Louise Harris is a Bedford-born music publicist with over 25 years in the industry.
Based here, she is best known locally for her long-standing role as publicist for the iconic Bedford Park Concerts, now known as TX Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions.
Throughout her career, she has worked with major artists and household names across the music and entertainment world — from Hollywood actor Russell Crowe to music legend Stevie Wonder.
Louise is the founder of Bedford-based PR company Louise Harris PR and currently serves as Head of PR for Rock Choir, the world’s largest contemporary choir.
With the announcements of next year’s Summer Session headliners coming thick and fast, we thought it was a great time to catch up with Louise, to find out her favourite places…
Name: Louise Harris
Occupation: Music publicist
Born here or blow in? Born here
Best breakfast in Bedford? This is hard! So many amazing independent cafes/pubs to choose from, but I think it has to be The Longholme.
Best boozer? I’m going local and choosing The Park on Kimbolton Road. GREAT cocktails.
Best coffee or cuppa? Fancy. Perfect for a coffee, but of course, you have to have cake too! Can I just say their blueberry scones are to die for.
Best takeaway? Indiya
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? I’ve seen a lot, as you can imagine, but a highlight was following Tom Grennan out on stage in Bedford Park; the reaction of the crowd was incredible. His energy was insane, and the energy back from the crowd was off the scale.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? No, sadly not, I do, however, read The Clanger, which surely must count as essential Bedfordshire literature? [You’re absolutely right; of course it does! – Ed]
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? Yes… I think I have… I must have had. I’m not sure it was that memorable?!
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? I’m going with cafes again, but if you haven’t tried the French toast at The Old Curiosity Café, you haven’t lived. Get yourself down there.
Best Bedfordian? It’s totally biased, but my husband, Neil Harris, who has sat on governing boards for The Harpur Trust, has mentored students through Bedford Open Door and is now the chair for Tibbs Dementia, doing amazing work in the community to raise awareness and to support those affected by dementia.
His volunteer work and commitment to helping the local Bedford community is outstanding.
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Friendly, Inclusive and Creative
