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.
The event has been spearheaded by the festival founder Rosanna Heasman of The Store, alongside her fellow St Cuthbert Street traders.
“Thanks to the amazing support of Bedfordians and our local Green councillors, we’re excited to be back for another street party” she said.
“The energy, spirit, and footfall it brings to the area is a reminder of how vibrant Bedford can be when we come together.
“After the success of our Christmas event, it’s great to build on the momentum and remind people of the many great reasons to visit Bedford and shop local.”
Rosanna told Bedford Clanger that food and drink are at the heart of this year’s celebration, so advised visitors to “arrive hungry”.
“There will be lots of places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere over a bite to eat and something to drink,” she said, but warned visitors to arrive early, as all the traders at last year’s event sold out.
And there’s even more good news, as Greene King has confirmed that The Ship, which has been closed for refurbishment, will reopen on 21 August, in perfect time to take part in the festivities.
That’s entertainment
Red Cuthbert Morris Dancers, the Martial Method, Capricorn Choir and Herd DJs will be providing entertainment throughout the day, alongside performers on the main stage, sponsored by Beerfly.
Artist Robyn Caley will be selling prints of her ‘Bedford buildings’ series, alongside Art Pick n’ Mix prints, her 10 Bedford Bottles design and a colouring area for younger visitors.
You can even chance your luck on her ‘print-o-matic’ machine. Just pop a fiver through the slot, and you’ll be rewarded with two surprise prints and a gift.
Continuing the art theme, Jay from the Manor will be creating a community art installation that everyone is invited to be part of.
Other stalls on the day will be from Bedford Resortwear, Carumbar and GCH Fishmongers, who will be back shucking oysters at Herd.
Rosanna will be manning the Garden Bar alongside the living wall on the side of St Cuthbert’s Arcade, selling a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.
Beerfly’s Caroline Stronkhorst told the Bedford Clanger: “We can’t wait for the annual street party later this month.
“It’s been all-consumer in the best way possible. Organising it with Ro from The Store has been a dream, and everyone has come together to make it the best day for all the visitors, traders and businesses on the street.
“A small local brewery from Potton, Holla Brewing, is making us a limited edition pale ale especially for the street party. Our regulars have chosen their favourite hops, so the brewing process has been a real team effort.
“We’ll have it pouring on the day and a handful of cans you can grab as a memento.”
If you’re in the bank holiday spirit and want to keep the party going beyond 5pm, there are after parties at The Flute, Beerfly, Herd and The Ship.
Your perfect Bedford bank holiday in a nutshell.
St Cuthbert’s Street Festival, Sunday, 30 August @ 10am – 5pm, St Cuthbert’s Street, Bedford.
Free parking all day at Lurke Street multi-storey car park.
