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.
Wednesday, 15 – Saturday, 18 April 2026
Musical theatre: Avenue Q
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm & Saturday matinee @ 2.30pm
Tickets: £22
Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud, Tony Award-winning musical that is full of heart, with gut-busting humour and a delightfully catchy score, not to mention puppets.
Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children’s show; a place where puppets are friends, monsters are good, life lessons are learned and the message that everything in life is only for now.
Due to adult themes, Avenue Q is recommended for ages 13+.
Thursday, 16 April 2026
Live music: Dave McCabe (The Zutons) + James Jay Lewis
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.50
The Zutons frontman Dave McCabe is embarking on a new chapter in his musical journey as a solo artist, bringing a stripped-back, intimate live show to towns and cities across the UK.
He will be joined on the road by very special guest James Jay Lewis, a celebrated singer-songwriter in his own right and a regular member of both Cast and The Zutons.
Thursday, 16 April 2025
NT Live screening: All My Sons
Stevington Cinema Club Stevington Village Hall, MK43 7QT@ 7.15pm
Tickets: £16
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge).
One family, the heart of the American dream. When wartime delivers profits for Joe, it comes at a price when his partner is charged with criminal manufacturing deals, and his eldest son goes missing in action. Will peacetime bring peace of mind, or will he be confronted by the consequence of his actions?
Filmed live from the West End, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon), and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) also feature in this disturbingly prescient play.
Thursday, 16 April 2026
Comedy: Castle Comedy’s 14th birthday show
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £20
Join Paul Revill for Castle Comedy’s 14th birthday show with headliner Milton Jones and Sean Heydon, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent.
Friday, 17 April 2026
Live music: The Guest List
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £14
Formed in early 2021, The Guest List quickly made a name for themselves in the Manchester music scene with mature lyricism, energetic performances, and an ever-growing online and live fan base. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Cai Alty, lead guitarist Tom Quigley, bassist Sid Wallace, drummer Angus Gilchrist, and rhythm guitarist Leio Hunter.
From the start, The Guest List stood out with their blend of melodic guitar riffs and relatable lyrics, capturing the essence of a modern band while maintaining a fresh and authentic sound.
In 2024, tracks ‘London’ and ‘Loose Tongue’ significantly boosted the band’s presence in the live music scene. Both songs were produced by James Skelly, frontman of The Coral, at Liverpool’s Kempston Street Studios and featured on BBC 6Music.
Saturday, 18 April 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Morning walk meeting place: Bedford Railway Station, MK40 1DS 7AW @ 7.50am
Afternoon walk meeting place: Old Warden Village Hall, SG18 9HQ @ 1.30pm
This week’s morning walk (meeting at Bedford Station at 7.50am) is a 7.8-mile walk around the churches of Kiburn and Hampstead as part of the annual London Unlock Churches walk.
In the afternoon (meeting at 1.30pm), the 7-mile walk is through Palmers Wood, across the Greensand Ridge on part of the North Beds Heritage Trail.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, 18 April 2026
Shopping: Record Store Day
Slide Records, The Old Arcade @ 8am
Celebrate Slide Record Store’s favourite day of the year!
The annual celebration of independent record shops and record shop culture takes place this Saturday and as ever, the team at Slide will be
throwing a party with brilliant super limited records, DJ legends Roll Your Own Records on the decks and damn good vibes.
Whether you are an early bird queuer or leisurely browser head to The Arcade to celebrate; they’d love to see you.
Saturday, 18 April 2026
Community: Bangladesh Independence Day celebration
Harpur Square and the Harpur Suite @ midday – 7pm
Free
Two organisations are partnering this month to mark the 55th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence with the theme of ‘Asha’, meaning hope.
Read: Bedford to host Bangladesh Independence anniversary celebration
Bangladesh declared its independence on 26 March 1971, and to honour this historic milestone, iLearn Bedford and Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO) will host a special community celebration titled ‘Asha’ (আশা) on Saturday, 18 April in Bedford town centre.
The day will feature a vibrant programme of cultural performances, reflections on the historical significance of independence, moments of remembrance, traditional cuisine, artisan crafts, and opportunities to engage with the stories and legacy of Bangladesh’s journey to nationhood.
Saturday, 18 April 2026
Books: Ruth Hogan presents The Light a Candle Society
The Panacea Museum @ 2.30pm
Tickets: £5
Bedford-based author, RuthHogan will be giving a talk on her latest book The Light a Candle Society at the Panacea Museum. Ruth will also be discussing her strong connection and deep love for the Foster Hill Road Cemetery, a place where many Panacea Society Members are buried, including the founder Mabel ‘Octavia’ Barltrop.
There will be plenty of time for audience questions after the talk, along with a chance to meet the author and buy copies of the book.
Saturday, 18 April 2026
Live music: Capella Entertainment
Blue Glass Wine Bar, 29/31 St Peter Street, Bedford, MK40 2PN @ 7pm
Tickets £15: Blue Glass – 01234 910570 or email info@theblueglass.co.uk
An unmissable evening of party favourites performed by Bedford’s singing trio, Capella Entertainment. Tickets can be purchased directly from the venue.
Saturday, 18 April 2026
Live music: PP Arnold
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £28
Few voices in British soul music carry the history, heart, and sheer emotional weight of P.P. Arnold.
The legendary “First Lady of Immediate Records” brings that unmistakable voice to Bedford Esquires for a full band experience, connecting deeply with her audience as she sings many of her ‘classic’ recordings like The First Cut Is The Deepest, Angel Of The Morning and more.
For long-time fans, it’s a chance to see a true icon up close. For newcomers, it’s an introduction to one of the most powerful and resilient voices in soul. For everyone, it’s a night of warmth, honesty, and timeless music.
Sunday, 19 April 2026
Walking: “The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle” 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)
The Norman Conquest of Britain witnessed the introduction of castles to the landscape and in Bedford, a major castle was built in the 12th century. Walk through the old castle grounds, see the mound on which it once stood and hear the story of the castle and its demise in the siege of 1224. This year witnesses the 800th anniversary of the Great Siege of Bedford Castle in 1224.
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, 19 April 2026
Music and community: The Unknowns – featuring Bedford Voices together
Bedford Esquires @ 2pm – 6pm
Tickets: £12/£6/family ticket: £30
Esquires is hosting a powerful afternoon of music, community and connection featuring The Unknowns and Bedford Voices Together.
The gig will be the culmination of a unique Bedford-wide music project led by the charity Hear Me Out. Over a series of creative workshops, local schoolchildren from Ursula Taylor CofE School, the wider community of Bedford and people seeking asylum living in local accommodation have been creating new music.
Now, for one night (afternoon) only, those songs will be performed live, bringing participants, families and the wider Bedford community together in celebration of collaboration, resilience and hope.
The afternoon will also feature a special set from The Unknowns, an international band formed in an asylum hotel in central London in 2022. Born out of weekly workshops run by Hear Me Out, the group now performs at gigs across the country, blending musical traditions from the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Their songs explore themes of homeland, family, displacement and hope for the future.
This is an invitation to listen, to sing and to stand together as one community. Expect moving performances, new original music, and an atmosphere that celebrates the power of creativity and music to build bridges across cultures and experiences.
Sunday, 19 April 2026
Live music: The Polaroidz play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Relive the sounds of the alternative music scene from ’79-’89. An afternoon of 80’s New Wave / Synth Pop / Post Punk as The Polaroidz return to Esquires for a Sunday Afternoon Session.
Tuesday, 21 April 2025
RGO screening: The Magic Flute
Stevington Cinema Club Stevington Village Hall, MK43 7QT@ 6.15pm
Tickets: £16
Princess Pamina has been captured. Her mother, the Queen of the Night, tasks the young Prince Tamino with her daughter’s rescue. But when Tamino and his friendly sidekick, Papageno, embark on their adventure, they soon learn that when it comes to the quest for love, nothing is as it really seems. Guided by a magic flute, they encounter monsters, villains, and a mysterious brotherhood of men – but help, it turns out, comes when you least expect it.
Mozart’s fantastical opera glitters in David McVicar’s enchanting production. A star cast including Julia Bullock as Pamina, Amitai Pati as Tamino, Huw Montague Rendall as Papageno, Kathryn Lewek as the Queen of the Night, and Soloman Howard as Sarastro, led by French conductor Marie Jacquot in her Covent Garden debut.
Thursday, 23 April 2026
Live music: Belle Voix
The Place Theatre @ 7.30 pm
Tickets: £20/£18
This talented trio will be bringing you the timeless sounds of Motown and Northern Soul, and featuring over 30 iconic hits including Red Light Spells Danger, Do I Love You (Indeed I do), Tainted Love, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and more…
Thursday, 23 April 2026
Comedy: Mark Simmons: Jest to Impress
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16.50
Due to popular demand, the winner of Dave’s Funniest Joke of the Fringe 2024 has added an extra Bedford date, so don’t miss out.
As seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV, ‘Master of one-liners’ Mark Simmons is back on tour in 2026 with Jest To Impress, a brand new show packed with even more expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions.
Until Thursday, 23 April 2026
Exhibition: Muse
The Arc, Howard Street / Private view 10 April @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
An exhibition of paintings to music, and expressive figure studies by Fiona Wilson.
Friday, 24 April 2026
Dance music: Smoove & Turrell – the singles tour + The Miller Collective
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
The story of Smoove & Turrell began in the post millennium North East of England with a group of working class lads and a shared passion for soul. Smoove had met keyboardist Mike Porter through the local music scene in Newcastle and recruited him for his ‘Smoove Live’ project for the label Acid Jazz.
Around Mike’s house one day they overheard a neighbour singing sublime melodies in his garage with friends which turned out to be none other than a young John Turrell practicing in a band called ‘The Stevies’. After a couple of further sessions ‘scouting’ him they finally knocked on the door and had a chat and hit it off straight away.
Their first track was the now classic ‘I Can’t Give You Up’ recorded at Mike Porter’s house as his Hammond Organ was immovably wedged in his utility room. It was in fellow soul head Craig Charles that they found their first radio champion as he supported them heavily on ‘The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show’ which was a kick-starter for their assault on national radio eventually landing Radio 2 record of the week.
Guest support is from Bedford’s very own The Miller Collective DJs.
Friday, 24 April 2026
Live music: Wildfire
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry
An acoustic trio from Bedford, playing folk-rock and Americana covers.
Friday, 24 April 2026
Live music: The Dreaming Spires + My Girl the River + Sunsinger & The High Seas
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £5 – £14.50
Oxford’s The Dreaming Spires return to Esquires this month after an absence of over 10 years in support of their new album ‘Normal Town’ – their first new music in over a decade.
Led by brothers Robin and Joe Bennett (Goldrush / Saint Etienne), The Dreaming Spires are known for their distinctive harmonies, roots-infused sound, and Americana-tinged indie rock which has drawn comparisons to artists such as Big Star, Gram Parsons, Teenage Fanclub and The Byrds.
Support comes from Bedford’s finest – Sunsinger and the High Seas plus My Girl The River.
Saturday, 25 April 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Morning walk meeting place: Sharnbrook Academy, car park on left off School Approach, MK44 1JR @ 10am
Afternoon walk meeting place: Great Denham Park and Ride, MK40 4FA @ 1.30pm
This week’s morning walk is 13 miles, starting from Sharnbrook and walking to Poddington, past Colworth Estate and Santa Pod.
In the afternoon (meeting at 1.30pm), the 6-mile walk follows the River Ouse to Kempston.
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, 25 April 2026
Comedy: MC Hammersmith: Hippity Hoppity Get Off My Property
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50
Viral sensation MC Hammersmith is the world’s leading freestyle rapper to emerge from the ghetto of middle-class West London. He presents an hour of improvised comedy raps based on your suggestions.
You’ll leave astounded at the speed of his brain, the spontaneity of his punchlines, and the stability of his upbringing. Jaw-dropping, hilarious, utterly unbelievable.
Saturday, 25 April 2026
Dance music: Remedy presents Colin Curtis
Dom Polski, Ashburnham Road @ 7pm – 1am
Tickets: £15
The Remedy Collective are back at Dom Polski, and this month they’re welcoming the legendary DJ, Colin Curtis, to the decks. Described as one of the most important black music tastemakers in the UK, he is credited with introducing disco, funk, jazz funk and house music to the nation.
Keep an eye on our website, as we’ll be publishing an interview with Colin over the next few days…
Tickets cost £15, including a vegan buffet and free cloakroom. Get your dancin’ shoes ready and expect an evening like no other. To get your tickets, sign up for their invite list here. Once you’ve signed up to the list, you will be sent a link to get your tickets.
Saturday, 25 April 2026
Live music: The Absolute Bowie Band
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £18
With an electrifying performance from the main Starman, and theatrical mid-set costume ch-ch-ch-anges, Absolute Bowie will take you on a musical journey through the greatest hits of David Bowie with their huge stage show.
Prepare to be taken from A (Absolute Beginners) to Z (Ziggy) with Stations to Station in between. So don’t miss out – don your glittery dancing boots, paint a flash on your face and buy your tickets now because the planet Earth is blue and there’s nothing else left to do…
Saturday, 25 April 2025
Live music: Skimmington Ride
The Wellington Arms @ 7.30pm
Free entry
Skimmington Ride are back at the Welly for a night of singing, drinking, dancing and stick shaking.
A righteous ruaille buaille!
Saturday, 25 April 2026
Live music: Ian McNabb (The Icicle Works)
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.50
Ian formed The Icicle Works in 1981 and became part of the Liverpool renaissance movement of the eighties, alongside acts such as Echo And The Bunnymen, Dead Or Alive, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and China Crisis.
A versatile musician and Mercury-nominated solo artist, Ian has toured as bass player with Ringo Starr and played keyboards with The Waterboys; he has co-written and recorded with Crazy Horse, The Lightning Seeds and Peter Buck, to name but a few.
Ian’s solo acoustic shows are an intimate opportunity to share over 2 hours of greatest hit songs and stories, from his 40+ year career. Limited unreserved seating and standing.
Sunday, 26 April 2026
Walking:“Bedford in World War II” 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)
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, 26 April 2026
Music and community: Bedford Park Bandstand Spring Concert
Bedford Park Bandstand @ midday – 4pm
Free to attend
To celebrate the refurbishment of the Bandstand in Bedford Park, Bedford Borough Council is hosting a free spring concert, sponsored by Bedford Summer Sessions.
Come along, pull up a deckchair and bring a picnic (or visit the Pavillion at the Park) and enjoy the music provided by Ukuele Bedford (midday – 2pm) and Sax Cool (2.30pm – 4pm).
Sunday, 26 April 2026
Live music: St George’s Day celebration with Bedford Town Concert Brass
St Mark’s Church, Brickhill, MK41 7UY @ 3pm
Tickets: £12 / under 12s £2.50
Back by popular demand, Bedford Town Concert Brass perform a stirring brass band concert to celebrate the patron saint of England, followed by delicious cake. The concert is in aid of the Bedford MS Therapy Centre.
Ticket price includes concert of approximately one hour followed by cake.
Sunday, 26 April 2026
Live music: Fishing for Robots play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Fishing for Robots are an 80’s electronic covers band specialising in the music of New Order, Numan, Depeche Mode etc…
Sunday, 26 April 2026
Live music: Sister Ray Davies + Stone Anthem + James Chapman (Maps) DJ set (5pm Matinee Show)
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Tickets: £5 – £10
The brilliantly named Sister Ray Davies will be in Bedford as part of a UK tour which sees them supporting Chapterhouse at their recently announced (and now sold out) shows.
Although based in Alabama, Sister Ray Davies’ excellent debut album ‘Holy Island’ (released on the always dependable Sonic Cathedral Records) is a concept album about the ancient religious outpost off the coast of North East England and was inspired by the likes of Slowdive, Ride, Galaxie 500, Yo La Tengo and Talk Talk.
We know shoegazers need their sleep so this will be a Sunday matinee show and should finish no later than 9pm.
In association with Arts Council England, a limited number of ‘Art is for Everyone’ tickets are available for just £5 from Seetickets for those on a low income or struggling with increases in the cost of living. These reduced price tickets are also available to anyone aged under 25, regardless of their financial situation.
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Noel Carrington: Nothing Need Be Ugly
The Higgins Bedford @ extended until 2 September
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 @ Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Free entry
This fascinating hidden gem of a museum tells the story of the Panacea Society – a secretive Christian group formed in the early twentieth century that created its 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.
As featured on BBC Radio 4’s Mark Steel’s in Town.
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.
