The Clanger’s 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, 12 August 2026
Festival of Archaeology: Geology Drop In
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 2pm – 4pm
Tickets: Free entry (booking essential)
Bring along your favourite rock, fossil, mineral, and crystal finds to have them identified by resident geology expert Bev.
As part of the CBA Festival of Archaeology, this free session gives curious collectors of all ages a chance to learn more about the geological history hidden in their own backyards.
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Summer Workshops: Shaving Foam Marble Cards with Lisa Tilley
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 12.45pm and 2.15pm
Tickets: £6.05 per child (suitable for ages 5–12)
Try out colourful paper marbling techniques using an unexpected everyday material: shaving foam.
Bedford-based artist Lisa Tilley guides children through creating vivid, swirling patterns to take home on custom marbled cards in a fun and tactile workshop suitable for all skill levels.
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Live Music: Hugh Cornwell
Bedford Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, MK40 2QG @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
Hugh Cornwell, the original frontman and principal songwriter of The Stranglers, comes to Bedford for an intimate solo live performance.
Expect a compelling mix of timeless classics alongside stand-out material from his expansive solo career, delivered with signature sharp songwriting and iconic guitar work.
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Summer Holiday Fun: Crafty Thursdays
John Bunyan Museum & Library, Mill Street, MK40 3EU @ 11am – 3pm
Tickets: £2 per child (drop-in)
Keep the holiday entertainment going with another edition of Crafty Thursdays at the Bunyan Museum.
Families can pop in between 11am and 3pm to enjoy hands-on crafting projects designed to unleash children’s imaginations without needing to book ahead.
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Summer Workshops: Clay Keepsake Holders with Anne-Marie Abbate
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm
Tickets: £6.05 per child (suitable for ages 5–12)
Construct a unique three-dimensional clay niche to display treasured objects and small keepsakes.
Children will learn basic clay shaping and sculpting techniques, adding detailed imprints and custom patterns to create a decorative holder to display proudly at home.
Friday, 14 August 2026
Live Music: Noasis
Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, MK40 2QG @ 7.30pm
Tickets: SOLD OUT
The definitive Oasis tribute band delivers the full stadium experience in the close-up setting of Esquires.
Recreating the swagger, sound, and iconic nineties anthems of Manchester’s finest, Noasis brings all the crowd-pleasing singalongs to life.
Friday, 14 August 2026
Live Music: The Zipheads & The Speedways
Bedford Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, MK40 2QG @ 8pm
Tickets: £10
Enjoy a double dose of high-octane rock, power pop, and psychobilly as The Zipheads team up with London power-pop outfit The Speedways for a co-headline night.
Expect fast tempos, hook-heavy choruses, and non-stop energy throughout the evening.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Festival: Original Culture Festival 2026
Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, MK41 9DJ @ 11am – 7pm
Tickets: See website for tier options
Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Original Culture Festival will be bringing the party to town this month, with a return to Priory Country Park.
The festival, created in memory of its founder, DJ Rhino Selektor, is a celebration of music, culture and community, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Priory Country Park.
The event promises live music, DJs, street food, family entertainment and plenty of feel-good summer fun.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Crafts: Aragon Lace demonstrations
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 11am – 2pm
Tickets: Free entry
Discover the traditional local craft of bobbin lacemaking with live demonstrations by the Aragon Lacemakers.
Visitors can watch experienced lacemakers create intricate lace patterns and try their own hand at using a special ‘have a go pillow’ set up for beginners.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Crafts: Young lacemakers workshops
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 2pm – 4pm
Tickets: £2 per child (ages 6–16, booking essential)
Designed specifically for children and teenagers, this session teaches the fundamentals of traditional bobbin lacemaking in a supportive, friendly environment.
All equipment is provided, and tutors tailor lessons to each child’s pace, making it an ideal entry point into a classic heritage craft.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Gardens: Music in the Garden with Dan Evans
Kathy Brown’s Garden, The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington, MK43 7QB @ 2pm
Tickets: £11 / £5.50 (booking required)
Take in the beautiful surroundings of Kathy Brown’s Garden while enjoying live instrumental music from dulcimer and guitar player Dan Evans.
The performance features relaxing folk airs and nature-inspired original compositions in an informal outdoor garden setting.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Place Theatre, Bradbourne Road, MK41 9SB @ 7pm
Tickets: From £16
Enter a world where fairies meddle, and lovers quarrel in Folksy Theatre’s open-air performance of Shakespeare’s popular comedy.
Packed with live music, humour, and enchantment, this family-friendly production brings the beloved story to life outdoors on a summer evening.
Sunday, 16 August 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, 16 August 2026
Live Music: Music in the Meadows featuring Fynnius Fog
The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, MK40 1AS @ 2pm – 5pm
Tickets: Free / all welcome
The Music in the Meadows series continues with an extended afternoon concert by local favourites Fynnius Fog.
Pack your picnic blankets and deckchairs for an enjoyable afternoon of live folk and acoustic tunes right by the River Great Ouse.
Sunday, 16 August 2026
Live music: Danny Barton
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 6pm
Free entry
Danny will be playing upbeat pop and rock favourites, old and new.
Monday, 17 August 2026
Holiday workshops: ‘Shakespeare In A Week’ summer school
The Place Theatre, Bradbourne Road, Bedford MK42 9JJ @ 10am – 4pm daily
Tickets: £120.00 (5-day course)
Standing in the Wings presents an exciting week-long theatrical workshop for young performers aged 16 to 21. Participants will explore Shakespeare’s works through modern storytelling, acting techniques, and collaborative stagecraft.
Led by experienced industry professionals, the course offers a supportive and creative environment to develop confidence, stage presence, and lasting friendships.
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Children’s Workshop: Dino Planters with The Goodlife Garden
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD @ 10am – 11am & 11.30am – 12.30pm
Tickets: £3.90 per child (suitable for ages five – 12)
Combine gardening with prehistoric fun in this eco-friendly craft session hosted by The Goodlife Garden. Children will transform recycled materials into unique dinosaur-themed planters to display on their windowsill at home.
Every child will plant their own living green friend during the workshop, learning basic care skills to help their plant thrive.
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Gardens: Open Garden
Kathy Brown’s Garden, The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington MK43 7QB @ 10.30am – 1pm & 2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets: £11.00 adults / £5.50 children
Enjoy a quiet morning or afternoon stroll around Stevington Manor House Gardens with Kathy Brown. Learn more about the garden’s history and enjoy its mature borders, creative planting schemes, and peaceful seating areas. A serene retreat for all plant lovers.
Complimentary hot drinks and a delicious slice of homemade cake are included with entry.
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Walking: “A Tour of St Paul’s Church” 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)
St. Paul’s church has been at the centre of Bedford’s life for over one thousand years and has many stories to tell. Join us on a tour of this beautiful church in the heart of Bedford as we tell 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 pre-booked.
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Gardens: Afternoon Tea at Kathy Brown’s Garden
The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington MK43 7QB @ 2pm – 5pm
Tickets: £30.00 (booking required)
Indulge in an exclusive afternoon hosted by Kathy Brown in her beautiful Stevington garden. Guests will take a guided tour around the grounds before learning about Kathy’s special baking recipes featuring ingredients harvested directly from the garden.
The event concludes with a full afternoon tea complete with savoury scones, homemade speciality cakes, and a varied selection of drinks including tea, tisanes, coffees, and apple and pear juice made from the fruit from Kathy’s orchard.
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Live Music: Golomb Bedford
Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QG @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Rising alternative outfit Golomb take the stage at Esquires for an evening of hypnotic rhythms and atmospheric melodies. Known for their compelling live performances, the group continues to gain traction across the UK underground scene.
Support acts will round off a great showcase of fresh original music.
Friday, 21 August 2026
Children’s Theatre: The Cursed Ring
The Place Theatre, Bradbourne Road, Bedford MK42 9JJ @ 7.00pm
Tickets: From £16.00
Quill and Inkling presents a mythical adventure retelling epic Viking sagas. Centred around a forged ring of power, the story follows valiant heroes, elusive dwarves, ferocious dragons, and meddling gods.
Filled with dramatic storytelling and imaginative staging, it is a thrilling theatrical experience for brave young audience members and families.
Friday, 21 August 2026 – Saturday, 22 August 2026
Festival: HMS Festival 2026
Bedford Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QG @ 7.00pm
Tickets: £18
Established in 2024, The Heavy Metal Syndicate (HMS) brings together bands and like-minded individuals to celebrate the very best of local rock and metal at Bedford Esquires.
This year it returns bigger, louder, and better than ever. Across two days, the festival will once again showcase some of the finest local rock and metal acts alongside exciting talent from further afield.
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Venue/where to meet: Car Park off Sandy Lane(A600) @ 10am
A 12-mile circular walk toward Clophill and Haynes, then returning to Rowney Warren. Some parts of the walk take in the Greensand Ridge.
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, 22 August 2026
Gardens: Open Garden
Kathy Brown’s Garden, The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington MK43 7QB @ 10.30am – 1pm & 2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets: £11.00 adults / £5.50 children
Enjoy a late summer visit to Kathy Brown’s garden in Stevington. Take in the vibrant perennial borders and peaceful gardens at your leisure.
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Venue/where to meet: Little Staughton Church. Meet by All Saints Church, on Church Lane. Park considerately towards the end of Church Lane, nearest to the church @ 1.30pm
A five-and-a-half-mile circular walk from Little Staughton.
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.
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Walking: “The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown” 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 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.
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Live Music: Music in the Meadows featuring South Beds Concert Band
The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, Bedford MK42 0BS @ 3pm – 5pm
Tickets: Free / all welcome
The perfect way to round off your weekend in Bedford – with a free open-air concert performed by the South Beds Concert Band.
The band will be playing from their rich repertoire of classic wind band arrangements, including popular movie themes and traditional brass tunes.
Every Monday
Live music: An evening with Mat Roberts & guests
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
Join Mat Roberts and special guests every Monday evening for the best live music and a chilled-out vibe.
At the Higgins Bedford
Until 4 October
Exhibition: Children’s Art Competition and Exhibition
Sir William Harpur Gallery at the Higgins Bedford
The Children’s Art Competition features more than 100 pieces of artwork created by pupils from schools across Bedford Borough. The children aged 4 to 18 have created their artwork at workshops with professional artists visiting their schools.
The theme for the 2026 exhibition is ‘Aspire: Nurturing Potential’, based on their aspirations, goals, dreams, hopes and what they want to be or do in life.
Read: Young Bedford artists showcase big ambitions in ‘Aspire’ exhibition
The competition and exhibition are a collaboration between The Harpur Trust and The Higgins Bedford.
Until April 2027
Display: A Brewery in Bedford: Celebrating 150 Years of Wells & Co.
Somewhere in England Foyer, First Floor
Free entry
Founded in 1876 by Charles Wells, the business began at Horne Lane Brewery, brewing beers and growing a thriving pub estate.
Read: 150 years of Bedford’s brewing heritage on display at The Higgins
In 2019, it moved to Brewpoint and rebranded as Wells & Co., marking an exciting new chapter. Find out more about their 150 year journey.
Until 2 September
Exhibition: Noel Carrington: Nothing Need Be Ugly
The Higgins Bedford @ extended
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 20th-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.
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.
