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.
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!
Thursday 2 November 2023
Theatre: Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £13.50
Mark Farrelly (Howerd’s End) brings his hugely-acclaimed solo play to the Quarry Theatre.
From a conventional upbringing to global notoriety via The Naked Civil Servant, Quentin Crisp was one of the most memorable figures of the twentieth century.
Openly gay as early as the 1930s, Quentin spent decades being beaten up on London’s streets for refusing to be anything less than himself. His courage, and the philosophy that evolved from those experiences, inspire to the present day.
Naked Hope depicts Quentin at two phases of his extraordinary life: alone in his Chelsea flat in the 1960s, certain that life has passed him by, and thirty years later, performing An Evening with Quentin Crisp in New York. Packed with witty gems on everything from cleaning (“Don’t bother – after the first four years the dust won’t get any worse”) to marriage (“Is there life after marriage? The answer is no”), Naked Hope is a glorious, uplifting celebration of the urgent necessity to be your true self.
Thursday 2 November 2023
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Kit Packhams Swing Pact
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm
Tickets: £12
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. To take part in the main event, just turn up and have fun – no booking is required. Cash on entry but bar is card-only.
Thursday 2 November 2023
Live music: Millie Manders & The Shutup + guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Millie Manders & The Shutup head to Bedford Esquires this November as part of their UK tour.
With lyricism that pokes fun, draws you in or leaves you questioning social norms teamed with incredible vocal dexterity, grinding guitars, irresistible horn hooks and a pumping rhythm section, the Millie Manders Music Machine churns out more raw punk fusion than you can shake a stick at, with a huge amount of Pop appeal.
Friday 3 November 2023
Live Music: Rob Le Tash
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
Rob makes a welcome return to The Cellar Bar and will be playing an eclectic mix of songs from the past and present including Alanis Morissette, Fleetwood Mac, Ed Sheeran and many more. In the words of George Ezra ‘Let’s have a party!’.
Friday 3 November 2023
Live music: FEET + Better Joy + super secret special guest
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Previous Feet gigs at Esquires have seen outbreaks of furious dancing, ill advised facial hair and a sprained ankle or two.
With a sound influenced by The Strokes, Britpop and The Happy Mondays, we are contractually banned from describing the Coventry five piece as ‘wonky pop’, so we will have to make do with calling them one of the best new bands we’ve heard in absolutely ages.
Their trippy debut LP ‘What’s Inside Is More than Just Ham’ (terrible title, great record) was dubbed by the NME as ’one of the most intriguing British Indie albums of the year’ while their subsequent ‘Walking Machine’ EP showcased a grittier side to the band.
Energetic, psychedelic and above all fun, we are delighted that Feet are returning to Esquires for one of only two headline shows before the head off on tour with Willie J Healy…
Now joined by newcomers Better Joy and a super secret special guest. Check the poster for a clue…
Friday 3 November 2023
Comedy: Gary in Punderland
The Quarry Theatre @7.30pm
Tickets: £22
Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes in the world – star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is back.
One of the most sought after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock the Week special guest, Gary has been through the laughing glass and he’s ready to bring you a brand new show with hit after hit of the kind of one-liners only a master could craft.
If you’re hunting for snark, Gary’s got it covered!
Friday 3 & Saturday 4 November 2023
Cinema: Right in the Eye – George Méliès Live Movie Concert
The Place Theatre @ 1.30pm & 7.30pm on Friday and &.30pm on Saturday
Tickets: from £10
A live concert designed as a soundtrack to a montage of silent films by George Méliès (1861 – 1938) considered to be one of the inventors of cinematography.
The musical brainchild of Jean-François Alcoléa who has created a magical show where a multi-layered, evocative and intricate score complements and interprets the otherwise silent films.
A trio of virtuoso musicians are almost a show in themselves, as they conjure music from an extraordinary array of instruments: basics like piano, percussion and guitar; fantastic oddities like the aquaphone (ocean harp), theremin and melodica; and mundane objects like stemware, circular saws, and even plastic take-out lids.
The mesmerizing score and panoply of unexpected sound expertly evokes the technical wizardry, hilarity, and stream of invention bequeathed to cinema by Méliès.
Friday 3 November 2023
Workshop: Schools Creative Image Workshop
The Place Theatre @ 11am
Tickets: £2.50
Alongside the movie-concert Right in the Eye, these workshops offer an introduction to the movie- concert, the early days of cinema and the moving image until the advent of the cinematograph.
It also looks at the discovery of Georges Méliès’ works including viewing of short films by the Lumière brothers and by Georges Méliès and explanations of special effects and visual tricks. The creative workshop covers discovery of animated pictures and optical toys and object manipulation.
Friday 3 & Saturday 4 November 2023
Workshop: Focus on Sound: Recreational Practical Workshop
The Place Theatre @ 2.15pm on Friday and 10.30am on Saturday
Tickets: £2.50
Alongside the movie-concert Right in the Eye this practical workshop incorporates the use of original instruments, including a piano frame to discover wide palettes of sounds, tones and modes of playing. This fun workshop explores the use of everyday objects in search of sound.
Suitable for ages 8-11 and 11-14.
Friday 3 November 2023
Halloween: Dia de los Muertos featuring Miguel Muziq
Herd, St Cuthbert’s Street @ 7pm
Tickets: £20 (including tacos)
More details coming soon…
Saturday 4 – Saturday 25 November 2023
Exhibition: Rhyme, Reason and the Apocalypse
The Panacea Museum @ 10am – 4pm (see website for opening days)
Free entry
This exhibition – as part of the nationwide Being Human Festival – will explore ideas of The Apocalypse in times of crisis through creative expression, poetry and other writings, and will support visitors in understanding human reactions to crises and change.
The exhibition will be particularly suitable for those interested in religion, social history and women’s history, and will be a useful resource for Sixth Form students studying related subjects.
The Panacea Museum is an appropriate venue for discussions around The Apocalypse, and The Panacea Society was formed here over 100 years ago, ending in 2012.
This Christian group believed that the end times were imminent, and looked forward to immortality in their own Garden of Eden here in Bedford.
Saturday 4 November 2023
Festivals: Festival of Lights organised by Bedford Indian Community
Bunyan Centre, Mile Road @ 4pm onwards
Free entry / everyone welcome
This year sees the 13th annual celebration of the Festival of Light by the Bedford Indian Community.
This has become a landmark date in the Bedford calendar, attracting audiences in the region of 2,500 from all walks of life and backgrounds. The festival features performance and acts from other local communities joining the celebrations including a Chinese Fusion dance group, local Irish choir, Polish dance group and contributions from faiths and communities who have come over from across India, bringing their own culture, exciting acts and performances.
Saturday 4 November 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Keysoe Village Hall MK44 2JE @ 1.30pm
This week it’s an afternoon 4.5 mile walk in the Wolds followed by the North Beds Ramblers’ AGM.
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 4th November 2023
Live Music: Triple Header – Stalkers, Samantha Hughes & 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.
Five Five Six are heading back to the Cellar Bar, getting ready for a rocking night of legendary tunes.
Also on the Saturday night bill is Samantha Hughes who has become a regular having previously performed at Twinwood Festival and the Festival of Vintage. Samantha’s set will be part acoustic so you are in for a treat as she plays a selection of Rock n Roll, Country, 50s/60s and Blues, spreading some good old-fashioned music from years gone by.
Last on the line-up are Stalkers, a five-piece rock band bringing youth energy and new rock to the scene since July 2023. Head down and watch them for a set full of classics, attitude and good times.
Saturday 4 November 2023
Music: The Rolling Stones Now
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16
The band, in their 24th year, return to the Quarry Theatre, for a night of strutting, pouting & romping rock’n’roll!
The Rolling Stones Now is a celebration of all that has made the The Rolling Stones legendary. In full costumes, recreating the Stones live shows of the late 60’s – 90’s,
Mick’s pout, Keith’s riffs and Bill’s stony face are all on show as the band play some of the greatest songs ever written including ‘It’s only Rock ‘n’ Roll’, ‘Jumpin Jack Flash’, ‘Paint it Black’ and ‘Sympathy for the Devil’. Don’t miss a night of struts, riffs and downright dirty Rock n’ Roll where Satisfaction is guaranteed!
Sunday 5 November 2023
Live music: The King Bees play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A warm welcome back to The King Bees to Bedford Esquires Sunday Afternoon Session, mixing their own material with some Blues and Soul covers.
Sunday 5 November 2023
Poetry: Read Poets Society – Autumn Season
The Eagle Bookshop @ 7pm
Tickets: Free but please book via The Place Theatre website
Join the Read Poets Society for their monthly poetry reading of poems reflecting the season. This monthly event takes place at The Eagle Bookshop in St Peter’s Street.
Monday 6 November 2023
Film: Bedford Film Society presents – Living
The University of Bedford, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £69/annual membership, £5/day guest
Overwhelmed at work and lonely at home, a civil servant’s life takes a heartbreaking turn when a medical diagnosis tells him his time is short. Influenced by a vibrant local woman (Sex Education’s brilliant Aimee Lou Wood), he (Bill Nighy) continues to search for meaning until a simple revelation gives him a purpose to create a legacy for the next generation.
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 7 November 2023
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Peregrine Recorder Orchestra. Free with a retiring collection
Tuesday 7 November 2023
Socialising: Singles Night (ages 25-40 years old)
The Cellar Bar @ 8.00pm
Tickets: £5, includes a shot or soft drink of choice on arrival
The Cellar Bar Singles Night provides a unique venue in which to mingle with like minded individuals. Whether you are looking for the next Mr or Mrs Right, or simply want to find someone who shares the same interests, their singles night provides a great relaxed environment in which to do so.
This is a very relaxed event, no games, no name badges, just decent music, a nice atmosphere and great drinks!
There will be a charge of £5 per person, which includes a shot or soft drink of your choice on arrival, mainly to enable commitment from individuals and to prevent anyone from just walking in off the street.
Tuesday 7 November 2023
Poetry: Ouse Muse spoken word and poetry event with guest reader Beth Hartley
The Eagle Bookshop @ 7.45pm for 8pm
Ouse Muse is one of Bedford’s longest-running poetry events and has found a home at the wonderful Eagle Bookshop.
This month, they welcome guest poet Beth Hartley (co-founder of Fen Speak poetry nights and author of book ‘What If Stars’) to read for the group.
There will also be an open mic for readers too.
“We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your words.”
Wednesday 8 November 2023
Film: Cinema @ 3 St Peter’s presents – Elevator to the Gallows (French with English subtitles)
3 St Peter’s Street @ 7pm
Tickets: £12/£10.50/£9/£6
Julien Tavernier works in the offices of a powerful arms dealer, and is having an affair with his boss’ wife, Florence.
The pair plan to murder her husband, and make it appear to have been suicide. Unfortunately, their neat plan doesn’t turn out so, with one problem after another befalling them – ultimately proving the old adage, everyone ultimately gets their just desserts.
Wednesday 8 – Friday 10 November 2023
Folk music: That’s All Folk presents – Gilmore and Roberts
The Place Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £14
Contemporary folk/acoustic duo Gilmore & Roberts combine award-winning songwriting with astounding musicianship and their trademark harmonies to create a powerful wall of sound.
Nominated three times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Katriona Gilmore (fiddle, mandolin) and Jamie Roberts (guitar) met while studying at Leeds College of Music and released their debut album in 2008.
Since then, the duo have toured Canada and mainland Europe, played some of the UK’s biggest acoustic festivals, toured with folk rock legends Fairport Convention and won countless accolades for their genre-spanning work.
Thursday 9 – Saturday 18 November 2023
Festval: Being Human Festival
The Panacea Musuem, Newnham Road
Free entry
Each November, Being Human Festival presents hundreds of free events across the UK and beyond. Festival events aim to celebrate and demonstrate the ways in which the humanities inspire and enrich our everyday lives, help us to understand ourselves, our relationships with others, and the challenges we face in a changing world.
Each year the festival invites researchers at universities and other research organisations to collaborate with local community and cultural partners to create exciting and engaging events and projects for all to enjoy. Being Human is a national festival by virtue of being local, with events taking place everywhere from Dundee to Devon.
As part of this year’s festival there will be two talks at the Panacea Musuem, orgabised by CenSAMM.org.
9 November – The Second Coming (free entry but booking is essential)
16 November – When Adam Delved and Eve Span (free entry but booking is essential)
Thursday 9 November 2023
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Django’s Tiger
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm
Ticket price: £12
Suitable for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. Cashless bar, plenty of seating (night club set up) seating and dance floor.
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 . Just turn up for the main event (cash at reception) and have fun!
Thursday 9 November 2023
Theatre: The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12.50
Wes Anderson meets Hitchcock meets Spaghetti Western in this multi-award-winning, intercontinental, inter-genre, cinematic caper of accusations, accidents, and accents.
Roger, a Frenchman in 1960’s New York, has spent years following the same predictable routine, until a minor delay saves him from an explosion. Throwing his ordered world into chaos, Roger chases his would-be assassins around the globe.
Raucously funny and endlessly inventive, this Lecoq-trained theatre company delights and stuns with live, original music and virtuosic acrobatics in this fast-paced, OFFIE-nominated whodunnit.
Thursday 9 November 2023
Live music: Gaz Brookfield
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
No stranger to Bedford Esquires, Gaz Brookfield returns this autumn following the release of his ninth studio album ”Morning Walking Club”.
Gaz returns to the venue playing songs from the new record plus loads of old favourites.
Friday 10 November 2023
Live music: Big Girls Don’t Cry
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £28
Come out tonight as we take you to a place where the moon shines bright and we dance the night away, taking you back in time with Big Girls Don’t Cry, celebrating the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
This non-stop hit machine, authentically recreated by the phenomenal cast and live band will transport you back in time to 1963 and beyond for a magical evening enjoying all your favourites.
During the sixties and seventies number one hits Sherry, December 1963 (Oh What a Night), Walk Like a Man, Rag Doll and Big Girls Don’t Cry helped propel the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli to super stardom.
After selling an incredible 100 million records worldwide, there’s a Four Seasons song that shares a special place in everyone’s heart. This internationally acclaimed show authentically revives the sublime harmonies of New Jersey’s finest.
It showcases Frankie’s incredible falsetto, and features his solo hits like Grease, Let’s Hang On, Working My Way Back to You, Beggin’, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, and Who Loves You.
So it’s time to hang on to what we got and celebrate one of the world’s treasures in two hours of non-stop hits with Big Girls Don’t Cry!
Oh what a night it will be! It’s the time, it’s the place, it’s the motion.
This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.
Friday 10 November 2023
Live Music: Matt Bedford & Newstalgia
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
Matt and his band “Newstalgia” are back bringing you the coolest clean funky guitars and finest fat sounding synths with a flavour of the 80’s and 90’s fused with the feel of 2023.
Fresh off Newstalgia’s successful UK tour, they’re back in town playing Matt’s own music along with some funky renditions of your favourite hits from over the years. As well as being a valued member of The Cellar Bar team, Matt also has links to Minneapolis Funk, the home of Prince!
Friday 10 November 2023
Live music: The David Tattersall Group (The Wave Pictures, Allo Darlin’) + Frenzy
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
The David Tattersall Group is a new project from David Tattersall of The Wave Pictures, once described by Marc Riley of 6Music as ‘the greatest guitarist of his generation’.
With a band featuring soulful harmonica, violin and keys, played by members of Allo’ Darlin’ and The Surfin’ Magazines, The David Tattersall Group are ‘a little bit Country, a little bit Western’ – think Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Dylan and The Band.
Their self-titled debut album was released on Bella Union Records on 6 October and is preceded by gorgeous debut single ‘My Lovely’.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk – Milbrook to Cranfield
St Peter & St Paul’s Church in Cranfield @ 9.30am
Approx 10-mile walk from Millbrook to Cranfield as part of the Bunyan Trail.
Walkers are to meet at St Peter & St Paul’s Church in Cranfield at 9.30am. There is street parking near the Church in Court Road. Organisers will then take a number of cars to Millbrook from where the walk will start at 10am.
There are no particular hazards on the walk, although parts may be muddy if there has been rain.
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 11 November 2023
Armistice Day: Commemoration and two-minute silence
Riverside Square @ 11am (please arrive by 10.40am)
Armistice Day commemorates the agreement to end the fighting of the First World War, as a prelude to peace negotiations, and began at 11am on 11 November 1918.
There will be an Armistice Day Commemoration and two-minute silence at 11am in Riverside Square (What3Wordslocation: w3w.co/event.noted.copper).
After the silence, the Standards will be inspected by the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant, after which the Standards are dismissed.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Live music: Saturday organ recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Organ recital by John Wearmouth, director of music, All Saints’ Church, Leighton Buzzard. Free with a retiring collection.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Theatre: A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12.50
In a kitchen, in a theatre, two storytellers and their audience find something remarkable — a very old man with enormous wings. After consulting with the neighbour – who’s an expert on all things magic – the couple decide to shelter him in the chicken coop and feed him with food scraps. A wise woman says he’s an angel.
The priest says he’s an imposter. Pilgrims flock to see him. Inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s darkly comic tale, the show taps into both the best and worst of mankind, wryly examining the human response to those who are weak, dependent, and different.
Using a combination of music, puppetry and live video projection this magic-realist gem is brought to the stage with beautiful, strange, emotional richness.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Classical music: Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: Vary
Conductor: Uwe Radok
Horn soloist: Daniel Curzon
Programme:
- Berlioz –– Overture Les Francs-Juges
- Glière –– Horn Concerto
- Vaughan Williams –– Symphony No. 2 (A London Symphony)
Saturday 11 November 2023
Classical music: Kitty Whately and Joseph Middleton
St. Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12 (accompanied under 18s free)
Distinguished mezzo-soprano, Kitty Whately (the daughter of Kevin Whately) is joined by Joseph Middleton, an internationally renowned pianist who has been praised for his imaginative programmes.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Live Music: Double header featruing Cameo + Last Laugh Lane
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Bar opens at 6.00pm / Happy Hour until 9.00pm
Free entry
Cellar Bar favourite Cameo is back for another solo performance. Expect a beautiful voice and some cracking party tunes from classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and so much in between.
Last Laugh Lane make a welcome return to the Cellar Bar with classic throwback indie anthems of the 2000’s including The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Kings of Leon and much more. Each time they play at the Cellar Bar, the place literally rocks, not to be missed!
Saturday 11 November 2023
Live music: Wrong Jovi
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Described as ‘the best Bon Jovi Tribute Band in the World’, Wrong Jovi features some of the UKs finest professional musicians. With a set list crammed full of sing-along anthems, live favourites and rarities, audiences are guaranteed the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute show.
Featuring Ally as Jon Bon Jovi (X Factor, The Singer Takes It All and Britains Got Talent) aka Jon Wrong Jovi on vocals, Wrong Jovi have one of the UKs most talented front men leading the band through some of rock n rolls most legendary songs. Ally is backed by some of the UK’s most highly respected musicians.
Founding member Mark provides Richie Sambora’s fiery guitar lines, backing vocals and even lead vocals on occasion. Jon (David Bryan) on keyboards and Backing vocals, Jim (Hugh McDonald) on bass and Backing vocals and Alex (Tico Torres) on drums complete the lineup.
Sunday 12 November 2023
Markets: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce Market
St Paul’s Square @ 10am
Free entry
It’s the Flea’s festive warm up, and their last market of the season on St. Paul’s Square before they launch the ‘A Very Merry Bedford Christmas Market Weekender’ on Riverside and Harpur Square on the 2 and 3 December.
12 November also happens to be Remembrance Sunday, so they will be holding a two minute silence on the square.
This month the XL Local Produce section will have extra gifting treats such as ceramics, bespoke wooden boards and event glass Christmas decorations. All alongside their regular selection of locally grown flowers (mostly dried this month), fresh bread, chutneys and jams, hot sauces, cakes & bakes, artisan food and drink, including gin and rum, plus body care, candles & home fragrance.
The Affordable Art section will be filled with 12 different artists, from painters to illustrators with opportunities to commission your own artwork too.
The Flea section is bursting at the seams with the best antiques, vintage, collectables, clothing, records and all the treasures you never knew you needed!
The mouth-watering FEAST are returning just in time in their converted horse trailer with a juicy menu that will want to come back for seconds. AND, you can follow up your lunch with a portion of ‘Poffertjes’, fluffy, pockets of pancake joy from Little Dutch Bites.
On the ‘Seeing Eye Music Stage’ there will be vintage music from the 1940s and beyond alongside some festive tunes. Be sure to stop by their music sponsor’s stall – Seeing Eye Rum – to sample some of their delicious spiced blend.
Sunday 12 November 2023
Remembrance Day: Wreath laying ceremony
War Memorial, Bedford Embankment @ 11am
Remembrance Day unites people across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth. The day also pays tribute to the special contribution of families and of the emergency services and acknowledges the innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.
The traditional wreath-laying ceremony, Service and march-past will be held at the War Memorial, Bedford Embankment at 11am, (What3Words location: w3w.co/leave.river.fans).
Once the parade is formed up at the memorial, the Service begins, during which Civic Leaders, the Armed Forces, Veterans’ Associations, Civil and community organisations are invited to lay wreaths in memory of those who gave their lives in conflict around the world. Whilst the Service is on-going at the Memorial, Bedford Town Band will lead the silence in Harpur Square.
After the Service, the parade, made up of the Bedford Pipe Band, Standards, Veterans, Armed Forces contingents, Civic Uniformed Services, Cadet Forces and Community Youth Organisations will march down the Embankment, across the High Street and St. Paul’s Square, finishing in Harpur Square.
Sunday 12 November 2023
Live music: Vintage Stuff play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A welcome return to the Bedford-based rock and blues band that refuse to grow old.
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
