get ready for a great night of legendary rock tunes.
Sunday, 2 November 2025
Live music: Sunday Chillout Afternoon Session – Samantha Hughes plays 50’s & 60’s
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm / bar opens @ 3pm / Happy Hour @ 3pm – 9pm
Free entry
Enjoy an afternoon of 50s and 60s classics performed by Samantha Hughes. Expect standards from Connie Francis, Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee, Dusty Springfield, Buddy Holly, The Chiffons and many, many more.
So don those petticoats, grab those rollers, fish out those full circle dresses/skirts, dust down those drape jackets, polish those saddle shoes and come jive and twist the afternoon away at the Cellar Bar.
Sunday, 2 November 2025
Live music: Devil’s Mojo play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Devil’s Mojo promise a great Sunday Afternoon session, featuring energetic, eclectic, contemporary and rock / pop covers.
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.
Every Tuesday
Community: Tuesday Chess Café
The Pavilion in the Park @ 2pm – 4pm
Free
If you’re a keen chess player or have always wanted to learn, then the weekly chess cafe at the Pavilion in the Park is for you.
Players meet every week and there’s no membership, no fee – just turn up. All you need to do is buy a coffee to support the venue. Any standard, from complete novice to Grand Master, welcome.
