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 the Cellar Bar, Bedford for sponsoring our What’s On Guide.
Thursday 19 October 2023
Comedy: Pink and Sassy Comedy
The White Horse, Newnham Ave, MK41 9PX @ 8pm/doors open 7pm
Tickets: £8 (call The White Horse at 01234 409 306 to book)
Introducing Pink and Sassy Comedy Night featuring four up-and-coming comedians, each making a name for themselves on the UK comedy circuit.
A winning lineup hosted by Texan-born/Bedford-residing stand-up comedian, Kimberly Policella. Arrive early for our signature cocktail, The Pink & Sassy! Limited tickets remain.
Thursday 19 October 2023
Theatre: Done to Death by Jove
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £13.50
A cast of six brings a group of suspects and sleuths together to discover whodunnit, and how…
Except… four of the actors are stuck by the side of the motorway in the van, and only those two knights of the Theatre – Sir Gavin and Sir Nicholas – have managed to get to the venue… but ‘the show must go on’…
Holmes and Watson, Poirot and Miss Marple join forces in a whirlwind of fast costume changes and misdirected acting hiccups.
Even the set’s gone missing!
Friday 20 October 2023
Live music: Absolute Bowie
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16
Now in their 17th year, Absolute Bowie makes a welcome return to Bedford for their fourth visit, and they might just blow your mind…
With an electrifying performance from our main Starman, and theatrical mid-set costume ch-ch-ch-anges, Absolute Bowie will take you on a musical journey through the greatest hits of David Bowie with their huge stage show.
“A lovingly crafted Bowie show” says NME, and “an unmissable tribute act” hails the Times, the band will leave you wanting more from the most genuine David Bowie tribute out there. Is it any wonder when you are too cool to fool.
Featuring the incredible vocals of John O’Neill as David Bowie, with our very own Ronno, Andy Marr on guitar, Sam Gino on bass, Varo Sisti on keyboards, Alex Riccardi on drums and, when possible, Fiona Asbury on saxophone, the band perform with incredible musicianship and attention to detail.
Prepare to be taken from A to Z (Absolute Beginners to Ziggy!) with Stations to Station in between.
Friday 20 October 2023
Theatre: Bond! – An Unauthorised Parody
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £13.50
Bond is back – unfit, older but still wisecracking… and someone’s out to get him! On the 70th anniversary of the first 007 novel, and following tours in UK, USA, Russia & Australia, Gavin Robertson focuses his attention on the Bond phenomenon, in his latest cartoon-style adventure – exploding every cliché in the book(s)… solo!
In which Bond meets his greatest arch-villain yet – author Ian Fleming himself, courtesy of a time-machine, and featuring the smallest car chase (n)ever seen! Minimum props, maximum effect!
Friday 20 October 2023
Live music: Cameo
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
Cellar Bar favourite Cameo is back for another solo performance.
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 21 and Sunday 22 October 2023
Game Play: Let’s Talk: An Immersive Theatre Experience
The Place Theatre @ various times
Tickets: £12
Have you ever sat opposite someone on a bus quietly, both on your phones and not saying a word? Perhaps you glance up for a second and smile at each other. What would happen if one of you said ‘Hello’?
Let the experiments begin!
Let’s Talk will take you on an immersive adventure unlike any other. Fun, thought-provoking, and full of surprises; join our crack team of scientists through six HIGHLY SCIENTIFIC* experiments as we attempt to decipher the key to connection and what
it means to be human.
Part interactive performance, part social experiment. Rediscover your inner child as you dive through lasers, paint a masterpiece and slay a dragon.
*(Full disclosure, for legal reasons, this is in no way scientific but it will get us all talking again… probably).
Saturday 21 October 2023
Classical Music: Bedfordshire Orchestral Society – Bedford Sinfonia
St Paul’s Church @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12/£10/£5
Bedfordshire Orchestral Society
Guest Conductor: Ian Smith
Bedford Sinfonia
Järnefelt: Praeludium and Berceuse
Maxwell Davies: An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise
Wirén: Serenade for Strings
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 (The Scottish)
Saturday 21 October 2023
Live music: FastLove – George Michael Tribute
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £30/£28
Direct from London’s West End, Fastlove is the world’s favourite George Michael celebration.
Playing all the hits, from Wham! right through George’s glittering career, including, Wake Me Up, Too Funky, Father Figure, Freedom 90, Faith, Knew You Were Waiting, Careless Whisper and many more.
Saturday 21 October 2023
Live music: Five Five Six
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm for ‘Happy 2 1/2 Hours’
Free entry
They are back!
If you’ve not seen Five Five Six at The Cellar Bar before, you are in for a treat, get ready for a great night of legendary rock tunes. The Cellar Bar literally rocks when these guys play.
Saturday 21 October 2023
Live music: Swiftogeddon – the Taylor Swift Club Night
Bedford Esquires @ 11pm
Tickets: £7 – £9 (over 18s only)
A night dedicated to worshipping at the altar of Taylor Swift: non-stop Swifty all night: deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits.
Do you have a Blank Space in your diary? Then this night is Taylor-made for you! Join fellow fans in a celebration of the genius of the Swift – because she’ll never go out of Style.
Sunday 22 October 2023
Last chance to see: Linen and Lace exhibition
The Panacea Museum, Newnham Road @ 11am
Free entry
The Panacea Museum’s main exhibition for 2023, Linen and Lace, is ending on Sunday 22 October.
‘The simple facts are, that God requires a few sensible matter-of-fact women to take on the housekeeping on Earth…’
With around eighty members living in and around the Campus at its height, the Panacea Society left a wealth of personal items, including hand-embroidered linens and household lace pieces.
The exhibition displays some of these preserved objects to illustrate the members’ lives and the importance of Linen and Lace.
See Edwardian textiles, archive materials and personal objects which help tell the story of some truly incredible women.
Sunday 22 October 2023
Walking: “The Life and Times of John Bunyan” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £3/£1.50
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 our walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £3.00 per adult or £1.50 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.
Sunday 22 October 2023
Live music: The Chris Robinson Birthday Bash
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
It’s that time of year again when the Sunday afternoon session at Esquires pays tribute to a very special friend – Chris Robinson, a regular at the club for many years, either performing or watching.
Some members of Chris’s regular gigging bands ‘Los the Plot’ and ‘May Contain Nutz’ will be performing along with many special guests.
They will be raising a glass to Chris on the nearest Sunday to what would have been his 62nd Birthday. If anyone would like to take part, please message May Contain Nutz.
Monday 23 October 2023
Film: Bedford Film Society presents – The Banshees of Inisherin
The University of Bedford, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £69/annual membership, £5/day guest
This year’s season opener from Bedford Film Society is the Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning Banshees of Inishirin, which reunites writer and director, Martin McDonagh with his In Bruge stars, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
Set on a remote, fictional island off the west coast of Ireland in the 1920s, the film follows two lifelong friends who find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship.
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.
Tuesday 24 – Friday 27 October 2023
Half-term fun: Bugs, Birds and Beasts family workshops
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane @ times vary, please refer to website
Free – £5 (please use the code HIGGINS30 when booking any events to remove the transaction fee)
It’s Halloween at the Higgins this half term!
Make spider dream catchers, learn how to make a spooky potion, meet some bugs and beasties and dissect an owl pellet at these family fun activities at The Higgins during half term. Each workshop lasts for an hour and they are aimed at 5 to 12-year-olds.
Booking is Essential for children, who must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults do not need to book a place and are encouraged to join in.
Tuesday 24 October 2023
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
This week’s lunchtime concert features the Queen’s Gate Trio: Peng Lin, (piano), Nivanthi Karunaratne, (horn) & Pietro Genova Gaia, (violin).
Free with a retiring collection.
Wednesday 25 October 2023
Walking: “I Never Knew That” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £3/£1.50
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 our walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £3.00 per adult or £1.50 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.
Wednesday 25 October 2023
Dance: Encounters
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12
Loop Dance Company, an all-female dance collective, are touring a new collective show featuring 3 dance works. Together they create an exciting encounter of contemporary dance with each piece exploring how we encounter each other, society and ourselves.
Ports that Pass – A physical exploration of the ‘Passport’: At a time where borders open and close, and countries fill with colourful passports, Loop Dance Company and choreographer, Sivan Rubinstein, present a physical exploration of the ‘Passport’, travel and identity. The Unbearable Lightness of Being’ – heaviness and lightness in the personal, societal and political realms.
Wednesday 25 October 2023
Classical music: Philharmonia Orchestra presents Appalachian Spring
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: See website for details
Ryan Bancroft – conductor and Renaud Capuçon – violin
COPLAND Fanfare for the Common Man
BARBER Violin Concerto
SHAW Entr’acte
COPLAND Appalachian Spring (complete ballet music)
A love story in an American frontier setting, Copland’s ballet Appalachian Spring won him the Pulitzer Prize in 1945. It features a tender duet, folk-like dances, and a set of variations on the Shaker tune Simple Gifts.
Barber’s Violin Concerto vies with the Adagio for Strings as his most popular work. At first lyrical and serene, the fiendish perpetual motion finale is a striking contrast – giving Renaud Capuçon the chance to show off his agility as well as his “liquid gold” tone (Bachtrack).
Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte is full of contrasting textures, evoking raindrops, sighing wind and the sound of the classical guitar.
Wednesday 25 October 2023
Film: Cinema @ 3 St Peter’s presents – The Full Monty
3 St Peter’s Street @ 7pm
Tickets: £12/£10.50/£9/£6
After losing his job at a steel factory, Gaz (Robert Carlyle) learns that his wife wants to sue him for missed child support payments. Desperate for money, Gaz and his friend Dave (Mark Addy) decide to create their own male striptease act.
The two friends recruit four more unlikely candidates, including their former foreman (Tom Wilkinson) and a security guard (Steve Huison). The group promises that their show will succeed because they are willing to go “the Full Monty”…
Wednesday 25 October 2023
Clairvoyant medium psychic: An Evening with Clinton Baptiste
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50
Clinton Baptiste is the useless clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay’s smash hit comedy Phoenix Nights.
Fresh from another sell-out UK tour, he’s back to deliver the best of his recent work, plus some new bits. Join Clinton for his stories, jokes plus demonstrations of his amazing ability – and as always he’ll be in the audience to give you truthful (but startling) readings from the spirit world!
Not for the faint-hearted. Unreserved seating and standing.
Thursday 26 October 2023
Quiz: Stranger Things Quiz
Bedford Esquires @
£2 per person/maximum of six per team
Do you love Stranger Things more than Eleven loves Eggo waffles? Do you consider yourself an expert on all things Hawkins or do you think you know the ‘Upside Down’ inside out?
As part of Esquires’ Halloween celebrations, they’re running a very special Stranger Things quiz.
This quiz is open to ages 14+, anyone under 16 will have to be accompanied by an adult.
Friday 27 October 2023
Drama Workshop: Monologue Roulette
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Do you want to feel more confident holding the stage? Try playing different characters? Have a laugh? Then go along to Bedford Drama Company’s Monologue Roulette workshop!
Friday 27 October 2023
Comedy: Simon Brodkin – Screwed Up
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 8pm
Tickets: £22.50
Fresh from his sold-out, critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe run and becoming the most-viewed British comedian of all time on Tik Tok, world-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator Simon Brodkin is back with an outrageous new stand-up show.
Read our interview with Simon here: World-famous prankster and comedian Simon Brodkin is ‘Screwed Up’ and coming to Bedford
In ‘Screwed Up’ Simon rips into celebrity culture, social media, the police, Putin, Prince Andrew and Jesus. Nothing is off limits in this hilarious show, including his own mental health, his family, his five arrests and how he once found himself at an underground party.
Friday 27 October 2023
Theatre: Rise of the Empress (followed by Q&A with Sharon DeLeonardis and Nairobi Thompson)
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £10
Rise of the Empress is a thought-provoking, highly entertaining play exploring the Black Lives Matter movement.
Two women explore the impact of the Black Lives Matter experience and the realities of being Black and British; using storytelling with emotion and insight.
Rise of the Empress goes beyond theatre, and into the realms of transformation and empowerment. Written and starring Sharon DeLeonardis (CEO of SpectaculARTS) and independent artist, and acclaimed anti-racism author Nairobi Thompson, both writers skillfully challenge societal norms around race, whilst providing an unforgettable evening of education, inspiration, laughter and music; leading to a
collective ‘call to action’.
This play will spark conversations, giving audiences from all backgrounds more confidence to examine themselves and speak up. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly positive and uplifting!
Friday 27 October 2023
Burlesque/Variety: Extravaganza Bedford presents ‘Gothica II” featuring live music, burlesque and cabaret
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
Tickets: £14
Extravaganza Bedford presents its 10th show at Esquires and you just know that with Halloween around the corner, it’s going to be a spooktacular affair!
‘GOTHICA II’ features live music, burlesque and twisted cabaret, all hosted by one of Extravaganza’s original drag performers, the one and only Ginger Snaps.
Live music comes from Pretty Addicted, a dark EDM band featuring singer Vicious Precious. They descrive themselves as “a dark rave at an evil funfair”.
Burlesque is brought to you by Elena Black, a specialist in Dark Burlesque performances that are theatrical, surreal, and thought-provoking. Meanwhile, creative storyteller, Angelheart, is an angel with a dark side!
‘Draglesque’ performer, Perle Rare, completes the bill. This London-based performer and occasional Drag King combines the sexy and silly leaving audiences aroused and amused. Producer of Euro Pee Hun & a Lipsync 1000 2022 finalist- it promises to be an unforgettable night.
Finally, Extravanaza Bedford will be awarding prizes in its traditional best-dressed competition. Come spookily dressed to impress – after all, it’s nearly Halloween.
Goth/metal disco afterparty.
Friday 27 October 2023
Live music: Lord Baker Soul & Ska Show
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
An incredible soul and ska show that will get you dancing from the first song. Lord Baker really knows how to entertain and you will not be disappointed!
Friday 27 October 2023
Live music: Mad Dog Mcrae + Man the Lifeboats
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £18
Returning to Esquires for their fourth visit, Mad Dog Mcrea is a band that raises hands, lifts feet and starts parties wherever they play.
Smashing out a blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music from self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates, and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs.
Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too.
The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!
Saturday 28 October & Sunday 29 October 2023
Children’s Theatre: There’s a Monster in your Show
The Quarry Theatre @ 1pm & 3pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday
Tickets: from £13.50
Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show.
A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.
A high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together.
Age Guidance: from 2 years
Saturday 28 October 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Sharnbrook Academy MK44 1JN @ 10am and 1.30pm
Both of this week’s walks are six miles but you can combine them both for a 12-miler.
The morning’s walk takes in the village of Odell, while the afternoon will take you through the Sharnbrook countryside.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Family fun: Spook-tacular Halloween Family Silent Disco
Bedford Esquires @ 3pm – 5pm
Tickets: £8/group saver £27 for four tickets
Esquires is pulling out all the stops this Halloween, and kicking off the freaky festivities is their SPOOK-TACULAR Halloween Family Silent Disco.
The venue is being dressed as a haunted mansion for the day, so revellers are encouraged to dress accordingly – DRESS TO DISTRESS!
There will be prizes for the best-dressed family and kids, so parents, please make an effort and don’t show your kids up…
Three channels of music will be transmitted to your LED headphones, so choose from Adult Party Anthems Channel (kid friendly), Kids Pop Channel (adult friendly) or Disney & Halloween Hits Channel.
Recommended for kids 12 years and below. On the day, all children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Likewise, Adults are not permitted unless accompanied by a child. Babies in arms are admitted for free but will not receive headphones.
*Children must be supervised at all times*
Saturday 28 October 2023
Theatre: The Signalman and Doctor Marigold
The Sharnbrook Mill Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £18
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre is delighted to welcome back Gerald Dickens, great, great-grandson of Charles Dickens following his previous triumphant performances of A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations.
The first part of the evening will tell the chilling story of a lonely Signalman set in a dismal railway. The signal box, the tunnel, and even the telegraph wires seem to haunt him at every turn and Gerald’s performance reflects the brooding, Gothic nature of the tale.
The second part is a depiction of one of Charles Dickens’ most popular readings: Doctor Marigold. A market ‘cheap jack’, this trader, with his rapid sales patter, tells a story both moving and heartbreaking. We follow the relationship of Marigold and his beloved adopted orphan Sophy as he attempts to amend his past paternal hardships.
A professional actor, director and producer, Gerald has always been fascinated by the life and works of his literary ancestor and this has led him to write and direct many one-man shows including A Christmas Carol and Nicholas Nickleby.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Live Music: Double Header – Blame Caesar & Lack of Faith
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
Four-piece acoustic covers band, Lack of Faith, make their Cellar Bar debut playing lively music from the 70s to the present day, from Pink Floyd to P!nk.
A Cellar Bar regular, Joe is back, this time with his new band Blame Caesar, making their debut performance. Expect original indie rock bangers!
Saturday 28 October 2023
Comedy: Jokes and Laffs – October Comedy Night
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £14.99
An evening filled with laughter and more. Showcasing the very best of established and new comedy talents – both homegrown and international, while also making sure to cater for all comedy lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
Featuring Dana Alexander, Quincy, Junior Booker and the uber-confident, self-appointed, side-splitting dictator of ‘Lafta Republic’, President Obonjo.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Live music: Henry & The Bleeders + Skimmington Ride + Graveyard Rats
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Henry and the Bleeders scream into Halloween with all your favourite Bedford hits along with new material from their forthcoming new album.
Support from two of Bedford’s best bands right now: Graveyard Rats and Skimmington Ride. A night of thrills, chills and Snakebite spills.
It’s fancy dress, so wear your creepiest costume, you scary Marys…
Saturday 28 October 2023
Choral music: Lay a Garland – a choral miscellany for the season sung by Cantamus Chamber Choir
All Saints Church, Milton Ernest @ 7.00 pm
Free entry/Retiring donations
Cantamus Chamber Choir will delight you with a varied programme of exquisite and often moving choral gems by composers including Purcell, Mendelssohn (For He Shall Give His Angels), Rheinberger (Morganleid and Abendleid), Duruflé (Notre Père), Pearsall (Lay a Garland), Ireland (The Hills) and their very own local resident composer Paul Edwards (Surely the Lord, Hold thou my Hand, Eriskay Love Lilt and others).
Saturday 28 October 2023
Live music: The Magic of Motown
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £27
Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town! Seen by over a million people, it’s no surprise that the show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history, even performing for Her Majesty the Queen, as special guests at the Royal Variety Performance.
Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience.
The timeless songs of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and more, are sensationally recreated for you by an exceptionally talented cast and band.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Spooky: Halloween Silent Disco
Bedford Esquires @ 9.30pm – 2am
Tickets: £8
The spooky season just wouldn’t be complete without one of Esquires’ legendary Halloween Silent Discos.
Entire Esquires’ gothic mansion for the night and DRESS DEAD to match it.
Three DJs will be battling it out, so just flick the switch on the new, bass-heavy headphones to choose which one you want to listen to!
DJ 1: 80’s, 90s & 00s pop hits / DJ 2: Hip Hop & RnB Classics / DJ 3: Indie & Rock
Prizes on offer for the best and worst dress – advance tickets are highly advised as these events are always ram jam.
Sunday 29 October 2023
Family fun: Jurassic Earth
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 1pm and 3pm
Tickets: £20/VIP £30
Prepare to go on a Jurassic adventure, meet intrepid explorers, fascinating professors and the bravest of rangers as they take you on a journey through Jurassic Earth, introducing their herd of the most incredible Dinosaur species to have ever lived.
Bring your biggest ROOAR and your fastest feet as you take Rangers Danger’s masterclass to become an Official Dinosaur Ranger – gaining the skills you need to come face-to-face with the world’s largest walking T Rex, a big-hearted Brontosaurus, tricky Triceratops, uncontrollable Carnotaurus, vicious Velociraptors and sneaky Spinosaurus.
Feel the EXCITEMENT of watching a dinosaur egg hatch in front of your eyes and the thrill of meeting the cutest Ankylosaurus, Pterodactyl and baby hatchling.
This fun-filled 75-minute show is suitable for all ages, featuring astounding animatronics and excitingly realistic performances.
General admission tickets include photo opportunities in the foyer and access to the merchandise stand. VIP tickets inlcude priority seating, guaranteed meet and greet the show’s baby dinosaurs and chat to the rangers, plus a free programme and activity book with crayons.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to show and you may be lucky enough to see a Baby Dinosaur wandering around, but we can’t guarantee it due to their feeding schedules!
Sunday 29 October 2023
Live music: Soul on Sunday
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm
Free entry
Head to the Cellar Bar for an afternoon of Soul and Motown classics with DJ Shazza at the helm.
Playing only vinyl records this is as authentic as it gets. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon? The wheels of steel will be spinning from 3pm until 7pm, free entry.
Sunday 29 October 2023
Live music: The Flamin’ Wet Gurus play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Flamin’ Wet Gurus will be playing reggae, drum n bass, folk n funk, brass, percussion n harmonies. What more could you want on an autumnal Sunday afternoon?
Sunday 29 October 2023
Music: Pramod Rudrapatna – Stringfest
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £15
R P Pramod is a member of an esteemed family of musicians from Rudrapatna, India. He was trained by his father the distinguished vocalist Vidwan Sri R.K.Prasanna Kumar. His grandfather was a renowned Veena maestro in the Mysore Palace, Sri. R.S. Keshava Murthy.
He comes from a lineage of musicians who have been practising Carnatic music for seven generations. Pramod started playing the Veena at the tender age of three. His musical journey began at home with his first gurus, his parents Smt. Poornima and Sri. R K Prasanna Kumar which continues to the present day. He made his Veena debut in 2003.
R P Pramod has performed many prestigious festivals around the world and has acquired a very good appreciation for his unique style of performance.
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
