Your 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 Thursday and is the only guide you need to know what’s on and what’s happening across the Borough for the next 10 days.
With thanks to our What’s On Guide sponsors, The Cellar Bar, Bedford.
Thursday 16 November 2023
Youth Theatre Workshop: BRAVE taster sessions
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: Free
The Place team are looking for young people in school years 7, 8 and 9 to join BRAVE – the Youth Theatre offer from The Place Bedford
If you are considering doing drama for GCSEs – This is the PERFECT opportunity for you.
Leave your parents at home and get out for one evening a week! Regular sessions will then start in the new year.
Thursday 16 November 2023
Live music: Inspiral Carpets + Greenhouse
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £28
Inspiral Carpets will be calling into Bedford Esquires this week for a very special warm-up show for their headliner slot at the ‘Shiiine On’ Festival later this month.
A vital component of the infamous ‘Madchester’ movement, Inspiral Carpets formed in Oldham in 1980. Known for hit singles such as ‘This Is How It Feels’, ‘Saturn 5’ and ‘She Comes in the Fall’, they remain much-loved not only in Manchester but across the UK.
Following the tragic loss of their close friend and drummer, Craig Gill the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2015 but returned earlier this year to an outpouring of love from fans up and down the UK with a sell-out tour all around the UK.
On the reformation, the band are keen to emphasise the celebratory nature of the forthcoming live shows, giving fans a chance to sing along to their favourite hits and commemorate the life of Craig.
“We know this will be an emotional journey for a lot of people, not least Craig’s family. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate some of the music we created, which has brought so much joy to people over the last 34 years.”
With the recent venues on the tour ranging from 750 to 3,000 people, this is the smallest venue the band have played in many years so we expect a high demand for this show.
Thursday 16 November 2023
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Minnie & The Moochers
Location and time: The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, MK42 6EA @ 8pm
Tickets: £12
Suitable for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. Come along at 7.15pm for a 45-minute dance class in Balboa – (additional payment) – one of the original swing dances.
Book in advance for the dance class, the main event is just turn up – pay cash at reception – have fun, no booking needed.
Thursday 16 November 2023
Bike chat: Bikes and Banter
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7pm
Tickets: £25/VIP £30
100 and Counting, a look back at 100 TT starts with John McGuinness and James Whitham.
In the first half, John McGuinness is interviewed about his 100 TT starts and 23 TT wins. Part two is a lap of the TT with on board commentary by John with input from James, followed by audience Q&A. A must-see for bike fans.
Friday 17 November 2023
Live music: Tom A Smith + Wax-Tree-Cast + Tom Abisgold
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Having already played a ton of gigs throughout the last two years, including supporting Courteeners, Miles Kane, Martha Hill, Vistas, Blondes, The Pale White, Eliza and The Bear, Gang of Youths, and Sunset Sons, as well as shows at The Great Escape and Neighbourhood Weekender, Tom A. Smith looks set to continue his busy live schedule throughout 2023 as well.
Friday 17 November 2023
Live music: Joe Cullen
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm, until late
Free entry
He rocked the Cellar Bar the last time he played so they’re delighted to welcome Joe back, playing covers by Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Oasis, Harry Styles, The Killers, Coldplay plus more…
Don’t miss this one folks, he’s a real star.
Friday 17 November 2023
Live music: Diamond Country Dance Club – EP launch
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £6 – £8
Head to Esquires for the release party of Diamond Country Dance Club’s long-awaited EP ‘What, and that’s good is it?’.
Having been described as ‘better than I was expecting’ and ‘quite good actually’, this eagerly awaited release is expected to blow some socks off.
The St Neots-based band will be performing their brand new EP in full, including songs such as ‘Didn’t tell Jonny’ and ‘I Wanna Work in a Supermarket’. Some brand new songs will also be making an appearance for the first time live so be sure not to miss it.
They will be supported by some special guests (to be announced) who are sure to make this a fantastic night of up-and-coming indie music.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Harrold Country Park, MK44 7DS @ 1pm
Walking from Harrold Odell Country Park this 6.5 mile route will follow the river Great Ouse to Odell and then cross the bridge and head south towards Pavenham but circle back and head back into Harrold with wonderful views from the hill at the Chellington Centre.
Please bring a drink, snack or lunch as there’s always a break during the walk. For more information contact Margaret Sawyer 07780 933729 or check out North Beds Ramblers on social media or on their excellent website.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Festive fun: Christmas craft fayre
Kempston Hammers, MK42 7BN @ 1pm-4pm
Free entry
Saturday 18 November 2023
Classical music: Bedford Choral Society Concert: Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17 & £14, Students £5 and one accompanying adult £5. Order online, by emailing tickets@bedfordchoralsociety.org.uk or from the Corn Exchange Box Office
Brahms’ German Requiem is described by some as a ‘choral symphony’, a beautiful and humanistic expression of comfort for those who grieve.
A requiem for the living. What could be more appropriate in these times?
The conductor is Ian Smith, the orchestra is Bedford Sinfonia and the soloists are Rebecca Bottone and Daniel Barrett.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Live music: Mad Mods and Englishmen
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
Tickets: £10
Following a packed-out show earlier in 2023 it’s time to ‘save the date’ as we welcome Mad Mods back for another show at Esquires
.
Anyone who 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 for 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!
“These guys are as good a feel-good band as you’ll experience. Just make sure you do experience them”
Chris Hawkins – BBC 6 Music.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Live Music: Double Header – Chris Hepworth & Five Five Six
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm/happy hour until 9pm
Free Entry. Bar opens at 6.00pm, Happy Hour until 9.00pm. 3.00am close.
Chris Hepworth makes a welcome return to The Cellar Bar to kick off their double header. He will be playing a set of Rock and Indie covers, alongside some surprising classics, promising an evening of singalong classics and foot-to-the-floor rock tunes.
Then, Five Five Six are back at the Cellar Bar, so get ready for a rocking night of legendary tunes.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Live music: SNUFF (acoustic)
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
For the first time in many moons, UK punks, SNUFF will be gracing the Esquires stage as part of an intimate, acoustic tour.
Sunday 19 November 2023
Book festival: BookTastic Family Festival
Bedford Academy, Mile Road, Bedford MK42 9TR and 11am
Tickets: £12 (1 adult and 1 child) or £16 (family pass for 4 – minimum 1 adult)
Once again, BookTastic Family Festival is bringing the biggest names in children’s books to Bedford. Featuring their book Adventure Mice on the Ice, Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve will be taking the stage at Bedford Academy, followed by a book signing session.
BookTastic is an annual children’s book festival with a mission to instil a love of reading in ALL children, regardless of background. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024, BookTastic is the only book festival in the UK that specifically focuses on engaging new readers and their families.
Sunday 19 November 2023
Live music: Junior Open Mic
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm – 7pm/bar opens at 4.30pm
Free entry
This Sunday sees the Cellar Bar’s dedicated junior open mic session for any musicians, bands and singers under 18 years old.
Whether you sing, play guitar, drums, or any other musical instrument, or are a band already, you are welcome. It’s a chance for you to perform on a stage in front of an audience with a full PA, drum kit, amps, and lighting.
Hosted by none other than Mat Roberts, a legend of the Bedford music scene, Mat will be on hand to offer support and advice, as well as doing a few jam sessions of his own.
Come and support these young musicians. Under 18’s are welcome in the bar from 5pm until 9pm on Sundays.
Please remember that the Cellar Bar is a public space and that anyone can just come in and have a drink while these free events are happening.
Sunday 19 November 2023
Live music: Dead Shady play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A welcome return to Esquires Sunday afternoon session for Dead Shady playing 2 sets of Post Punk and New Wave covers.
Sunday 19 November 2023
Music: StringFEST presents Ustad Kiranpal Singh Deoora
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £15
StringFEST: Festival of Bowed, Plucked & Hammered Instruments. Kiranpal Singh Deoora is the UK’s leading Santoor Maestro, having learnt his musical art in the traditional way in the UK (tabla & vocal) and Bombay, India. (Santoor)
Kiranpal’s inspiration and first teachers were his parents. He is accompanied by Dhanraj Persaud on tabla. Dhanraj began his training at the
age of 14 under the tutelage of Pandit Rajkumar Misra.
Monday 20 November 2023
Film: Bedford Film Society presents – The Broker
The University of Bedford, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £69/annual membership, £5/day guest
This South Korean film follows Ha Sang-hyeon, the owner of a hand laundry who volunteers at the nearby church, where his friend Dong-soo works. The two run an illegal business together: taking babies dropped off at the church for adoption and sellling the babies on the adoption black market.
But when a young mother So-young comes back after having abandoned her baby, she discovers them and decides to go with them on a road trip to interview the baby’s potential parents. Meanwhile, two detectives, Soo-jin and Lee, are on their trail.
Visit the Bedford Film Society website to sign up to become an annual member (£69/year). Alternatively, anyone can turn up before showtime (7.30pm) and pay £5 on the door as a non-member.
Monday 20 November 2023
Digital theatre: Can I Live?
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: Free
You are invited to a free screening of Can I Live? a piece by Complicité and Fehinti Balogun. This is a vital new digital performance about the climate catastrophe, sharing Fehinti’s personal journey into the biggest challenge of our times. Weaving his story with spoken word, rap, theatre, animation and the scientific facts, Fehinti charts a course through the fundamental issues underpinning the emergency, identifying the intimate relationship between the environmental crisis and the global struggle for social justice, and sharing how, as a young Black British man, he has found his place in the climate movement.
This filmed performance is followed by an after-show discussion to talk about sustainability and Bedford’s green initiatives presented by local a climate activist. Indian FOOD will be available to purchase from the theatre bar at a price of £5 per person. Pre-book your ticket with the food option to secure your plate. Limited availability.
Tuesday 21 November 2023
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Daniel Murphy (lute and theorbo). Free with a retiring collection.
Tuesday 21 November & Wednesday 22 November 2023
Theatre: Candlelit Romeo and Juliet
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm on Tuesday & 1.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday
Tickets: from £12
The friar proposes a plan: Juliet must consent to marry Paris; then, on the night before the wedding, she must drink a sleeping potion that will make her appear to be dead. Juliet will be laid to rest in the Capulet tomb, and the friar will send word to Romeo in Mantua to help him retrieve her when she wakes up.
Only it doesn’t work.
Tormented by his grief Friar Lawrence recounts the tragedy. A warning to adults about the power and beauty of young love. Candlelit Romeo and Juliet bring the story hauntingly to life. Imagination exploding in the darkness. Candlelit use poetry, soundscapes, shadow and movement to bring their productions to life.
Wednesday 22 November 2023
Film: Cinema @ 3 St Peter’s presents – The Namesake
3 St Peter’s Street @ 7pm
Tickets: £12/£10.50/£9/£6
The Namesake depicts the struggles of Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli, first-generation immigrants from the state of West Bengal to the United States, and their American-born children Gogol and Sonia. The film takes place primarily in Kolkata, New York City, and the suburbs of New York City.
The story begins as Ashoke and Ashima leave Calcutta and settle in New York City. Through a series of miscues, their son’s nickname, Gogol (named after Russian author Nikolai Gogol), becomes his official birth name, an event which will shape many aspects of his life. The story chronicles Gogol’s cross-cultural experiences and his exploration of his Indian heritage, as the story shifts between the United States and India.
Wednesday 22 November 2023
Classical music: Philharmonia Concert – Music from a New World
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: prices vary – very limited tickets remaining
Jordan de Souza – conductor
Julia Bullock – soprano
STILL Symphony No. 1 (Afro-American)
BARBER Knoxville: Summer of 1915
DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9, ‘From the New World’
The Philharmonia’s exploration of American music culminates in Dvořák’s ever-popular ‘New World’ symphony – inspired by the spirituals and folk music Dvořák heard while he was working in New York in the 1890s.
William Grant Still’s 1930 First Symphony is an audience favourite in the US. Threaded through with the sounds of the Blues, ragtime and jazz, the work ends in a triumphant hymn of hope.
Julia Bullock, one of the Philharmonia’s Featured Artists this season, is known for her intense, authentic performances and commanding stage presence.
She sings Barber’s Knoxville, conjuring up a childhood in a small Southern town with Bluesy themes and flexible rhythms.
Thursday 23 November 2023
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Big Mama’s Door
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm
Tickets: £12
Suitable for dancers and music enthusiasts alike with plenty of seating (night club set up) and dance floor.
Come along at 7.15 for a 45-minute dance class in Balboa – (additional payment) – one of the original swing dances. Book in advance for the dance class – The main event is just turn up – pay cash at reception and have fun!
Thursday 23 November 2023
Theatre: Hot Orange
The Place Theatre @ 4pm and 7.30pm
Tickets: from £10
An immersive exploration of friendship and the moment you fall in love. It’s summer. It’s hot. Like really hot. Like ice pop after melting ice pops hot. Like orange midday sun hot.
Across the divide of a scorched basketball court two girls meet, shoot hoops and discover their shared obsessions make them inseparable friends. But will faith, growing pains and the darker reactions of others get in the way of that long, hot, orange summer?
A decade later the past walks back into view when 18-year-old Amina is confronted by her childhood best friend Tandeki. Can they reignite the spark of friendship by untangling their hurt feelings, or are some heartbreaks just too hard to mend? Follow Amina and Tandeki as they navigate what it takes to sustain love and friendship beyond childhood idealism and the moment you fall in love.
Thursday 23 November 2023
Live music: bdrmm + guests
Bedford Esquires @
Tickets:
bdrmm are a four-piece band based in Hull and Leeds with nods to The Cure, Deerhunter and DIIV, plus references to RIDE and Radiohead. There are also echoes of krautrock and post-punk, from The Chameleons to Protomartyr, plus the proto-shoegaze of the Pale Saints’ ‘The Comforts Of Madness’.
‘Bedroom’ became one of the underground hits of lockdown, according to The Guardian, with rave reviews everywhere from blogs to broadsheets.
Friday 24 November & Saturday 25 November 2023
Children’s theatre: The Jungle Book
The Place Theatre @ 11am and 1.30pm each day
Tickets: £8
A tale of wisdom in our eternal quest for love, identity and belonging. You may think you know JUNGLE BOOK, but Indigo Moon Theatre’s version is inspired by the poetry & spirit of Rudyard Kipling’s original books.
Fearless and free, Mowgli the ‘man-cub,’ finds fun and friendship as he learns to live by the Law of the Jungle. Follow Mowgli’s wild adventures in the dangerous world he inhabits, brought to life with inventive shadow theatre, powerful original music and colourful digital projections.
A contemporary tale: it offers us wisdom in our eternal quest for love, identity and belonging. Find out more about this inspirational and accessible art form and its use of puppets and multiple light sources after the show. Age Guidance: 4+
Friday 24th November 2023
Live music: Double Header featuring Megapint? + Mat Roberts
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy hours 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
Kicking things off at the Cellar Bar’s double header is Megapint? for another incredible performance. Covers everything from Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers to David Bowie and The Beatles plus featuring versions of well-loved classics from contemporary rock to new wave grunge.
They are followed by ‘Bedford Musical Royalty’ Mat Roberts to keep the party going past midnight, playing a mix of classic anthems and party tunes, you’ll be dancing into the small hours!
Friday 24 November 2023
Live music: Beans on Toast
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16.50
Beans on Toast will return to Bedford this month, once again captivating hearts and minds with his tales of love, politics and the human experience, Beans is unafraid to challenge the status quo with his irreverent wit and soul-stirring lyricism.
Like a modern-day minstrel, Beans on Toast takes to the road on a captivating journey across towns and cities of the UK. His songs, the celebration of the human spirit and a call for unity resonate deeply in the hearts of listeners, leaving them inspired and moved. Inviting us to reflect, laugh and remember that amidst the chaos, there is still hope and beauty to be found.
Friday 24 November 2023
Dance music: Terry Farley
Herd, St Cuthbert’s Street @ 8pm – 3am
Tickets: £10
DJ, producer, remixer and acid house trailblazer, Terry Farley is heading to Herd on St Cuthbert’s Street this month for what is bound to be a very special night.
Terry was at the vanguard of the music scene in the late 1980s and his Boys Own fanzine, which he started with the much-missed Andrew Weatherall, shared that passion with other music lovers up and down the country.
Read our interview with Terry here: Terry Farley talks Boys Own, Balearic and 90s NYC
Saturday 25 November 2023
Festive family fun: Christmas light switch-on
Harpur Square @ midday onwards
Free
The festive season is here and officially kicks off from midday in Bedford town centre in anticipation of the Christmas lights switch on at 5pm.
Have a go at free Christmas Crazy Golf on Silver Square, have your group or family photo taken in the Christmas Snow Globe and look out for Santa, who will be getting ready to take up residence in his Harpur Centre grotto.
The Love Bedford Stage in Harpur Square will be live from noon with local singers, school choirs and dancers providing the afternoon’s entertainment At 4pm, Lissie Allsopp will take to the stage to entertain the crowds with a collection of Christmas favourites to get everyone in the festive mood.
At 5pm Mayor Tom Wootton will press the button to illuminate Bedford followed by some sing-along favourites with LIssie. DJ Tom (we don’t think this is the Mayor, but who knows!?) will spin some classic Christmas anthems to keep the party going.
Refreshments will be available on Harpur Square, plus there will be offers and discounts for you to enjoy at our town centre hospitality establishments.
The Cinderella Panto characters will be mingling in the crowd and The Corn Exchange Booking Office will stay open until 6.30pm for a special Cinderella Panto discount of £2 off per ticket. Offer only available to visitors to the Lights Switch On event.
Saturday 25 November 2023 – Wednesday 3 January 2024
Festive family fun: WinterWonderland
Bedford Park / parking @ Queen Street car park (two hours free every day/all day every Sunday)
Entry: £2
The biggest real ice rink in the county and a 36m high Ferris wheel are just two of the attractions at Bedford’s Winter Wonderland, due to open on Saturday, 25 November.
The festive event is taking place in Bedford Park and hopes to attract local visitors as well as families from further afield for a one-stop Christmas day out.
The 600sqm ice rink is the biggest in Bedfordshire and is fully covered, so skaters can enjoy the ice, whatever the British weather throws at us.
In addition, there is a Christmas Tree Maze – featuring 200 festive firs and Santa’s Grotto, plus fairground rides for thrill-seekers and younger children too.
Saturday 25 November 2023
Folk music: The Bookshop Band
The Place Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £13
The award-winning Bookshop Band write and perform songs inspired by books. Formed in September 2010 they released their first album two months later and have since released 13 albums collaborating with over 100 authors, including Philip Pullman, Louis de Bernieres and Margaret Atwood.
The band have been working with producer and musician Pete Townshend (The Who) on their 14 studio album, due for release in late 2023.
Between them Beth Porter and Ben Please bring the books to the stage along with a multitude of instruments, including cello, harmonium, glockenspiel, guitars and ukuleles which, along with their distinct voices, create a cinematic sound that draws the audience right into a highly intimate performance, at once touching and mesmerizing, heart-wrenching and funny.
No previous knowledge of the books is required as the band guide the audience through the stories behind each song’s inspiration.
Saturday 25 November 2023
Live music: Ultimate Coldplay
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £14
Following a sold out show at Esquires in 2022 Ultimate Coldplay are returning to Bedford this November.
Since launching in 2017 Ultimate Coldplay have been widely recognised as being the world’s most accurate Coldplay tribute. They are frequently described as the ‘next best thing’ to one the UK’s most famous bands. Performing at countless festivals across the country plus Butlins shows, theatre tours and 02 academies the band has continued to go from strength to strength.
Ultimate Coldplay are the only Coldplay tribute featuring a true look-a-like Chris Martin, who plays piano and guitar like Chris, sings like Chris and even dances like him! The other three members of the bands, all look-a-likes, faithfully replicate note for note all the biggest hits including ‘Paradise’, ‘Fix You’, Viva la Vida’, ‘My Universe’ and ‘Yellow’.
Saturday 25th November 2023
Live Music: Double header featuring Samantha Hughes + Bubounce
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy hour until 9pm
Free Entry. Bar opens at 6.00pm, Happy Hour until 9.00pm. 3.00am close.
Samantha Hughes is back to The Cellar Bar, kicking things off with a selection of Rock n Roll, Country, 50s/60s and Blues, sharing some good old-fashioned music from years gone by.
As if that wasn’t enough, Bubounce, the Bedfordshire-based ska band – will also be bringing the energy. Expect an amazing explosive performance of the best in classic Ska tunes.
Sunday 26 November 2023
Festive family fun: Christmas lights switch on
The Saxon Centre, Kempston @ midday onwards 5pm
Kempston light switch-on takes place on Sunday 26 November from 12pm to 6pm as Kempston Town Council hosts the Kempston Christmas Light Switch On at the Saxon Centre.
From midday there will be Family fun with stalls, food and entertainment. The Christmas tree lights will be switched on at 5pm.
Sunday 26 November 2023
Morris dancing: Red Cuthbert Morris
St Paul’s Square @ midday / The Embankment pub @ 2pm / The Devonshire Arms @ 3pm
Free
Catch Red Cuthbert Morris at three locations throughout Bedford on Sunday 26 November.
Red Cuthbert is an inclusive Morris dancing side based in Bedford, open to all adults regardlesss of age, gender and ethnicity as folk dancing is for everyone.
The side has been going since 2012, and dance a mixture of their own creations, traditional Border morris, and some Cotswold morris. They say, “we seek to fan the flames of a living tradition, and make it fun for our audiences and ourselves”.
Red Cuthbert are always open to new members, whether dancers or musicians, and practice on Thursday evenings – more information can be found on the website at redcuthbert.uk or by finding them on social media @RedCuthbert.
Sunday 26 November 2023
Live music: The Feelgood Band play the Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
The Feelgood Band return to Esquires for this week’s Sunday Afternoon Session.
Every Thursday
Drag: Drag Race UK Viewing Party
The Barley Mow @ 8pm
Free Entry
Start your engine hunnies because the Barley Mow is screening every episode of Drag Race UK Season 5 LIVE!
Every Thursday and hosted by the one and only Eddie OK Adams, it’s free entry and there’s free pizza.
So sashay your way down, pull up a chair and watch the best drag queen win!
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 the to Cellar Bar from 7.30pm.
Until 2024
Exhibition: We Are Ten
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane
Free entry
The Higgins begins its 10th birthday celebrations with an exhibition featuring old favourites and rarely seen works from the collection, all chosen by organisations, groups and individuals who have worked with the museum and gallery over the last decade.
The exhibition runs for the next year, with special events planned next month to mark the exact date the museum reopened in 2013. Watch this space for more information.
Until 7 January 2024
Exhibition: Quilla Constance – Teasing Out Contingencies
The Higgins Bedford until January 2024
Free entry
Don’t miss your chance to see eight new large-scale paintings and a costume installation by Bedford artist Quilla Constance (also known as QC) at The Higgins Bedford until 7 January 2024.
As British society becomes increasingly polarised, this exhibition seeks to cross social borders, confront stereotyping, and challenge gender, racial and class inequalities.
QC states “Teasing Out Contingencies seeks to create exciting new narratives to explore: what is British society now and where are we going?” – These are timely questions as we emerge from the Covid 19 pandemic, and as we re-examine our relationship with the British monarchy in the wake of the Queen’s passing and the Coronation of King Charles III.
Read more here: Don’t miss the Teasing Out Contingencies exhibition at The Higgins Bedford
Until 2024
Exhibition: Edward Bawden – Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The Higgins Bedford @ Tues – Sat: 11am – 5pm/Sun: 2pm – 5pm/Closed Mondays
Free entry
Let Edward Bawden transport you in this exhibition celebrating all things travel.
Drawn exclusively from the Higgins Bedford’s Edward Bawden archive, see large linocuts of London’s iconic stations and an array of wonderful vehicles from hot air balloons to jumbo jets and tall ships to cruise liners.
Read: New Edward Bawden ‘trains, planes and automobiles’ exhibition to open this weekend
Theatre highlights by Paula Walker
