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 Bedford Esquires.
Until Tuesday, 23 December 2025
Theatre: Robin Hood
The Place Theatre @ 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer.
Pernicious Prince John and the shifty Sheriff of Nottingham have hatched a plan to put a stop to Robin Hood’s charitable crime spree once and for all. Can they outwit the outlaw? Or will Robin hit the target once again?
Find out in the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons’ innovative take on the myth featuring live music and audience interaction.
Prepare to have your blocks busted, your rips roared and your swashes well-and-truly buckled!
Thursday, 18 December 2025
Comedy: Castle Comedy Christmas Special 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £16
Bob Mills is a bona fide comedy legend with over 30 years at the top of the UK circuit. You will recognise him from his cult classic 90’s TV show ‘In Bed with Me Dinner’ and his presenting of ‘Win, Lose or Draw’ on ITV. He is a regular on radio and says his biggest achievement is being crowned BBC 5Live’s ‘Fighting Talk’ champion of champions.
Jonny Awsum is a comedic whirlwind, a gag-slinging guitar hero sure to get you singing along. He was a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent and is now a favourite at the biggest UK festivals, including Glastonbury. As ever, your host is Paul Revill, who will be holding it all down and almost certainly giving out some mince pies.
Friday, 19 and Saturday, 20 December 2025
Comedy: The Fawlty Towers dining experience
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £55 (includes three-course meal and two-hour interactive performance)
Officially the world’s most sought-after tribute to the BBC sitcom, this one-of-a-kind original has made its international mark as an ‘outrageously funny’ night out (Broadway Baby, Edinburgh Fringe).
Basil, Sybil and Manuel are gearing up to bring a healthy dose of mayhem to your door, serving up a three-course meal and nothing short of two full hours of laughter and anything can happen.
Friday, 19 December 2025
Screening: Home Alone
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: from £6
Come and join The Quarry team for a screening of this Christmas classic, now 35 years old.
An eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve. Hilarity ensues.
Friday, 19 December 2025
Live music: Mad Mods & Englishmen
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Following a packed-out show earlier in 2025, it’s time to welcome Mad Mods back to Bedford for a special Christmas show at Esquires on Friday, 19 December.
Anyone that has seen the ‘Mad Mods’ live will tell you that they are no traditional covers band. Their energetic performances have built them a massive following, and they have a reputation for packing every venue they play at and then bringing the house down!
Their repertoire includes hits from The Who, Small Faces, The Kinks, Rolling Stones, Spencer Davis, Yardbirds, The Jam and many more, and yes, they’ve even been known to smash the odd guitar up on stage…
Friday, 19 December 2025
Dance music: Nicky Blackmarket
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm – 2am
Tickets: £15
Get ready for a night of pure energy featuring DnB and Jungle royalty.
Saturday, 20 December 2025
Children’s Theatre: Comedy Club 4 Kids Christmas Cracker
The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm
Tickets: from £8
Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits. Both onstage and in their Radio Nonsense podcast, everything is tailored to entertain all ages. And with their Christmas Cracker show, everything gets a festive twist!
So prepare to feast your mince pies (eyes) on some of our favourite comics, bringing the tinsel tomfoolery to town, stuffing the stage with some delicious jokes and Yule cool.
Saturday, 20 – Wednesday, 31 December 2025
Family festive fun: Aladdin – The Pantomime
Bedford CornExchange (times vary)
Tickets: prices vary
A family-friendly production with all the slapstick and comedy expected from a traditional pantomime. Jam-packed with classic tunes, old and new, together with audience participation, an excellent treat for all the family.
Relaxed performance on 29 December at 1pm.
Sunday, 21 December 2025
Solstice: Yule Celebration
Priory Country Park @ 2pm
Free
Join Bedfordshire Pagans to celebrate the longest night and the coming of the light.
Sunday, 21 December 2025
Live music: Who Stung Sting play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A welcome return to the Sunday Afternoon Session for this fresh(ish) four-piece playing a selection of reggae and ska classics plus a few converted songs.
Monday, 22 December 2025
Live music: Open Mic night with Mat Roberts
The Castle, Newham Street @ 7.30pm – 10pm
Free entry
Join the talented Mat Roberts for Open Mic Night at The Castle pub.
Enjoy a fun night listening to Bedford’s most talented musicians or join in and sing a few tunes. No need to book; just turn up.
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
Festive fun: Christmas Jumper Party
The Embankment pub @ 9pm
Free entry
Get ready to dance the night away in your festive finest at your favourite riverside spot in town. Hit the dancefloor to a selection of 70’s disco classics with a sprinkle of Christmas dance bangers by DJ Mass C, Bedford’s own local legend.
Don’t forget, Bedford’s charity shops have a wealth of Christmas jumpers and glitterwear to choose from…
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
Live music: Laura Menozzi live
The Higgins Pantry, Castle Lane @ 8pm
Free entry
A night to be serenaded by Laura’s powerful ballads and Christmas tunes.
Christmas Eve / Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Live music: Christmas Eve with the A Band
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without The A Band’s legendary Christmas Eve Show…
Christmas Day
Run: Christmas Day Parkrun
Bedford Park, Park Avenue @ 9am
Great Denham (Queen Eleanor Drive, MK40 4SQ) @ 9am
Free entry
Taking part in Parkrun on Christmas morning is the perfect chance to escape the house before the marathon of cooking and eating begins, and the perfect opportunity to ‘sleigh’ your PB…
So, dress up in your best festive outfits and join a magical 5km run (or walk!) around either Bedford Park or Great Denham.
“Christmas can be a difficult day for many. If you know someone who might be spending it alone, please invite them along,” said Bedford Park run director, Janet. “One of the main reasons we put on this event every year is because we know how much it means to people who might not speak to anyone else on Christmas Day. Everyone is welcome.”
Christmas Day
Walk: Christmas Day Riverside Walk
Butterfly Bridge @ 10.30am
Free
Whether you’re spending the day with family, with friends, or on your own, you are warmly invited to join this community Christmas Day Walk along the beautiful stretch of the River Great Ouse in Bedford.
Christmas can feel different for everyone. Some of us are celebrating, some are reflecting, and some are simply looking for friendly company. This walk will be a simple way to connect, share a smile, and enjoy fresh air with a community that welcomes you exactly as you are.
A moment to appreciate what truly matters: kindness, connection, and community. Whether you join in silently for some calm company or come ready to chat and laugh, you’ll be among friends.
Come as you are. Leave a little lighter.
Let’s make Christmas Day a little warmer for everyone – together.
Saturday, 27 December 2025
Walk: A Christmas Bird Walk
The Forest of Marston Vale @ 8:30am
Tickets: £4
Join the expert volunteers at the Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, for a peaceful guided walk. You’ll be on the lookout for robins, ducks and thrushes, plus redwing and fieldfare. The eagle-eyed volunteer guides have been known to spot other wildlife along the way, so you might be in for a surprise.
Saturday, 27 December 2025
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Wilstead, MK45 3DB @ 10am
Wilstead, MK45 3DB @ 1.30pm
The morning walk is a festive five-miler, walking north of the village of Wilstead, while the afternoon walk takes a five-mile route south of the village. Walkers are welcome to join for the full day to enjoy a 10 mile walk in the Bedfordshire 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, 27 December 2025
Live music: Emily Bynre
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 6pm
Free entry
A Bewtwixtmas evening in the company of female vocalist Emily Byrne, singing a wide range of acoustic pop songs to get you dancing.
Saturday, 27 December 2025
Live music: The 2tones Ska Band
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
This Christmas, Esquires welcomes the return of Northampton’s legendary Ska outfit The 2 Tones to Bedford Esquires.
The eight-piece band formed in 2007, and for nearly 20 years have been blowing away audiences with their unique treatment of classics from the Trojan and 2 Tone Labels mixed with a few cheeky modern classics.
If your soundtrack of life has a few of these classics in it then you are in for a good ‘moon-stomping’ night out: Gangsters, Sally Brown, Tears of a Clown. Rat Race, Baggy Trousers, Pig Bag, Message to you Rudy, Ska Train, Town Called Malice, Red Red Wine, This Is Ska, Three Little Birds, Nightboat to Cairo, Rat Race, Pressure Drop to name but a few.
Saturday, 27 December 2025
Dance music: Pop Off! a club night dedicated to the queens
Bedford Esquires @ 9.30pm
Tickets: £7.50
A brand new club night at Esquires, celebrating your favourite pop queens, including these icons: Chappell Roan / Addison Rae / Caroline Polachek / Lana Del Rey / Charli XCX / CMAT / Billie Eilish / Doja Cat / Rihanna / FKA Twigs / Taylor Swift / SZA / Beyoncé / Deochii / Lily Allen / MARINA
A night of good vibes.
Sunday, 28 December 2025
Live music: Glam Rampage play the Sunday Afternoon Session (Pete’s Birthday Bash)
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A welcome return to Esquires for Glam Rampage for the last Sunday afternoon session of the year and Pete Burridge’s Birthday Bash.
Sunday, 28 December 2025
Dance music: Ultimate RnB
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
After incredible, sold-out shows at the venue, Esquires is welcoming Ultimate RnB back for a very special Christmas party, with the highest quality tribute to some of the greatest music ever made.
Ultimate RnB are a full six-piece live band featuring session musicians and vocalists who have played with some stone-cold legends. Expect classics from the likes of En Vogue, Lauryn Hill, Sisqo, Next, TLC, Boyz II Men, with support from DJ MASS C, who will be spinning hip-hop, funk, soul and breaks before and after Ultimate RnB.
Tuesday, 30 December 2025
Live music: Pearl Handled Revolver
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Pearl Handled Revolver return to their home venue of Esquires for their annual festive extravaganza. Their December Esquires shows are a highlight of the band’s year and enjoyed by fans of PHR from near and far.
As with every year, there is a very high quality support band, this year it is Northampton based Post Rock four piece AV Sunset, who are simply stunning.
New Year’s Eve
Live music: New Year’s Eve party with a live set by Frazzled
The Castle, Newham Street @ 6pm
Free entry
Early doors music to get your New Year’s Eve off to a cracking start at the Castle. Remale duo Frazzled sing a wide range of songs to get you dancing into 2026…
New Year’s Eve
Party: NYE 2025 Ft. Pulp’d vs Blur2 + Common People DJs & Mass C’s Kitchen Disco
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm – 2am
Tickets: £15
This NYE at Esquires, it’s an indie love-in on the main stage, with a double tribute special of Pulp’d and Blur2. Each band will be playing full sets to see in the new year in style, with Common People DJs spinning tunes throughout the night.
In Room 2, simply the finest DJ the town has to offer, MASS C will be taking you through a party hip hop beats and pop mixtape, in his own cut and paste style. Expect some of the biggest tunes of all time, seamlessly squished together in his very own ‘Kitchen Disco’.
Over 18s only.
Throughout December…
Bedford’s churches are opening their doors to the true meaning of Christmas this month, and you can find out full details of the services at various places of worship at our annual round-up here.
Merry Christmas!
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Noel Carrington: Nothing Need Be Ugly
The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
Curated by writer and publisher Joe Pearson, this exhibition tells the story of publishing’s unsung hero Noel Carrington (1895–1989). Schooled in Bedford with his sister Dora, Noel Carrington became one of the most influential figures in 20 th century design. Through the Puffin Picture Books and Country Life he commissioned, edited and published some of Britian’s most loved children’s picture books.
Read: Celebrating Bedford’s unsung publishing hero: Noel Carrington and Puffin Picture Books
He saw the genius in artists such as Kathleen Hale, publishing books about Orlando the Marmalade Cat and championed emerging artists such as Hilary Stebbing. With Eric Ravilious, Edward Bawden and Mervyn Peake he commissioned books such as ‘High Street’, ‘Life in an English Village’ and ‘Captain Slaughterboard’.
Through beloved children’s books, forgotten gems and original artwork this exhibition will take Noel Carrington out of the footnotes and into the spotlight.
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.
