Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford 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.
From Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Local history: Celebrating 150 years of Wells and Co.
The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
Founded in 1876 by Charles Wells, the business began at Horne Lane Brewery, brewing beers and growing a thriving pub estate. In 2019, it moved to Brewpoint and rebranded as Wells & Co., marking an exciting new chapter.
Find out more about their 150-year journey in this new exhibition at the Higgins Bedford
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Walking: “The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle” 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)
The Norman Conquest of Britain witnessed the introduction of castles to the landscape and in Bedford, a major castle was built in the 12th century. Walk through the old castle grounds, see the mound on which it once stood and hear the story of the castle and its demise in the siege of 1224. This year witnesses the 800th anniversary of the Great Siege of Bedford Castle in 1224.
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.
Thursday, 2 July 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ evening walk
Meeting place: Biddenham War Memorial, MK40 4BE @ 7pm
Gentle stroll along the Ouse Valley Way, 4.5 miles.
Thursday, 2 July 2026
Live music: Bedford Summer Sessions presents Deacon Blue + The Lightning Seeds
Bedford Park @ 5pm
Tickets: from £60.25
This July, Bedford Summer Sessions returns to the beautiful surroundings of Bedford Park with another stellar line-up, promising four memorable nights in the heart of the town.
The opening night (Thursday) sees Scottish favourites Deacon Blue take to the stage, joined by special guests The Lightning Seeds. Their back catalogue of much-loved hits will be the perfect uplifting start to the weekend.
Thursday, 2 July 2026
Live music: Irish Music Night
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free
Traditional foot-tapping Irish tunes and a great craic guaranteed.
Thursday, 2 July 2026
Live music: Limehouse Lizzy
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £21
Limehouse Lizzy are back in town on Thursday 2nd July – a true celebration of all things Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy.
Friday, 3 July 2026
Family fun: Puggle Club Creative activities for Early Years (age 5 and under)
The Higgins Bedford @ 10.30am – midday and 1pm – 2.30pm
Free
A chance to get creative, have fun, and socialise at this free drop-in. There’s no need to book, just pop in to the Higgins throughout the sessions and stay for as long as you like. Children must be accompanied by an adult; come and join in the fun.
All activities are subject to availability; if the room is getting a bit full, we might ask you to wait until there is space.
Friday, 3 July 2026
Dance music: Remixed Fridays – all age disco
The George and Dragon, Mill street @ 5.30pm – 9pm | £7.50 adv / £10 on the door
Tickets £7.50 online / £10 on the door. (Accompanied children are free)
Love dancing or just want to be part of a community event? Here is your opportunity to bop your way into the weekend.
If you’d like to make a music/ dance request email the organisers at remixedfridays@gmail.com and they’ll do their best.
Friday, 3 July 2026
Live music: Bedford Summer Sessions presents UB40 featuring Ali Campbell + Bitty McLean + Reggae Roast ft MC Horseman
Bedford Park @ 5pm
Tickets: from £52.15
Friday brings a reggae-flavoured celebration to Bedford Park as UB40 featuring Ali Campbell headline, supported by Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast featuring MC Horseman.
Expect plenty of sing-along moments and feel-good vibes.
Friday, 3 July 2026
Live music: Banks Arcade x Tropic Gold
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17
Banks Arcade are a modern heavy metal band that has dismantled the traditional genre walls to fuse the raw, physical violence of metal with the maximalist energy of alternative electronic music and hip-hop.
Drawing inspiration from underground electronic artists, modern hip hop, and classic metal-core the band has always been hellbent on creating something unique.
Evolving from a New Zealand underdog to a global force, they have sold out headline shows across the Southern Hemisphere and dominated international stages, including Download Festival, while supporting heavyweights such as The Plot in You, Northlane, and Thornhill.
Tropic Gold is a UK-based band blending alternative, metal, pop, and electronica, creating dynamic, genre-bending music with emotional depth, gaining support from BBC Radio 1, RockSound and Kerrang! to name a few.
Friday, 3 July 2026
Live music: Red Hot Chili Peppers UK
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £14
Red Hot Chili Peppers UK are the country’s funkiest, freshest, upliftin’ tribute band, and these four funky monks are all passionate about recreating the live experience in a way that always puts the music first.
The band’s sets comprise the whole of the Chili Peppers’ output, focusing on great live versions of the hits and sought-after rarities. Utilising much of the same gear and outfits as the band, you’d be hard-pressed to find a tone or feel closer to the originals.
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Shop local: Bedford Makers Summer Market
Bunyan Meeting, Mill St MK40 3EU @ 10am – 4pm
Free
With everything from ceramics and jewellery to paintings and prints, you’ll find incredible one-of-a-kind products and gifts at this summer’s Bedford Makers Market.
The brainchild of artists Cath Loukes and Bethany Wells, the market is a celebration of local artisans, creatives and craftspeople.
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Morning walk meeting place: Stagsden Church, MK43 8SQ @ 10am
Afternoon walk meeting place: Stagsden Church, MK43 8SQ @ 1.30pm
This week’s morning walk is a five-miler west from Stagsden Church to Hill Farm and past Manorial earthworks, 5 miles.
In the afternoon, from the same starting point the walk will be 6.5 miles, past How Wood, towards Mount Pleasant Farm.
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Creative community: Artists’ Social @ 10.30am – midday
Albero Lounge – Upstairs, or outside if the weather permits
Free
Enjoy a coffee and chat with other artists to meet friends, share experiences, and hear about creative projects happening in Bedford.
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Family fun: Patronal Summer Fete
St Mary’s Church, Church Lane @ 11.30am
Free
Everyone is warmly invited to St Mary’s Church for their annual Patronal Summer Fete this Saturday.
As well as traditional stalls, games and activities, there will also be refreshments of homemade sandwiches and cakes inside the Hall, and a BBQ outside in the Paddock.
The church and tower will also be open, so why not try your hand at ringing the church bells as part of the tower tours, or speak to one of the visiting emergency services officers.
Fun for all the family with free admission.
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Community: Bedford African Community Event
Harpur Square @ 1pm – 6pm
Free
Join this annual celebration of African culture, community, and connection in the heart of Bedford this Saturday.
Visitors are invited to enjoy the vibrant and colourful atmosphere, typical African food and fashion. Everyone is welcome.
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Comedy: Charity Comedy Night in aid of The Road Victims Trust
The Place Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: from £17.50
For over 30 years, the Road Victims Trust has been the UK’s only charity providing free, long‑term specialist emotional and practical support to people bereaved or seriously injured due to road collisions within Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
As a local charity, they rely on support from partnership organisations and fundraising events, such as this comedy night, which are essential to ensure they can continue to deliver their unique services.
Headliner is Matt Daniel Baker.
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Live music: Bedford Summer Sessions presents Tom Grennan
Bedford Park @ 5pm
Tickets: from £60.55
For many Bedfordians, Saturday’s Summer Sessions headline act may be the most eagerly anticipated. Local star Tom Grennan returns to Bedford Park for what is expected to be a triumphant hometown performance.
Special guests Brooke Combe and Fiona-Lee complete the bill.
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Live music: CODA – a tribute to Led Zeppelin
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16
Following their previous three sell-out shows at Bedford Esquires, CODA are back by popular demand.
CODA are Europe’s most authentic tribute to the mighty Led Zeppelin, featuring four musicians who faithfully recreate the excitement, energy, passion and magic of the world’s most famous rock band.
The attention to detail is unrivalled: they’ve got the sound, the look, the hair, the instruments and the on-stage mannerisms, you could almost believe you were watching the real thing. Expect all the classics and much more in this incredible, brand-new show.
Sunday, 5 July 2026
Walking: “The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown” 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)
The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown is undoubtedly the River Great Ouse and its Embankment. This entertainingf and informative circular walk takes you along the banks of the river, which has been described as one of the finest riverside settings in England. Learn the story of the Victorian Embankment development and enjoy a walk in the ornamental gardens.
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, 5 July 2026
Family fun: Robotics Workshop
The Higgins Bedford @ 2.15pm – 3.15pm & 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Free (suitable for 5 to 12-year-olds)
Enjoy a fun hands-on introduction to coding, logic and creativity through games and stories.
Places are limited, so booking is essential. The workshop lasts an hour. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults do not need to book a place.
To book a place for children, visit the website at thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Book_Online, call the Box Office on 01234 718044 (open Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-4pm).
Sunday, 5 July 2026
Live music: Bedford Summer Sessions presents Paul Weller + Miles Kane + Arkayla
Bedford Park @ 5pm
Tickets: from £67.30
The Bedford Summer Sessions series concludes on Sunday with the legendary Paul Weller, supported by Miles Kane and Arkayla. The Modfather’s enduring appeal and extensive back catalogue make him a fitting choice to close the festival weekend, so expect tracks from across his 54-year career.
Tuesday, 7 July 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!
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Classical music: Lunchtime recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free with retiring collection
A dulcimer recital by Dan Evans. Free with retiring collection.
Tuesday, 7 & Thursday, 9 July 2026
Community Theatre: Whiskers in the Wall
The Place Theatre @ 6pm
Tickets: from £5
Whiskers in the Wall follows the story of an adventurous cat who roams the house and discovers a variety of unexpected housemates, including mice, raccoons, dogs, and even ghostly coats living there.
Tuesday, 7 – Saturday, 11th July 2026
Exhibition: Form and Function
Basement @ Bunyan Basement @ 11am – 4pm
Free entry
An exhibition of work by ceramics students at the Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre off Ampthill Road.
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Local history: Geology drop-in
The Higgins Bedford @ 2pm – 4pm
Free entry, booking essential by emailing thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk
Do you have geology specimens that you would like identified? Bring in your best rock, fossil, mineral and crystal finds, and Bev will help to answer your geology questions.
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Live music: This Is The Kit
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £26
This Is The Kit is the alias of British musician Kate Stable and the band she fronts.
Now seven albums in, and with their latest work produced by Gruff Rhys, yet another daring but warm album was created.
Constantly supported by DJs across the BBC, including 6 Music and Radio 1, as well as playing festivals around the world, this is set to be an amazing evening of music.
Thursday, 9 July 2026
Theatre: Handlebards present – As You Like It
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: from £3.50
Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK.
Join the troupe at the Quarry Theatre for a fantastically funny bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’.
Friday, 10 July 2026
Art and culture: Marmalade Cats & Faithful Hens – Kathleen Hale & Noel Carrington
The Higgins Bedford @ 11.30am – 12.30pm
Tickets: £7.75 per person, concessions £6.20 / booking essential
Join the Higgins’ Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art, Victoria Partridge, for this marmalade cat-filled talk about the wonderful art of Kathleen Hale, part of the Noel Carrington exhibition.
To book places on exhibition tours and talks please call the Box Office on 01234 718044 (open Weds – Sat 10am–4pm) or go to the website.
Friday, 10 and Saturday, 11 July 2026
Family fun: Big Car Weekend
Kimberley College, Green Lane, Stewartby @ 4pm – 8pm (Friday) 8am – 8pm (Saturday)
Tickets: Friday £3 adv/£5 on the door | Saturday £5 adv/£10 on the door
The perfect weekend for petrolheads on the grounds of Kimberley College. Enjoy the car show, DJs, food, drink and all things automobile-related.
All proceeds to local Bedford-based charities.
Friday, 10 July 2026
Comedy: Matt Forde: Defying Calamity
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
In his biggest live tour to date, leading political comedian Matt Forde (The Royal Variety Performance, Spitting Image, HIGNFY, British Scandal) finds positivity in life despite all the evidence to the contrary in politics and his own health.
Friday, 10 July 2026
Live music: Mad Mods and Englishmen
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Anyone that has seen the ‘Mad Mods’ live will tell you that they are no traditional covers band. Their energetic performances have built them a massive following and they have a reputation of packing every venue they play at, and then bringing the house down!
Their repertoire includes hits from The Who, Small Faces, The Kinks, Rolling Stones, Spencer Davis, Yardbirds, The Jam and many more, and yes, they’ve even been known to smash the odd guitar up on stage!
The band will be playing 2 sets with no support on the night, doors open at 7:30pm with the band hitting the stage around 8.30pm.
Friday, 10 July 2026
Live music: Run in the Shadow – Fleetwood Mac tribute
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17
The UK’s top, and some say most authentic, Fleetwood Mac tribute show make a very welcome return to Bedford following sell out shows at Esquires in 2024 and 25.
The band have spent a huge amount of time carefully recreating the look, sound and playing style of their favourite band, so audiences can revel in the attention to detail and delight in a sound noted by many as ‘just like the actual Fleetwood Mac’.
With a huge wealth of experience of theatre shows, bars and festivals, you can be sure they will fully entertain the crowds wherever you might find them.
Expect a hit packed set with all the classics inc Big Love, Dreams, Caroline, Gypsy, Rhiannon, Tusk, Go Your Own Way, Seven Wonders, Tango In The Night, Don’t Stop and many many more…
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Morning walk meeting place: Ravensden Village Hall, MK44 2RL @ 9.30am / 10am / 10.30am
Three morning walks, all starting from Ravensden Village Hall.
At 9.30am, walk east to Wilden, then west through the countryside, 8.6 miles
At 10am, a six-mile walk from Ravensden to Salph End, Putnoe Woods and Mowsbury Park
At 10.30am, a slower ramble through Avenue Farm to Sevick End, Wilden, 4.5 miles.
Please bring a drink, snack or lunch as the group always stops for a break. Check out the North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ excellent website for further information.
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Fundraising: Our Big Book Sale
The Place Theatre @ 10am
Free
Browse a huge selection of second-hand books at The Place Theatre’s fundraising sale. Whether you’re after a classic, a thriller, or a cosy novel, they’ve got something for everyone, with prices from just £1.
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Family fun: Bedford Creative Arts summer workshops
Kempston Mill MK42 7BD @ 11am – 3pm
Free drop-in
Head to Kempston Mill for the ‘Drawing at the River Great Ouse‘ art workshop.
No experience necessary, just bring a sketch book, pencils, brushes, paints, and a picnic. Age: 5 years and up.
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Family fun: Riverside Tennis Club open day
Riverside Tennis Club, Goldington Road @ 1pm – 3.30pm
Free
All ages, all abilities, all welcome to give tennis a try and Riverside this weekend.
The tennis club on Goldington Road is hosting an open day to give you a chance to come along and try tennis for free.
Whether you are a total beginner or a low key professional you’re invited to come along and get involved. Coaches and members will be on hand to help with your game and let you know how you can continue to play.
The bar and cafe will be open all afternoon and membership and coaching discounts available on the day to new participants.
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Workshop: Zine Workshop
The Place Theatre @ 2pm
Tickets: free but please book via the website
Calling all creatives aged 14–25!
Join Imperfect Bound for a free zine-making workshop where you can share your favourite hangouts, strange stories, and meaningful places in Bedford through drawing, writing, collage, and more.
Perfect for teens and young adults who love storytelling, art, or just want to share what makes Bedford special.
Saturday, 11 and Sunday, 12 July 2026
Food & drink: Cream Teas in the Panacea Garden
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford, MK40 3NX @ 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm
£8
A pot of tea, scone, cream and jam, all served on vintage and antique china. Reserve your spot online, and pay on the day by card or cash.
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Theatre: All of Them, Dead
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
In a global pandemic caused by infected meat, two boys find they’re much less alone than they thought. All Of Them, Dead is a play about being young, gay and working-class in the middle of nowhere.
It’s about the things that go unsaid, it’s about two boys holding hands, it’s about clinging together as the world changes around you.
And it’s about meat falling from the sky (no, really).
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Live music: Green 182
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £14
The ultimate tribute to the iconic bands Green Day and Blink-182, born out of a shared passion for punk rock, energetic performances, and a love for the unforgettable anthems of these legendary bands.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan who wants to relive the magic of live performances or a newcomer eager to discover the essence of punk rock, Green 182 is the ultimate destination. Sing along to your favourite hits, jump in the mosh pit, and immerse yourself in the timeless music that has defined a generation.
Get ready to experience the best of Green Day and Blink-182 all in one electrifying performance.
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Live music: Bad Hombre
The Cellar Bar @
Free entry
The three amigo’s bring their wall of sound back to Bedford’s coolest venue at The Cellar Bar.
Hey ho – let’s go!
Sunday, 12 July 2026
Shop local: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market
Harpur Square @ 10am – 3pm
Free
The perfect way to spend a chilled-out summer Sunday. Browse the stalls, chat to the traders, grab some food and enjoy the music.
See you there!
Sunday, 12 July 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.
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Children’s Art Competition and Exhibition
Sir William Harpur Gallery at the Higgins Bedford until 4 October
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.
Exhibition: Noel Carrington: Nothing Need Be Ugly
The Higgins Bedford @ extended until 2 September
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.
Exhibition: Edward Bawden – Printmaker
The Higgins Bedford until 26 April
Free entry
Take a trip to the Higgins Bedford to explore the Edward Bawden Printmaker exhibition, which celebrates Bawden’s remarkable legacy as ‘The Master of the Linocut’ and offers visitors a chance to delve into his innovative techniques and artistic achievements.
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.
