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.
Thursday, 27 August
Summer Holiday Fun: Crafty Thursdays
John Bunyan Museum & Library, Mill Street, MK40 3EU @ 11am – 3pm
Tickets: £2 per child (drop-in)
Drop in for creative, family-friendly craft activities hosted at the John Bunyan Museum. Perfect for keeping children entertained over the final week of the summer holidays.
Friday, 28 – Monday, 31 August 2026
Vintage: Twinwood Festival
Twinwood Arena, Clapham, MK41 6AB
Tickets: £164 / £75 / £43
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Twinwood – the Clapham-based festival that is one of the most beloved vintage music events in the world.
From its origins as a Glenn Miller tribute concert, the four-day event, which takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, now attracts thousands of vintage music and dance enthusiasts to the Bedfordshire countryside.
Read: Twinwood Festival celebrates 25 years of vintage music, fashion, and heritage
Throughout the weekend, the festival site will be awash with zoot suits and victory rolls, polka-dot tea dresses and fedoras. You’ll be transported back to a bygone era, with period details wherever you look.
Friday, 28 August
Live music: The Smyths – The Queen is Dead 40th anniversary show
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £5 – £20
2026 will mark the 40th anniversary of the release of Morrissey and Marr’s magnum opus, ‘The Queen is Dead’, often considered The Smiths greatest album and possibly one of the best records of all time.
In celebration of this, The Smyths will be playing the album in full, as well as all the other hits and songs that saved your life…
Saturday, 29 August
Charity: The Black Tom Jumble Trail and fundraising day
The streets of Black Tom/Prime Ministers
Free
The original and the best – the Black Tom Jumble Trail is back, and it’s the perfect place to browse and find a bargain on the streets of Prime Ministers.
Clothes, toys, bric-a-brac, art, furniture, tools, collectables and more.
All stall fee proceeds will be donated to the Burnaby Arms Defibrillator Fundraiser and there are loads of other ways to get involved on the day, including a community rounders match in Bedford Park and a barbecue and Rock & Roll Bingo at the Burnaby Arms.
Read: Burnaby Arms leads summer of fundraising for life-saving Black Tom defibrillator
All for a very good cause.
Saturday, 29 August
Festivals: Deaf Jam Project Presents Free Festival of Inclusion
Addison Centre, Kempston @ midday – 9pm
Free entry
A day of celebration and inclusion for the whole community, hosted by the Deaf DJ House Poet. The festival will feature Alan Chan, celebrity singer from The Voice UK, and music of all genres, including hip hop, garage, house and DnB.
There will be live DJs, world music, spoken word, games and chill-out areas, as well as food and drink vendors.
Get your tickets here.
Saturday, 29 August
Children’s Theatre: The Ultimate Bubble Show
The Place Theatre @ 11am & 1pm`
Tickets: from £10
Ray Bubbles, International Bubbleologist and World Record Holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble!
This show promises a whirlwind of excitement and surprises, as Ray uses various different gases to craft stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays.
Prepare to be amazed as Ray creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost, and even a tornado inside a bubble!
The show was inspired by Ray’s work with SEND schools, adult neurodivergent groups, and science centres across Europe.
The performance is suitable for children and adults with additional needs.
Saturday, 29 August
Food & drink: FoodDrunk Festival – street food | DJs | live music | craft cider
Bedford Esquires @ 1pm
Free entry
Esquires’ last alldayer of the summer returns on Bank Holiday Saturday.
Taking over the indoor and outdoor spaces and featuring the finest in street food, entertainment will be provided by DJs curated by Roll Your Own Records and some of the best local artists in the live rooms.
Final line-up TBC.
Saturday, 29 August
Live music: TRUE ORDER – The Sound Of New Order
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £14
TRUE ORDER are Europe’s only tribute to the iconic Manchester band New Order and are considered by many to be the next best thing to watching the real thing.
Playing a career defining set the band play the songs from the early years after the demise of Joy Division.
Expect to hear a set rarely performed by New Order themselves, as True Order emulate the rich tapestry of synthesizers, sequencers, drum machines and guitars with the same uncompromising attitude that made New Order pioneers of modern music.
Sunday, 30 August
Bedford indies: St Cuthbert’s Street Festival
St Cuthbert’s Street @ 10am – 5pm
Free
This bank holiday weekend, St Cuthbert’s Street is once again closing the road and throwing a party to celebrate the wonderful and unique businesses that make up this Bedford indies hot-spot.
From 10am – 5pm on Sunday, 30 August, the street will be closed to traffic, and everyone’s invited to enjoy live music, DJs, food, drink and fun in the sunshine.
Read: St Cuthbert’s Festival puts the party into the heart of Bedford
Your perfect Bedford Sunday in a nutshell!
Sunday, 30 August
Walking: “Bedford’s Movers and Shakers” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at St Loyes, opposite Bedford Prison
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
You will know of the ‘mugshot’, but did you know it was first introduced into the criminal justice system by Robert Evan Roberts, a reforming governor of Bedford Prison in Victorian times?
Join this walk and meet Roberts and others who made a difference in Bedford and in the world; an astronomer, a polar explorer, the first woman county councillor and discover how some of the most attractive private dwellings in Bedford came to grace this area of town. N.B. Please note that this walk starts from St Loyes, opposite Bedford Prison
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, 30 August 2026
Family fun: Storytelling in the Gallery with Belinda
The Higgins Bedford @ 2.30pm
Free / drop-in
Belinda will be leading children on a creative exploration of stories this Sunday. Enjoy the immersive storytelling experience in the air-conditioned gallery. Perfect for children seven and under.
Please be aware, space in the gallery is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Sunday, 30 August
Live music: The Place Open Mic 2026
The Place Theatre @ 2pm – 5pm
Free
The ever-popular “The Place Open Mic” sessions are back.
Join the relaxed music sessions in The Place foyer. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just love to play, The Place Open Mic offers a friendly, informal space to meet fellow music lovers and enjoy a good jam session. Bring your instrument, grab a coffee, and let the music flow.
Monday, 31 August
Gardens: Music in the Garden
Kathy Brown’s Garden, The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington MK43 7QB @ 2pm
Tickets:
International musician Dan Evans is a friend of and regular visitor to the gardens. This bank holiday Monday he will be playing instrumental music on the dulcimer and guitar from 2pm (subject to the weather).
His music will include folk airs and his own nature-themed compositions, in a relaxed and informal setting.
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
Gardens: Kathy Brown’s Garden
The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington MK43 7QB @ 10.30am – 1pm / 2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets: £11/£5.50 | Booking required
Enjoy a guided walk around the beautiful gardens of the Manor House in Stevington, which have been created by Kathy Brown and her husband Simon over the last 30 years.
You can choose either a morning or afternoon slot, but numbers are limited to ensure the best visitor experience – and that there is enough cake!
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
Walking: “The Life and Times of John Bunyan” 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)
Discover the story of Bedford’s most famous son who was imprisoned for his non-conformist preaching. Visit the site of the cottage in which John and his family lived, the churches in which he worshipped and the site of the gaol in which he spent 12 long years and began to write one of the best selling books in history, The Pilgrim’s Progress.
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, 2 September 2026
Local history: John Howard – Radical Prison Reformer: his enduring call to action’
Basement@Bunyan, Mill Street, MK40 3EU @ 2pm
£10 (payable on the door)/£5 Friends of John Bunyan Museum & Library
To mark the 300th anniversary of the birth date of John Howard, Prison Reformer and Bedfordian, the Basement@Bunyan is hosting a talk by David Spademan, managing chaplain of multi-faith chaplaincy team in a public sector prison.
The talk will be followed by a panel discussion and a guided visit to local Howard sites at 3.30pm – 4 pm.
This is also an opportunity to visit the Summer Exhibition on John Howard at the same venue, open 11 am to 4pm.
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
Live music: Cardinals + guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Following in the footsteps of now globally acclaimed bands like The Murder Capital and Fontaines D.C. (who they supported at their huge Finsbury Park day festival last summer), the Cardinals are flying their nation’s flag, merging colourings of Irish traditionalism into a palette of edgy post-punk and intricate art-rock.
Thursday, 3 September 2026
Quiz: Esquires’ monthly music quiz
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
£2 per person/maximum of six per team
Head to Esquires for their monthly music quiz on the first Thursday of every month. Teams of up to six people compete in the quiz featuring music from the 50s to the present. Cash prize for the winning team.
Friday, 4 – Sunday, 6 September 2026
Live music: MillFest
Bromham Mill, MK43 8LP
Tickets:
Three unforgettable days of live music, incredible street food, family entertainment, bars and an atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
Read: West End star Zoe Birkett talks MillFest, her 25-year career, and making a life in Bedfordshire
Friday, 4 September 2026
Live music: Country Meets Rock
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20/£18
Featuring the combined talents of award-winning country musician Thorne Hill and the incredible rock vocals of Sally Rivers, this show seamlessly blends the storytelling heart of modern Country with the raw power of classic Rock.
Featuring a setlist spanning the genres, so expect everything from Bon Jovi and Journey to Lonestar and Lady A.
Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 September 2026
The great outdoors: ATW Bedford Running Festival
Russell Park
The ATW Bedford Running Festival is back in Russell Park on the first weekend in September and is open to everyone from serious runners to families and spectators looking for a fun weekend out. Entry to the festival village is completely free and there is loads to see and do.
For runners, the festival features a range of distances across flat, fast, mixed-terrain courses along closed roads and riverside cycle paths. On Saturday, choose from the Bedford 5K (3pm) – perfect for speedsters – or the Twilight 10K (5.30pm). You can also sign up for both races back-to-back to achieve the Saturday Double. There is also a Mini Miles family fun run at 4.30pm open to all ages.
At 9.30am on Sunday, its the simultaneous Bedford Half Marathon and 20-Mile Race, described as the Autumn marathon prep. If you’re really keen, you can take on the Weekend Challenge by completing one of the Saturday events and a long-distance race on Sunday.
For non-runners or friends, family and spectators, the Festival Village is the place to be. There’s live music, a yoga and wellness tent, mini funfair, facepainting and glitter tattoos plus street food and bars. Something for everyone, whether you’re putting on your running shoes or not.
Saturday, 5 – Sunday, 13 September 2026
The great outdoors: The Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks
Throughout Bedfordshire
This annual celebration of the great outdoors features walks of all distances, and for all levels of fitness. From a two-day 40-mile walk along the Greensand Ridge to a ‘walk and sail’ with the John Bunyan Boat and a Bat Walk – weather permitting.
Explore the town centre with Bedford Tour Guides, Foster Hill Road Cemetery or discover beautiful Bedfordshire in more depth.
Saturday, 5 September 2026
LGBTQ+: Bedford Pride: a festival of community, creativity, and celebration
Harpur Square and Harpur Suite @ 1pm – 8pm
Free entry
Get ready to crank up the colour and turn up the energy as we get ready to celebrate Bedford’s LGBTQ+ community at Pride this month.
Organised by Rainbow Bedfordshire and sponsored by The Harpur Trust and The University of Bedfordshire, this year’s event brings a packed lineup of entertainment, connection, and grassroots activism to the town centre.
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Live music: Man of the World : The Music of Peter Green
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £18
Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac, guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green’s career.
Including such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Live music: Rammlied (Rammstein Tribute)
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Experience the electrifying energy of Rammstein’s music with RAMMLIED, the UK’s #1 tribute act.
From classic hits like “Ich Will” and ”Du Hast” to newer fan favourites like “Dicke Titten” and “Auslander”, Rammlied delivers an exhilarating experience that even the most die-hard Rammstein fans will appreciate.
So join frontman Adam Lindemann and the rest of the boys for a night of laughter, dancing, and singing along to all your favourite tracks. Don’t miss out on the ultimate Rammstein party…
Sunday, 6 September 2026
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, 6 September 2026
Live music: Annual Esquires BeatleJam
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Teh Sunday Afternoon Sessions return to Esquires with the annual BeatleJam.
The evening will feature the cream of the Bedford (and beyond) music scene, who will ‘Come Together’ to perform some of their favourite Beatle tracks.
Hosted by Mat Roberts, full bands and solo artists are welcome (strictly no backing tracks). If you would like to take part, contact Mat Roberts at matrobertsmusic@aol.com.
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Poetry: Read Poets Society
The Eagle Bookshop @ 7pm
Tickets: Free
Join Swan Theatre Company at The Eagle Bookshop for their first poetry evening of the season.
This month’s theme is A Sense of Place.
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Theatre: Lady Windermere’s Fan
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £18
Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, in an adaptation that brings Wilde’s razor-sharp dialogue and delicious social satire to life with inventive staging and playful character doubling.
When Lady Windermere begins to suspect her husband’s loyalty, a mysterious woman’s arrival threatens to upend her world. A whirlwind of gossip, temptation, and mistaken intentions follows—leading to a revelation that challenges every assumption.
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.
Until Saturday, 5 September
Local history: Howard 300 – celebrating the life of the pioneering prison reformer
Basement@Bunyan @ 11am – 4pm
Free entry
Many people will recognise John Howard’s statue in St Paul’s Square, but how much do you really know about the man behind the monument?
A pioneering prison reformer, Howard’s famous work, The State of the Prisons in England and Wales transformed attitudes towards prison conditions and continues to influence the justice system today.
Hosted in the Basement@Bunyan, the exhibition brings together a collection of historical artefacts alongside items from HMP Bedford. Visitors will also have the opportunity to read inspiring creative writing pieces produced by current prisoners at HMP Bedford, offering a thought-provoking perspective that connects Howard’s legacy with the present day.
Curator, Elisha Breed said ‘It is an honour to put together an exhibition which highlights a man who fought hard for change for so many.”
The exhibition is supported by Museum Development South East and Arts Council England.
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.
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.
