What’s on Bedford: 2 – 13 April 2025

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.


Until the end of April

Exhibition: The Lost Portfolio
The Southbank Gallery, Bedford College
Free entry

Illustration to promote The Lost Portfolio exhibition organised by The Circus of Illustration. A girl is shining a torchlight to reveal 'the Lost Portfolio'

The Circus of Illustration presents an exhibition of work by local artists and hobbyists.


Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm / Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz.  £60 cash and other prizes to win

Cellar Bar speed quizzing - no pens, no paper, no cheating!

SpeedQuizzing has come to Bedford town centre – a fun, incredibly interactive night of entertainment!  Get your team of up to six players together and give it a go.  £60 bar tab to the winners, and a rolling jackpot each week.  Hosted by experienced Speed Quizzing host Owen.

The Cellar Bar is open from 7pm and the quiz starts at 8pm.  Walk ins are allowed on the night until the venue is full.  Reserve your table online and get a 20-point head start.

You can reserve your table here.


Thursday, 3 – Saturday, 5 April 2025

Theatre: Sleeping Beauty
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm (Thurs/Fri) 2pm & 6.30pm (Sat)
Tickets: prices vary

A poster for Sleeping Beauty with a background of tangled forest and a spinning wheel in the foreground

Sleeping Beauty is a classic fairy tale that tells the story of a beautiful princess who falls under a curse from an evil fairy.

According to the curse, the princess would prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel on her 18th birthday and would die. A good fairy, however, intervenes and alters the curse, stating that the princess will instead sleep for 100 years and can only be awakened by true love’s kiss.

In the end, will true love’s kiss awaken the princess, and will the kingdom be saved?


Thursday, 3 April 2025

Quiz: Esquires’ Monthly Music Quiz
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
£2 per person / max six people per team

Esquires music quiz poster featuring two cartoon milk cartons

Brain cells at the ready, it’s Esquires’ music quiz and everyone’s welcome. Featuring music from the 50’s to the present, it’s £2 per person to enter with teams of up to a maximum of six people.

Cash prize for the winning team.


Thursday, 3 April 2025

Dancing: Planet Swing featuring The TBA
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99

A couple in vintage outfits are dancing in a swing style

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, 3 April 2025

Live music: Irish Folk Night
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry

Exterior shot of the traditional Castle pub on Newnham Street in Bedford. There are abundant hanging baskets and the pub looks very inviting.
The Castle pub on Newnham Street.

A fun evening of foot-tapping Irish tunes to sing along to. The craic is sure to be mighty!


Friday, 4 April 2025

Double header of live music: The New Classics 
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens at 6pm / Happy Hour, 6pm – 9pm
Free entry

Hailing from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, this five-piece band brings a dynamic and eclectic mix of music to any night.


Friday, 4 April 2025

Live music: Plateau EP launch
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10

Members of the band Plateau are pictured standing in the dark under a streetlight

Fresh from their sold-out Future Sessions in February, Plateau are coming right back at ya with a full headline show to celebrate the release of their new EP, Strange Ambitions of a Sick Soul.

Hailing from Bedford, vocalist Oli Power, bassist Oscar Goodwin, drummer Max Day and guitarists Sam McCarthy and Stephen Azevedo, came together through their love of iconic bands such as The Doors and Soundgarden as well as a love for performing. With each member of the band coming from a different musical background, Plateau intertwine grunge-like vocals alongside bluesy riffs and hard-rock rhythms amongst a psychedelic tone, creating a sound that is recognisably unique to them.

Read: EP review: Rock n roll renaissance from Plateau

The band are joined on the night by The Greensands, Crazy Division and Inertia.


Friday, 4 April 2025

Reggae: David ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
Tickets: £25

Veteran reggae DJ David Rodigan pictured in his trademark glasses and large hat

For over 35 years, David Rodigan has been the top dog in the ganja-scented, bass-heavy atmosphere of Britain’s reggae dance halls and this month he is coming to Bedford as part of Esquire’s 35th anniversary year.


Friday, 4 April 2025

Live music: Heidi Browne
The Cellar Bar at 11pm / bar opens at 6pm / Happy hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry. 

This Friday, the Cellar Bar is delighted to welcome multi-instrumentalist & singer-songwriter Heidi Browne.

She was recognised on BBC Introducing for her distinctive vocal style and retro yet fresh sound. She went on to win Open Mic UK, tour internationally, release multiple albums and have her music played on BBC Radio 1 & 2.

Expect a lively mix of acoustic covers in her own style with lots of audience participation and upbeat vibes.


Saturday, 5 April 2025

Children’s Theatre: The Worst Princess
The Quarry Theatre @ 11.30am & 2pm
Tickets: from £8

Two knights are inside brightly coloured castle turrets made of cardboard. In between them is an actress dressed as a dragon and another dress as The Worst Princess, holding the dragon's tail and a sword

Feisty Sue is not your everyday fairy tale superstar; in fact, she’s The Worst Princess.

After being rescued by her twit of a prince, she’s ready to start her happy end. But first she’ll have to make friends with a dragon, escape from a tower and set the Prince’s pants on fire with her new fire-breathing bestie. Will Sue find her happily ever after?


Saturday, 5 April 2025

Live music: Soul Factory – Saturday Afternoon Chillout with DJ Rocky & Bobby
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm
Free entry

The words Soul Factory are over the top of a silhoutte of a woman with a large afro hair style singing.

Head to the Cellar Bar for an afternoon of pure soul, funk, R&B, house, Motown & Northern Soul classics with Soul Factory. 


Saturday, 5 April 2025

Live music: The Bluetones
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25

The four members of the band The Bluetones stand in front the bright lights of an amusement arcade

The Bluetones are back on tour this spring, calling into Bedford Esquires on their travels.

First coming to prominence in 1995, The Bluetones’ debut release ‘Are You Blue Or Are You Blind’ broke into the Top 40 and the single proved to be the launching pad for a run that saw 14 hit singles and six albums follow.

From there on, the band, made up of brothers Mark and Scott Morriss alongside Adam Devlin and Eds Chesters, enjoyed considerable UK and Ireland successes, extending out across into Europe and Japan, before taking a hiatus in 2011 that lasted for four years.

Since then, they have re-established themselves as one of the UK’s most consistently entertaining live acts, regularly touring their extensive catalogue to their army of devoted fans.


Saturday, 5 April 2025

Live music:  Double header of live music – Cameo & Five Five Six
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm. Bar opens at 6.00pm.  Happy hour 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Free entry

First up Cellar Bar favourite Cameo is back for another solo performance, expect a beautiful voice and some cracking party tunes!  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.

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!


Sunday, 6 April 2025

Live music: The Polaroidz play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry

A cassette tape features the words The Plaroidz / 80s new wave/synth pop/post punk on a background of badgest that say The Polaroidz

Relive the alternative sounds of the 1980s with The Polaroidz, who are looking forward to lifting the roof off Danny’s Bar with some help from the Sunday Session stalwarts.

Expect hits from Tears for Fears, Blondie, The Pretenders, Gary Numan, Human League, Depeche Mode, The Police, David Bowie, Teardrop Explodes, Adam and the Ants, Simple Minds, Dexy’s Midnight Runners and many more.


Sunday, 6 April 2025

Live music: Danny Graceland – Elvis Tribute
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm
Free entry

Elvis impersonator Danny Graceland

Elvis is in the building!

Danny Graceland is an nternationally multi-award-winning Elvis tribute artist, bringing you an authentic homage to the undisputed King of Rock’n’Roll. 

As a die-hard Elvis fan from the age of three, Danny has ardently studied the music and life of Elvis Presley to provide as accurate a tribute as possible to the biggest selling male solo artist of all time.

The Cellar Bar is fully sold out for afternoon tea for this event.  Walk-ins are welcome to watch the performance, but will be standing room only.  The only way to guarantee a seat is to book for the afternoon tea packages on the first Sunday of every month.


Sunday, 6 April 2025

Poetry and Spoken Word: Read Poets Society
The Eagle Bookshop @ 7pm | Tickets: Free but please book via The Place Theatre website

An image of bottles of spirits behind a busy bar

Join the Read Poets Society for an interesting evening of poetry and prose. This month’s theme is “ Quaffing and Drinking will undo you!”


Tuesday, 8, Wednesday, 9, Thursday, 10, Tuesday, 15, Wednesday, 16 and Thursday, 17 April 2025

Easter fun: Our Planet holiday workshops
The Higgins Bedford @ times vary please check website
Tickets: £5.50/child / Booking essential

A bee hotel made of hollow twigs is suspended from a tree
Bee hotel. Image: The Good Life Garden Bedford

Inspired by Earth Day, families can join local artists and providers in activities that reduce waste, encourage recycling, reuse materials and promote planting. 

From upcycled origami flowers to badge making, bee hotels to junk modelling, book your place at the Higgins website.


Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Easter: Holiday Activities
Bunyan Meeting Church
Free

Easter activities at the John Bunyan Musuem

Free Easter holiday activities for children at the John Bunyan Museum. Includes a free lunch for every child that completes all activities.


Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)

Black and white close up image of hands on a piano keyboard

A piano recital by Elizaveta Velikhova.

Free with a retiring collection.


Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Quizzing: Pub Quiz
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
£2/person – maximum six players per team

Exterior shot of the traditional Castle pub on Newnham Street in Bedford. There are abundant hanging baskets and the pub looks very inviting.
The Castle pub on Newnham Street.

The Castle quiz is every second Tuesday of the month. Maximum teams of six and £2 per person entry. The winner gets the pot and a chance to win a bonus pot rollover too. To book a table call 01234 353295


Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm / Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz.  £60 cash and other prizes to win

Cellar Bar speed quizzing - no pens, no paper, no cheating!

SpeedQuizzing has come to Bedford town centre – a fun, incredibly interactive night of entertainment!  Get your team of up to six players together and give it a go.  £60 bar tab to the winners, and a rolling jackpot each week.  Hosted by experienced Speed Quizzing host Owen.

The Cellar Bar is open from 7pm and the quiz starts at 8pm.  Walk ins are allowed on the night until the venue is full.  Reserve your table online and get a 20-point head start.

You can reserve your table here.


Thursday, 10 April 2025

Easter activities: Cracking Crafty Thursdays
John Bunyan Museum 11.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: £2 per child

A selection of Spring and Easter children's crafts

Create Easter and Spring-inspired crafts and take part in a free Easter egg hunt at the John Bunyan Musuem.


Thursday, 10 April 2025

Film: Maria
Stevington Cinema Club, Stevington Village Hall @ 7.15pm
Tickets: £6

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas

Angelina Jolie plays the iconic Maria Callas as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye.


Thursday, 10 April 2025

Comedy: Castle Comedy 13th Birthday Special
The Quarry Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £18

A close up of the comedian Shaun Walsh who is laughing

Castle Comedy celebrates its 13th Birthday with an all-star line-up headlined by Seann Walsh. Also on the bill is New Zealand comic, ​​Javier Jarquin, and Brummie Jules O’Brian.


Thursday, 10 April 2025

Live music:  Karaoke
The Cellar Bar at 8pm
Free entry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Karaoke.jpg

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, 10 April 2025

Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Shane’s Rock n Roll Show
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99

A couple in vintage outfits are dancing in a swing style

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, 11 April 2025

Children’s Theatre: The Mystery of The Quarry Theatre
The Quarry @ 2.30pm
Tickets: from £11

Calling all trainee detectives! Join The Mystery of The Quarry Theatre, a brand new, board-game style theatre show where your skills are needed to solve this thrilling murder mystery.

Team up with super sleuth Danyah Miller to examine evidence, inspect video footage, and interrogate suspects, every clue bringing you closer to the truth.


Friday, 11 – Sunday, 13, April 2025

Film: Bedford Independent Film Festival
The Quarry Theatre
Tickets: £7.50

Poster for the Bedford International Film Festival (BIFF) against a backdrop of the sunset over the River Great Ouse

Film fans are in luck this month, as the first Bedford Independent Film Festival launches at the Quarry Theatre.

Running from 11 – 13 April, the festival will feature a variety of independent feature films and a wide selection of shorts across an array of genres.

Read: Lights, camera, action for Bedford’s first Independent Film Festival


Friday, 11 April 2025

Live music: Man/Woman/Chainsaw
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12.50

the members of Man Woman Chainsaw sprawled on the floor

Esquires’ 35th anniversary celebrations continue with the hotter-than-hot young British art-punk five-piece Man/Woman/Chainsaw. This precociously talented band from London recently celebrated their 100th gig and are both joyous and raucous in equal measures.


Friday, 11 April 2025

Live music: Who Stung Sting
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry

Exterior shot of the traditional Castle pub on Newnham Street in Bedford. There are abundant hanging baskets and the pub looks very inviting.
The Castle pub on Newnham Street.

Bedford supergroup ‘Who Stung Sting’ will be performing at the Castle’s very own Ska Party, playing and singing Two-tone ska and reggae to dance the night away to. Free entry as always!

Expect a selection of reggae and ska classics, plus a few ‘converted’ songs.


Friday, 11 April 2025

Live music: The Soul Man
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry

The Soul Man is pictured holding a vintage microphone and looks like he's singer to the viewer

One of the most well-known and loved local artists, The Soul Man (aka Peter Symphorien) performs soul classics from artists such as Barry White, Luther Vandross, George Benson, The Temptations, The Drifters and many more, with a few Reggae faves too.


Friday, 11 April 2025

Live music: GBH + Sick On The Bus + The Tendons
Bedford Esquires @ 7:30pm
Tickets: £15

Poster for a punk gig featuring the band GBH. The image shows a singer leaping in the air, raising his arm

Staying true to their roots and enduring all tests of time, GBH are English punk originals putting on an old (s)cool authentic punk rock show with irresistible high energy and jolly tribal camaraderie.

Guest support comes from East Northants’ finest Sick on the Bus with an opening set from Bedford’s very own The Tendons.


Saturday, 12 April 2025

Shopping: Record Store Day
Slide Record Shop, The Old Arcade @ 8am

Record Store Day 2025 poster for Slide Record Shop by illustrator Katie Allen. It features a bowl of food that looks like a record and the fork looks like the arm of a record player.

Record Store Day is here again, celebrating indie record shops and all things record shop culture. As ever, Slide Record Shop will be throwing a party with limited edition records, the legends from Roll Your Own Records on the decks and damn good vibes.

So whether you are an early bird queuer or a leisurely browser, head to the Old Arcade to celebrate.


Saturday, 12 April 2025

Exhibition: Ukrainian Folk Art and Heritage Exhibition
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane @ 11am
Free entry

Ukrainian folk art. Image Daria Bilan
Ukrainian folk art. Image Daria Bilan

The Higgins is home to a new exhibition this month, featuring beautiful, colourful and regional antique costumes of Ukraine curated by a local Ukrainian artist.

The exhibition will showcase embroidered items including rushnyky (long embroidered cloths), serviettes and cushions plus stunning hand-decorated eggs and a chance to join an Easter egg hunt through the museum.


Saturday, 12 April 2025

Music: Saturday organ recital
St Paul’s church @ 1pm
Free with retiring collection

A close up of organist Tsz Kei Yeung

St Paul’s series of Saturday lunchtime organ recitals is held throughout the year. This week’s performance is by Tsz Kei Yeung. Free with retiring collection.


Saturday, 12 April 2025

Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Afternoon walk: Wilstead, Whitworth Way MK45 3DB @ 1.30pm

North Bedfordshire Ramblers group walking towards the hangars at Cardington
North Bedfordshire Ramblers group walking towards the hangars at Cardington. Image: North Bedfordshire Ramblers

A six mile walk south of Wilstead up to the Greenshand Ridge.

Please bring a drink, snack or lunch as the group always stops for a break. Check out the North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ excellent website for further information.


Saturday, 12 April 2025

Walk: Brewpoint pub walk and talk
Location will be confirmed when booking is made @ 2pm
Tickets: £25 (includes a half pint/soft drink at each pub)

Brewpoint glass of beer
Image: Brewpoint

A walking tour of five of Wells & Co’s pubs and venues in Bedford in the company of Brewpoint’s pub expert.

You’ll discover the history of the company and how each pub ties in with that story. Expect lots of interesting facts and anectodes plus try Brewpoint beers and bask in the ambience of our regional brewing culture.

The tour is limited to 15 people, so booking is essential. You can make a booking here.


Saturday, 12 April 2025

Theatre: Alas! Poor Yorrick
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16

A black and white image of two actors playing the gravediggers in Shakespeare's Hamlet

If the Two Ronnies were cast as the Gravediggers in Shakespeare’s Hamlet re-written by Samuel Beckett you might have something like Alas! Poor Yorick. A modern, hilarious, and philosophical reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragedy—a compelling exploration of life and death through the eyes of the gravediggers.


Saturday, 12 April 2025

Live music: Legend – the music of Bob Marley
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £32

Bob Marley tribute artist holding a guitar and singing into a microphone

When you think reggae, there is only one name that comes to mind. Direct from a sell-out show at London’s Adelphi Theatre, Legend – the Music of Bob Marley is an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic stage show.

Combining his superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, a supremely talented cast recreate the timeless hits “Could You Be Loved”, “Is This Love”, “One Love”, “No Woman No Cry”, “Three Little Birds”, “Jammin’”, “Buffalo Soldier”, “Get Up Stand Up”, “I Shot the Sheriff” and many more reggae classics.


Saturday, 12 April 2025

Live music: CVC & guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15

The band CVC pictured in what looks like a boutique hotel

The six-piece musical collective are influenced by Snoop Dogg, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Super Furry Animals and Red Hot Chili Peppers with a universal message of “peace and love and good times, stay real, stay true and that’s it.”


Saturday, 12 April 2025

Live music: Highstone
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm / bar opens at 6pm / Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry

Highstone, a five-piece band perform on stage at a pub

Highstone are a four-piece band covering mostly 70’s and 80’s dance music mixed with singalong hits.

So break out your dancing shoes and get on down to these essential disco, soul, rock and funk classics from Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees, Chic, The Temptations, Kool & The Gang, , Luther Vandross, Earth Wind & Fire, Santana and more.


Sunday, 13 April 2025

Shopping: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce Market
Harpur Square @ 10am – 3pm

It’s back and it’s what Sundays are made for!

The first Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market of the year takes place on Sunday, 13 April and this year, while St Paul’s Square gets some major TLC, the flea family is moving to Harpur Square. 

The April market is the Flea’s Easter edition, so you’ll be able to stock up on a whole variety of treats for the bank holiday ahead, all while shopping small and supporting local. We’re hoping that the sun will shine so we can all browse and buy antiques, artwork, local produce, street food, refreshments and enjoy live music – with a new sponsor in the shape of The Cellar Bar – in some glorious spring weather.


Sunday, 13 April 2025

Dance music: 80’s Daytime Disco for Grown-Ups
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / doors open at 3pm
Free entry

A close up image of disco glitter ball relecting on the surrounding room

The Cellar Bar’s Daytime Disco is back giving you a great excuse to go out on a Sunday afternoon and to dance and singalong to some of the greatest hits ever.

Indulge in an afternoon filled with nostalgic tunes and a great atmosphere. The glitterball will be up, there will be free glow sticks and props and the neon outfits will be on. Anyone who dresses up will get a free shot from the bar. Free glow sticks and props.

From 3pm until 7pm, you can be home before you’d usually be going out! What a result!


Sunday, 13 April 2025

Live music: The Workshop Boys play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry

A black and white photo of The Workshop Boys

Formed by former members of Los Marbles and Cutting Out, The Workshop Boys have fast become one of Bedford’s most loved bar bands and make a welcome return to the Esquires Sunday Afternoon Session.


Sunday, 13 April 2025

Live music: Pale Blue Eyes
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16.50

Born of a cross-pollination between Totnes and Sheffield, Pale Blue Eyes return to Bedford after grafting over a number of years to exact their modernist pop vision.

At the ship’s helm, Matt and Lucy Board are a genuine marriage of two stylistic perspectives, each bringing unique sonic tropes to the table. It is the pair’s fascination with DIY ethic, retro synths and reminiscence that truly fuels their sound world, calling upon nostalgia and a captivating optimism.

The third part of the Pale Blue Eyes triad arrived when Matt and Lucy met bassist Aubrey Simpson at South Devon’s Sea Change festival.

The band look forward to releasing their third album in 2025 on their own imprint, Broadcast Recordings. As with the first two albums the record has been produced by the band and final mixed and mastered by Dean Honer. Honer has produced the likes of The Human League, Add N to (x) and Roisin Murphy and worked with countless Sheffield names from Jarvis Cocker to Tony Christie.


Sunday, 13 April 2025

Live music: Dreamcoat Stars
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £27.50

The Dreamcoat Stars pictured on stage from behind. They are wearing brightly coloured jackets and holding microphones.

Any Dream Will Do’s Keith Jack and stars of Joseph sing the biggest musical hits of a generation.

Dreamcoat Stars are back for their third UK tour, bringing incredible live musical entertainment to the nation. Experience the UK’s biggest and best night of musical smash-hits in this star-studded concert featuring brand-new songs and arrangements.

The concert includes everyone’s favourite West End and Broadway classics from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Les Misérables, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing, Hairspray, West Side Story, and the toe-tapping Jersey Boys. Relive all your favourite productions in one epic evening.

This is a show that will raise your spirits in a night of theatre you’ll never forget.


At the Higgins Bedford

Exhibition: Colour and Light
The Higgins Bedford until 2 November 2025
Free entry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is At-Binsey-Near-Oxford-George-Price-Boyce-1862.jpg
At Binsey, Near Oxford, George Price Boyce, 1862. Image: The Higgins Bedford

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

Virgin of Guadeloupe 1745 recreated by Peter Brathwaite. Image: Getty Publications
Virgin of Guadeloupe 1745 recreated by Peter Brathwaite. Image: Getty Publications

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 image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Panacea-Museum-Garden-of-Eden.jpg

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.


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 April 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.


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