Bedford Radio is bringing back its acclaimed local history series Historic Bedford this Christmas, with a new episode telling the story of how the railways came to the town as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations.
The programme, Historic Bedford: Railway 200, will explore how Bedford embraced the arrival of the railway while other nearby towns held back, and the impact that decision had on the town’s growth and connections.
Listeners will hear about the role of railway pioneers George and Robert Stephenson in Bedford’s rail network, Charles Dickens’ unscheduled visit to the town when he feared for his life, and how the expanding railways helped shape Bedford’s place in the wider region.
The story is told using contemporary letters, newspaper reports and speeches, recorded by volunteers from Bedford Radio and The Place Theatre, with additional context from railway history YouTuber Jago Hazzard on how the railways developed across the country.
Producer John Kell said: “After the positive response to our VE Day programme, I’m delighted to be exploring another chapter in Bedford’s long and fascinating history.
“Once again, I’m grateful to all the volunteers who have helped bring it to life. Hopefully we’ll be able to provide some perfect listening for a cosy winter’s evening between Christmas and New Year.”
Historic Bedford: Railway 200 will be broadcast on Bedford Radio at 7pm on Sunday, 28 December 2025.
Bedford Radio is a local, not-for-profit station serving Bedford and the surrounding area, with programmes created by and for the local community.
It is available on DAB across Bedford, via its website at bedford.radio, on the station’s smartphone app, or by asking a smart speaker to “Play Bedford Radio”.
