Bedford town centre will once again come alive with Irish culture, music and community spirit, as Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO), in partnership with Bedford’s Irish community, brings its St Patrick’s Day craic to Harpur Square.
The free, fun-for-all-the-family event takes place on Sunday, 15 March, and is part of QPCO’s Back to Our Roots programme, which celebrates the diversity of Bedford’s cultural heritage.
Last year’s event saw hundreds of revellers sharing in the celebrations, and organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.
From dance and music, to food, drink, history and heritage, the day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the contribution Bedford’s Irish community has made to the borough.
From 11am, Harpur Square will host performances from some of Bedford’s best-loved Irish musicians, including The Castle Session Band, Sheryl Hunter, The Also Rans and The Black and Gold. Stuart Irish Dance Bedford will perform throughout the day and run a taster session inside the Harpur Suite.
Irish food will be served in the Harpur Suite by Sean and the team from The King’s Arms on St Mary’s Street, with drinks also available in the square. There will also be an exhibition of Irish history and heritage to enjoy.
QPCO’s Alexander Quinn said: “Back to Our Roots is about honouring where our communities come from and creating spaces where culture, identity and belonging can be shared openly.
“From exhibitions and school workshops to public celebrations, we’re creating meaningful ways for people of all ages to connect with their heritage and with each other.
“St Patrick’s Day is a joyful focal point, but the work happens all year round.”
The event has been made possible thanks to The Harpur Trust, the National Lottery and Bedford Borough Council, but as Alex says, the project is more than a single day of festivities.
Back to Our Roots is a continuous cultural heritage programme working with Bedford’s communities to platform and share their traditions, stories and creativity.
Through exhibitions, school partnerships, workshops and public celebrations, the programme recognises and preserves cultural heritage while strengthening intergenerational connections and community pride.
Delivered in collaboration with local cultural organisations, schools, churches andcommunity partners, the programme brings history and tradition to life for new generations.
For more information, visit qpco.org.uk
