Welcome to our weekly what’s on guide for Bedford and the surrounding area from the Bedford Clanger.
Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford Clanger 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 The Cellar Bar Bedford.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Food & drink: Cooking Up Health – Culinary Medicine with Dr Rupy Auijla
Gastronomica, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LQ @ 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Free entry
Join Dr Rupy Aujla, founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen, for an inspiring lunch and learn session exploring the transformative concept of food as medicine.
A Sunday Times bestselling author and TV personality, Dr Rupy is on a mission to revolutionise how we think about food and its role in health. Dr Rupy Aujla MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, MSc is the founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen and a Sunday Times bestselling author of four cookbooks: The Doctor’s Kitchen, Eat to Beat Illness, Doctor’s Kitchen 3-2-1, and Dr Rupy Cooks.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Cruise the Ouse: Afternoon cream tea cruise on the John Bunyan Boat
Sovereign’s Quay @ 2pm
Tickets: £42.40
Enjoy an afternoon cruise on the River Great Ouse having Afternoon Tea at the Kingfisher Bedford which has fantastic views overlooking the river, before returning by boat to Sovereign’s Quay.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Live streaming: Die Walküre Opera
Stevington Cinema Club, Stevington Village Hall, MK443 7QT @ 4.45pm
Tickets: £6 (running time: 5 hours 20 minutes including two intervals)
Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle. Conductor Antonio Pappano and director Barrie Kosky reunite to continue the mythical adventure that began with Das Rheingold in 2023.
On a stormy night, fate brings two strangers together, unleashing a love with the power to end worlds. Meanwhile, in the realm of the gods, an epic battle ensues between their ruler Wotan and his rebellious daughter, Brünnhilde.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Theatre: The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged)
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
One newbie and two self-professed Janeites, through almost all means imaginable, tackle the entire canon of Jane Austen’s works – in just 80 minutes.
Come along for a fun, funny, and fast-paced romp through the masterpieces of Jane Austen with The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged. Three nimble actors take on all of Austen’s beloved heroines, friends, and love interests—and her incisive social satire—in just 80 minutes.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that an audience in possession of high spirits must be in want of a ticket to this big-hearted comedy that will delight Janeites and newcomers alike.
Thursday, 15 May 2025
Bedford Skeptics: Conservation & Restoration In A Changing Climate with Professor Jim Harris
The North End Social Club, 60 Roff Avenue MK41 7TW @ 7pm
Donations appreciated
Climate change is moving the biophysical envelope all over the planet, and some species cannot keep up. Being deeply embedded in those systems, we are moving swiftly from Red Queen to Court Jester environments, and we need to adapt management to suit.
Current approaches, such as management for one or a few species in a SSSI, or as part of a landscape character designation, may appear to produce resistant communities in a location for now, but in the longer term are more likely to induce fragility and potential collapse.
Jim Harris is Professor of Environmental Technology at Cranfield Environment Centre. He will discuss how we should consider the role of diversity and complexity in all ecosystem components (abiotic and biotic) to sustain system function and provide emergent properties, particularly resilience.
In this rapidly changing environment – both biophysical and political – we need to bring flexibility to bear, adopting a “Principles and Guidelines” approach, rather than an adherence to rigid Standards and species lists.
Thursday, 15 May 2025
Live music: Crash Test Dummies
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £35
With one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian music history, alternative rock band Crash Test Dummies are a three-time Grammy nominated and JUNO award-winning group, who soared to the top of the worldwide charts in the early 1990’s with hits “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” and “Superman’s Song”.
Their cover of “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” was a highlight of the soundtrack to the blockbuster film, “Dumb and Dumber”. They come to Esquires as part of the venue’s 35th anniversary celebrations.
Thursday, 15 May 2025
Theatre: You’re So F**cking Croydon
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
You’re SO F**king Croydon! is an audacious autobiographical piece exploring the female working class experience and noughties club culture, whilst seamlessly blending music, dance, comedy, spoken word and subverting mainstream solo show tropes.
You’re SO F**king Croydon!’ is a multifaceted experience that resonates deeply with both traditional and non-traditional theatre audiences. At its essence, it’s the story of a woman triumphing over adversities.
It’s a stomp through pop culture, identity and destiny, blending comedy with profound exploration and personal narrative with societal perceptions.
Thursday, 15 May 2025
Comedy: The Anglia Comedy Allstars
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 8pm
Tickets: £25
The Anglia Comedy Allstars debuts in Bedford in May, with an amazing line-up featuring the fantastic Joel Dommett, Glenn Moore, Esther Manito & Matt Richardson.
As host of The Masked Singer, Joel Dommett has become a regular fixture on TV and he became known to many people through his successful stint on I’m a Celebrity, gaining thousands of fans drawn to his unique brand of humour and his lovable personality
Joel is joined by Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee Glenn Moore (Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo and The Dave Berry Breakfast Show) who is one of the best joke writers of his generation and is back on the road with brand-new material.
Esther Manito is an Arab Essex girl who will challenge every single preconception of what that means. As seen on Live at The Apollo, The Stand Up Sketch Show & Hypothetical.
Your compere for the evening is star of ITV’s Dancing on Ice, Matt Richardson. Matt is a multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, as well as being named Heat Magazine’s Weird Crush of the Year in 2014…
Thursday, 15 May 2025
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Chris Lord and her Blues Express
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99
An evening for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. Cashless bar, plenty of seating (night club set up) and dance floor. Book in advance and come along at 7.15pm for a 45-minute dance class in Balboa, one of the original swing dances of the era. For the main event, just turn up – pay cash at reception – have fun, no booking needed.
Friday, 16 May 2025
Live Music: Sophia Soul
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / doors open at 6pm until late / Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
The wonderful Sophia Soul is back at The Cellar Bar this week. This modern day diva has had an outstanding career in live vocals spanning over 14 years.
Friday, 16 May 2025
Dance music: Phil Hartnoll (Orbital)
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
Tickets: £20
True rave royalty is in Bedford this month in the form of Phil Hartnoll – one half of Orbital. He helped soundtrack an entire generation with tracks like Chime, Halycon and Belfast, and he and his brother Paul can lay claim to kicking down the doors for an entire electronic music scene.
Don’t miss your chance to catch one of the most influential figures in electronic music live behind the decks.
Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 May 2025
Food and drink: Cream teas in the Panacea Museum gardens
The Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford MK40 3NX @ 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
Tickets: £7
Enjoy a pot of tea, a scone, cream and jam, all served on vintage and antique china in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of the Panacea Museum gardens.
Pre-booking recommended. Reserve your spot and pay on the day by card or cash.
Saturday, 17 May 2025
Jazz: Sounds of Adderley
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Young heavyweights of the UK jazz scene, alto saxophonist Tom Smith and trumpeter Tom Syson, have joined forces to create ‘Sounds of Adderley’, a new quintet dedicated to the explosive music of Nat and Cannonball Adderley.
Featuring music throughout the Adderley’s careers including ‘Work Song’ and ‘Jive Samba’, this ensemble is sure to knock your socks off!
Joining them in this ensemble will be pianist Leon Greening, double bassist Oli Hayhust (Julian Siegel) and drummer Luke Tomlinson (Emma Smith, Alex Bone).
Saturday, 17 May 2025
Live music: Sing the Musicals
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets:£26.50
Direct from London’s West End, this is the first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time, performed by a sensational live band, character singers and a giant screen with sing-along lyrics.
This is the must see show of the year, featuring songs from Mamma Mia, The Greatest Showman, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Mary Poppins, Oliver, We Will Rock You and many more.
Saturday, 17 May 2025
Live music: Skinny Lister + Duzzy Avocado
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
Since 2009, Skinny Lister have been at the forefront of first-rate folk/punk in the UK. Making waves with the irrepressible energy of their debut album ‘Forge and Flagon’ in 2012, the London-formed crew went on to sign with Xtra Mile Recordings for the release of their classic second album ‘Down On Deptford Broadway’ (2014) and so beginning a partnership that has birthed a further four records with the label including ‘The Devil, The Heart, The Fight’ (2016), ‘The Story Is…’ (2019), ‘A Matter Of Life & Love’ (2021), and most recently ‘Shanty Punk’.
They’ve led an endless parade gathering fans old and new, from the respected folk circuit to the riotous Download Festival, igniting pogoing mosh-pits at each. Skinny Lister’s formidable live rep more than proceeds them. And now with the tantalising promise of new material on the horizon, catch Skinny Lister doing what they do best at Bedford Esquires.
Support comes from Bedford faves, Duzzy Avocado.
Saturday, 17 May 2025
Live Music: World On Fire
The Cellar Bar until 1am
Free entry
World On Fire are back at The Cellar Bar, playing all your favourite rock covers with a few of their own thrown in too. Imagine if the classic ‘power rock’ female led acts of the 80s were around today, give them modern synths, production and style and you have World On Fire.
Sunday, 18 May 2025
Walking: “The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the box office at the Harpur Suite, Harpur 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.
Sunday, 18 May 2025
Live music: Glam Rampage play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Glam Rampage are a four-piece rock band playing songs from the heyday of 70s Glam Rock era.
Sunday, 18 May 2025
Live music: U18’s Open Mic
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm – 7.00pm / bar opens at 3pm
Free entry
The Cellar Bar is throwing its doors open to the next generation of Bedford musicians, with a dedicated junior open mic session for under 18s.
Whether you sing, play guitar, drums, or any other musical instrument, or are a band already, you are welcome to take part. It’s a chance for you to perform on a stage in front of an audience with a full pa, drum kit, amps, lighting.
Hosted by none other than Mat Roberts, Mat will be on hand to offer support and advice, as well as doing a few jam sessions of his own.
Under 18’s are welcome in the bar from 5pm until 9pm on Sundays for Junior Open Mic.
Monday, 19 – Sunday, 25 May 2025
Exhibition: INTERIM
Basement @ Bunyan, Mill Street, MK40 3EU
Free entry
INTERIM brings together recent works of painter Giacomo Verdura, and photographer Cameron Scrimgeour in an exhibition which reflects the artists’ close working proximity, and how this permeates into their respective work. These intermediary pieces from both artists look back on this year so far, and hint at new directions being shaped for the future.
Private View takes place on Monday, 19 May @ 6-8pm and all are welcome.
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Lunchtime recital featuring Annabel Astridge (mezzo soprano) and Martin Jones (piano). Free with a retiring collection.
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Community Theatre: Shakespeare in Love
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £14
Based on the Academy Award-winning movie, this enchanting, hilarious, romantic stage play reimagines William Shakespeare’s creative process – and explores his inspiration – as he writes Romeo and Juliet.
Young Will Shakespeare has writer’s block. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching, but he’s in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse… the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play.
Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece.
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Entertainment: Drag Karaoke and Bingo
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm
Free entry
Guaranteed to be a very funny evening with Fanny Burns, her new home at The Cellar bar.
Drag queen Fanny Burns will bring her own spin on karaoke and bingo for a hilarious night of good not-so-clean fun. The bingo cash jackpot has been well over £100. £2 per card of six tickets, meaning six chances of winning. Raffle tickets for Fanny’s Flaps game are just £1.
This show contains adult humour and swearing and is strictly an over 18’s event.
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Theatre: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15.50
‘Jekyll and Hyde’ – a mystery tale about the timeless conflict between good and evil – caused a sensation when it was published in 1886. In this highly acclaimed, gripping solo play, Mark Stratford offers a compelling and faithful adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic classic.
In fog-bound Victorian London, Gabriel Utterson works as a respectable lawyer. Concerned by a strange clause in his friend Henry Jekyll’s will, Utterson investigates the sinister Edward Hyde – Jekyll’s unlikely protégé. Convinced that Jekyll and Hyde’s relationship is founded on blackmail, Utterson embarks on a quest to learn more but, as he does so, finds the truth to be far worse than he could have ever imagined..
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Live streaming: Ballet to Broadway
Stevington Cinema Club, Stevington Village Hall, MK443 7QT @ 4.45pm
Tickets: £6 (running time: 5 hours 20 minutes including two intervals)
Fool’s Paradise, The Two of Us, Us, An American in Paris: four works showing the remarkable choreographic range of The Royal Ballet’s Artistic Associate, Christopher Wheeldon.
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Talk: ‘Fake or Forgery – an expert eye’
Bunyan Meeting Church @ 7pm
Tickets: £10 / Friends of the Bunyan: £5
The Bunyan Meeting Church is hosting a talk this month by Nicholas Burnett ACR, one of the regular experts on the BBC’s ‘Fake or Fortune’. He will share fascinating insights into the world of art forgery and guide guests through the details of examining artwork for clues to their history.
Nicholas says “One of the joys of my work is solving problems and developing innovative techniques. Often this is in response to a challenging artwork; it’s the difficult jobs that develop us the most.
“Tailoring each job to the needs of the object and the client provides the best outcomes and means the work is ever changing.”
Thursday, 22 May 2025
On the river: Jazz cruise on the River Great Ouse featuring Amy Roberts Trio
Departing from Sovereign’s Quay @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £30.74
Enjoy a relaxing evening of jazz as the sun goes down on board the John Bunyan as we cruise along Bedford’s river.
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Live music: Karaoke
The Cellar Bar at 8pm
Free entry
The ONLY place you need to be for karaoke on a Thursday night – The Cellar Bar on the High Street. Pure karaoke with over 50,000 songs to choose from.
Perform like a pro with the Cellar Bar’s professional lighting, sound and a proper stage, with the best-sounding performers and acoustics on the High Street. Sing with your friends using multiple microphones and hosted by Cameo and Sarah Ellen.
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring TJ Johnson & his band
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99
An evening for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. Cashless bar, plenty of seating (night club set up) and dance floor. Book in advance and come along at 7.15pm for a 45-minute dance class in Balboa, one of the original swing dances of the era. For the main event, just turn up – pay cash at reception – have fun, no booking needed.
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Dancing: Morris Dancing
Kent Arms, Salisbury Street @ 8pm / Burnaby Arms, Stanley Street @ 9pm
Free
Red Cuthbert Morris will be performing in Black Tom at the Kent Arms on Salisbury Street at 8pm followed by the Burnaby Arms on Stanley Street at 9pm.
Friday, 23 – Sunday, 25 May 2025
Food & drink: Bamberg Beer Festival
Harpur Suite @ noon – 11pm
Free entry
Bedfordians can kick off the late May bank holiday weekend in style at the Harpur Suite as the return of the Bamberg Beer Festival takes centre stage in the town centre for its 10th anniversary.
Read: Bamberg Beer Festival returns to Bedford for 10th anniversary edition
Celebrating the tradition established to honour Bedford’s twinning relationship with Bamberg in Germany, the three-day event will feature a wide selection of authentic German beers, traditional food, and lively cultural entertainment.
Friday, 23 May 2025
Swing music: Andrew Bourn’s Crooner Revolution
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
A brand new theatre show featuring unique swing style arrangements of songs from global artists such as Queen, The Rolling Stones, George Michael, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Prince, Bee Gees, Tom Jones, Rick Astley and more. As well as a few classics from Sinatra and co along the way.
This live show features a fabulous band of top big band musicians! fun, full of energy and will have you singing from your seats.
Friday, 23 May 2025
Live music: Double header – Bazooka Joe & Cameo
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
Bazooka Joe are back with a full-on 80’s vibe. For the last 14 years they have been exciting UK audiences with their versatile repertoire of 80s classics which embody the enigmatic, creative, and buoyant spirit of the decade, from Duran Duran, The Specials, Madness, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Human League to Queen, The Jam, Simple Minds and much more!
Afterwards, and playing into the small hours, is Cameo. Singing classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and so much in between, be ready for a cracking party night.
Saturday, 24 May 2025
Food & drink: FoodDrunk #11 – Street Food – Live Music – DJs – Craft Beer – Family Silent Disco
Bedford Esquires @ noon – 9pm
Free entry
One of the tastiest days in the Esquires calendar returns with FoodDrunk – back for the 11th edition!
Some of the finest street food around, with all three sellers personally hand picked and pre-tested by Esquires HQ. This time around you can choose from: Crown & Heel Smashburgers, Fold Me Close Pizza and Papas Locas Loaded fries and Poutain.
Live music will be performed over the venue’s two stages, with more acts TBA. Confirmed so far are: Duzzy Avocado, Plateau, Moondog & The Suncats, Lyonii, Mia Rae, Matt Astell, Danny Young and Kraken.
DJs will entertaining the crowds in the outside yard, with an eclectic set of sounds, curated by Roll Your Own Records.
There will also be a brand new Family Silent Disco coming to the venue, with a concept never seen before – so don’t be silly and miss it!
Tickets and more information here.
Saturday, 24 May 2025
Food & drink: Motown Magic Afternoon Tea
Papillon Coffee House, 133 Castle Road, MK40 3RF @ 3pm-5pm
Tickets: £35 per person, includes afternoon tea
Book a delicious, Papillon Afternoon Tea and join ‘Capella Entertainment’ for an incredible afternoon of live music as you sit back and enjoy some favourite Motown hits.
Saturday, 24 May 2025
Classical music: Bedford Symphony Orchestra
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: prices vary
This Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra concert will begin with Granville Bantock’s The Sea Reivers, conducted by the composer’s great-grandson, Bjorn Bantock.
The programme will also include Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 with Jakob Kullberg, a professor of cello at the Royal College of Music, noted for his collaboration with the Danish composer Per Nørgård, as soloist.
Tchaikovsky’s most dramatic and tragic last symphony, Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathétique’, rounds off BSO’s season of concerts.
Saturday, 24 May 2025
Live music: Megapint?
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy Hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
The guys are back for another regular gig at The Cellar Bar playing all night until the small hours. Expect musical excellence mixed with a wonderfully curated list of rock/pop classics.
Sunday, 25 May 2025
Walking: “Bedford’s South Bank Show” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the box office at the Harpur Suite, Harpur Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
The settlement south of the river is attributed in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle in 915 to King Edward the Elder. During the latter half of the 20th Century, the south of Bedford changed dramatically as modern development took place. This walk reveals the medieval past and the more recent lost industry, buildings, public houses and the importance of Bedford’s South Bank to the development of the town.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WALK CROSSES UNDER A LOW BRIDGE OF 4’ 9” HEIGHT TWICE ON ROUTE.
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, 25 May 2025
On the river: Special Afternoon Tea Cruise – Priory Marina round trip
Departing from Priory Marina @ 2pm
Tickets: £42.40
A special Afternoon Tea cruise complete with vintage crockery from local caterer Crème Brew Lait.
You’ll be welcomed aboard with a glass of fruit juice, before settling down to cruise Bedford’s picturesque countryside along the river with the Afternoon Tea served at your table.
Discover abundant wildlife and view the picturesque countryside from a whole new angle, looking out through large picture windows or standing out on the John Bunyan Bow.
Sunday, 25 May 2025
Food & drink: Musical Theatre Afternoon Tea
Papillon Coffee House, 133 Castle Road, MK40 3RF @ 3pm-5pm
Tickets: £35 per person, includes afternoon tea
Book a delicious, Papillon Afternoon Tea and join ‘Capella Entertainment’ for an incredible afternoon of live music as you sit back and enjoy some favourite hits from the world of musical theatre.
Sunday, 25 May 2025
Dance music: Bank Holiday Sunday – Soul Factory – Sunday Afternoon Chillout
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm
Free entry
The perfect way to enjoy a chilled out bank holiday Sunday – an afternoon of pure soul, funk, R&B, house, Motown & northern soul classics with Soul Factory at the Cellar Bar.
Sunday, 25 May 2025
Live music: Who Stung Sting play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A fresh four-piece playing a selection of reggae and ska classics, plus a few ‘converted’ songs. Expect to hear The Specials, Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals, Prince Buster, Bowie, Harry J Allstars, Dawn Penn, UB40, Madness and many more.
Sunday, 25 May 2025
Music: An Evening with the Lincoln Noel Trio
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £17.50
Get ready for an unforgettable night of songs, stories, and smiles as The Lincoln Noel Trio teams up with the fabulous Standing In The Wings Songbirds for a musical journey that will warm your heart and lift your spirits!
Join us for an enchanting evening filled with timeless classics and soulful melodies, all brought to life by The Maestro and his band’s elegant jazz stylings and the harmonious voices of the Songbirds. With their rich storytelling, heartwarming anecdotes, and, of course, the joy of music, this event promises to leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
This is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of music, friendship, and the magic that happens when talented musicians come together. Perfect for music lovers of all ages.
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Colour and Light
The Higgins Bedford until 2 November 2025
Free entry
Art from the 18th century right up to the present day will be on display at The Higgins Bedford in its new exhibition, exploring the fascinating relationship between Colour and Light.
Read: Exhibition: ‘Colour and Light’ illuminates The Higgins Bedford
Running until 2 November 2025, the exhibition will showcase works from The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection, including iconic pieces by JMW Turner, John Singer Sargent, Sonia Delaunay, Peter Blake, and Chila Kumari Singh Burman.
Colour and Light will also feature a specially commissioned artwork by Bedford-based artist, Alison Goodyear, entitled ‘Light & Colour’, as featured on the front cover of the February issue of the Bedford Clanger. This immersive digital experience, created in collaboration with four Bedford community groups and is inspired by the works in the exhibition.
Exhibition: Rediscovering Black Portraiture
The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
The newest exhibition at the Higgins began as a diversionary lockdown project in 2020 and can now be seen at Kensington Palace, the Bodeian Library in Oxford and now in Bedford.
It features the work of Manchester-born professional opera singer, Peter Brathwaite, who has lived in the Black Tom area of Bedford since 2018.
With all his singing work cancelled during the pandemic, Peter began looking for an outlet for his creative talents and started recreating famous and lesser-known Black portraiture paintings using as props whatever he could find around his house.
It was inspired by the Getty Foundation’s lockdown project, but quickly took on a life of its own, gathering a large international online following. You can explore the project at his Instagram page @peter_brathwaite.
And from Saturday, 18 May, they will form part of an installation at the Higgins Bedford which will lead visitors through the main collections and into Cecil Higgins’ house, with Peter’s interpretation of The Paston Treasure at its heart.
Read: ‘Rediscovering Black Portraiture’ at the Higgins Bedford this May
At the Panacea Museum
Permanent exhibition: Discover the amazing story of a unique religious community
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford MK40 3NX
11am – 5pm (last entry 4.30) Thursday – Sunday
Free entry
This fascinating hidden gem of a museum tells the story of the Panacea Society – a Christian group formed in the early twentieth century who created their 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.
Until 21 September 2025
Exhibition: The Panacea Society and the Second World War
The Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford MK40 3NX @ Thursday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Free entry
A new social history exhibition has opened at the Panacea Museum this month, exploring the unseen story of this remarkable society and World War II.
Read: New exhibition: The Panacea Society and the Second World War
The beautiful gardens surrounding the Museum are currently filled with blossoming trees, birds, butterflies and bees, and a stroll through the grounds is a highly recommended in addition to a visit to the museum.
Every Thursday
Cocktails, Quiz Night & Karaoke
The Cellar Bar from 5.00pm
Pit your wits against The Cellar Bar’s resident quizmaster to see if you can win the jackpot every Thursday from 8pm. £2 per person entry and a maximum of six per team. The winning team will win the jackpot PLUS a round of shots. Followed by Karaoke til close
Every Saturday
Food & drink: Cocktail mixology masterclass
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / doors open at 12 noon
£30 per person
The Cellar Bar’s resident mixologist, Marley, will explain how to create some outstanding cocktails for your tasting enjoyment. Then, it’s your turn to put what you’ve learned into practice by making (and drinking) three cocktails!
Every Sunday
Live Music: Open Mic Night
The Cellar Bar @ 7.30pm
Free Entry
Every Sunday, join Mat Roberts for the Cellar Bar’s weekly Open Mic night. An opportunity for new and experienced performers to get up on stage and perform.
So whether you think you are the next Tom Grennan or just want a good night of entertainment, head to the Cellar Bar from 7.30pm.
Theatre highlights by Paula Walker
The May issue of the Bedford Clanger is out now. Grab a copy at one of our many pick-up points throughout the Borough.
You can find your nearest one using our map here.
