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 Bedford Esquires.
Thursday, 22 January 2026
Stevington Film Club presents: NTLive screening of Hamlet
Stevington Village Hall, Court Lane, MK43 7QT @ 6.30pm
Tickets: £vary
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (The Father and the Assassin, Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.
Friday, 23 January – 1 February 2026
Exhibition: Holocaust Memorial Day – Bridging Generations
The Higgins Bedford (check website for opening times)
Free entry
Come and learn more about the history and heritage of the local Bedford Jewish community, the impact of the Holocaust and survivors’ stories, as well as their legacy in the museum’s entrance foyer display.
Friday, 23 January 2023
Theatre: Jack the Ripper
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
In this theatrical shocker, award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin plays different characters as we explore the murders and the myths of the infamous Jack the Ripper. Even to this day, the identity of the serial killer remains unknown.
Although theories abound as to who he might have been and what his motives were, it seems unlikely that the truth shall ever be known.
Saturday, 24 January 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Morning walk: Marston Vale Millennium Park, MK43 0PR @ 10am
Afternoon walk: Blunham, MK44 3NQ @ 1pm
Morning walk: An 11.5-mile walk through Lower Shelton, towards Cranfield, back via Holcot Wood and Marston Thrift.
Afternoon walk: Walking along Sandy Country Way to Willington Lock, then Great Barford (6 miles).
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, 24 January 2026
Community: Volunteer Recruitment morning
The John Bunyan Museum @ 10.30am
Free entry
If you are looking for a new challenge, a chance to meet new people, a way to improve or learn new skills, or a chance to do something for the community, then your museum needs you!
The John Bunyan Museum, in the heart of Bedford’s Cultural Quarter, is opening its doors to anyone interested in becoming a volunteer in 2026. Meet and chat with some of the stewards, have a tour around the site, and find out what the museum volunteers do and how you might get involved.
Saturday, 24 January 2026
Theatre: The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
One newbie and two self-professed Janeites, through almost all means imaginable, tackle the entire canon of Jane Austen’s works – in just 90 minutes.
Come along for a fun, funny, and fast-paced romp through the masterpieces of Jane Austen with The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that an audience in possession of high spirits must be in want of a ticket to this big-hearted comedy that will delight Janeites and newcomers alike.
Saturday, 24 January 2026
Live music: Bootleg Blondie
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16
CBGB’s comes to Bedford Esquires this month with the return of ‘Bootleg Blondie’.
Expect to hear some of the greatest hits across a vast back catalogue inclucing: Heart of Glass, Dreaming, Union City Blue, The Tide Is High, Rapture, Atomic, Hanging on the Telephone, (I’m Always Touched by Your) Presence Dear, In the Flesh, Rip Her to Shreds, One Way or Another, Picture This, Sunday Girl, Maria, In the Flesh, Denise, Call Me and many more.
Packing out venues up and down the UK, they are the only tribute to have actually featured real members of Blondie, with the late Clem Burke sitting in on the drum stool and Gary Valentine taking over bass duties occasionally.
Saturday, 24 January 2026
Live music: Carlos Live
The Flower Pot, Tavistock Street @ 9pm
Free entry
Don’t miss the chance to hear Carlos, a hugely talented local musician and artist, known for his great sound and engaging performances.
It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend — great music, good vibes, and a fantastic atmosphere.
Sunday, 25 January 2026
Live music: The Fran Pegg Band play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Fresh from a very successful support with King King on the main stage, The Fran Pegg Band make a welcome return to Esquires for a Sunday Afternoon Session in the bar.
Sunday, 25 January 2026
Live music & quiz: Jump the Broom
The Burnaby Arms, Stanley Street @ 5pm
Free entry
Jump the Broom return to the Burnaby Arms and will have you singing along, dancing and even playing an instrument or two.
You can even request your favourite song: if they know it they’ll give it a try.
Straight after the gig there will a music quiz, with a live music round by the band.
Sunday, 25 January 2026
Community Theatre: BDC Radio Plays
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12
Get ready for an epic adventure with a comic twist. That’s right, it’s time for Bedford Drama Company’s ‘Play in a Day’ Radio Play.
This year’s play is ‘Legends of the Round Table’ written by Samuel Burridge, and you will be transported to the court of King Arthur, where you will meet many well-known characters, as well as a few new ones, as their adventures take you through the events of three legendary stories.
You’ll witness three separate casts performing script in hand and producing live sound effects. Yes, that’s right, there will be plenty of coconut shell horses!
Tuesday, 27 February 2026
Classical music: Lunchtime recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free with retiring collection
Step into the beautiful surroundings of St Paul’s church to enjoy a free lunchtime performance. This week’s piano recital is by Emilia Karaliute.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Bedford Art Society talk: Jane Gardiner: The Gardens of Versailles: Louis XIV’s extravaganzas
The Addison Centre, Kempston MK42 8PN 11.00am Refreshments from 10.15am
Tickets: £10.00
A talk on the beautiful Gardens of Versailles and the extravaganzas of Louis XIV.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Film: Bedford Film Society presents – Driving Mum
University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: Annual membership £70 / day member £5
In this droll Icelandic road movie, the death of Jon’s mother forces him to take on a journey with her corpse in the backseat to fulfil her last wish. Bresnef the dog comes along, and this trip will be the game-changer Jon never dreamt of.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Drink and Draw: Redesign classic book covers
The Park Pub, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Pay what you can
At this month’s drink and draw, you are invited to redesign classic book covers! All materials provided at this laid-back, social event for all creative grown-ups. Pay what you can to keep events running.
Thursday, 29 January 2026
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Talk: Bridging Generations
The Higgins Bedford @ 11.30am
Free entry
Join speaker Paul Salver of The Holocaust Memorial Trust for a talk recognising Holocaust Memorial Day and this year’s theme for 2026, Bridging Generations.
Paul will cover some personal testimonies, the impact of the Holocaust and why it is important to remember it today. Paul was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2025 for his work in Holocaust and genocide education and awareness. Recommended age 11 +, booking recommended.
Friday, 30 January 2026
Children’s Event: Exploring with Kaye Leidoscope
The Place Theatre @ 9.30am
Tickets: Pay What You Can from £2
Blending storytelling, nature-based crafts, and the rich tapestry of everyday stories, Exploring with Kaye sessions are a unique space where young children and their carers can slow down, connect, and explore together. Each session is inspired by the colourful wonders of the natural world.
Friday, 30 January 2026
Live music: Emerging Frequencies – local band showcase for IVW
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £8
Independent Venue Week is all about celebrating the rooms where scenes are born, bands cut their teeth, and communities form. Emerging Frequencies captures that spirit perfectly: no headliners, no hierarchy, just a curated collision of artists shaping the next wave of local sound.
Emerging Frequencies has brought together eight rising local acts for one buzzing night of discovery, energy, and pure DIY spirit. For just £8, you get a downstairs‑venue takeover split across Room 2 and the bar, each space offering its own flavour of noise, nuance and new talent. Playing the event : Emergence, T.R.A.T.S, Wobble Dog, Lillibet, Weetzie, Syndicate, Blunt Cactus, The Scenesters. Come witness the best in local talent.
Friday, 29 January 2026
Live music: Knife Bride + Obeyer + Dead Villains
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
To celebrate their favourite venue during Independent Venue Week, Tough Time presents the critically acclaimed Knife Bride, who, following appearances at Download, 2000 Trees and top venues across the UK and Europe, have emerged as one of the UK’s top alternative artists.
Knife Bride are supported by Obeyer and local newcomers Dead Villains.
Friday, 30 January 2026
Dance music: Payday Rave
Herd, St Cuthbert’s Street @ 8pm
Tickets: Free entry before 10.30pm
Three rooms of music to celebrate the end of the 100 days of January.
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Independent Venue Week presents: Ceremony 5.5 ft Man Woman Chainsaw | Adult DVD | Cliffords and more (SOLD OUT)
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Tickets: £27.50
As part of Independent Venue Week, The Roar Club, Club Biscuit and The Pad Presents have curated Ceremony 5.5, the ‘mini’ version of their ‘new music all-dayer’.
Headlining will be the art-rock collective MAN/WOMAN/CHAINSAW, who previously sold out the venue earlier this year. Providing support will be Adult DVD, billed as Yorkshire’s answer to LCD Soundsystem.
Travelling all the way from Ballincollig, Ireland, will be hotly tipped and anthemic alt-rockers Cliffords. Already billed by Rolling Stone as ‘a band on the cusp of greatness’, they’ve spent the summer wowing audiences at massive festivals like Glastonbury, Latitude and Reading / Leeds.
Also appearing will be the psychedelic funk of Common Goldfish, the wonky new-wave experimentalism of Formal Speedwear, the ‘aggressive hopecore’ of sweaty rave-pop duo Punchbag, the hypnotic Radiohead meets Fontaines noise of Saint Clair and, fresh from supporting Public Image Limited, Spanish Horses will be bringing their Velvet Underground-influenced grooves to the party.
Last, but not least, Manchester’s Vincent’s Last Summer will be bringing their magic telephone to Ceremony 5.5 to teleport us all back to 2008, the year of ‘Indie Sleaze’,
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Comedy: Hal Cruttenden – Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
Hal is back with a brand-new tour and a show that promises to stick it to ‘The Man’, as long as ‘The Man’ doesn’t stick it back to him.
He will be hilariously pontificating on subjects like middle-aged dating, social media, the insanity of modern politics and the fact that his daughters love him but don’t respect him. He believes that, after you’ve seen the show, you’ll feel exactly the same way.
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Music: Almost Kate Bush
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
Welcome to the wonderful world of Almost Kate Bush, a captivating tribute show unlike any other.
Allow yourself to be transported back to 1978 when Kate released Wuthering Heights and the musical landscape changed forever. This show will take you on a journey from The Kick Inside, through Lionheart and Never for Ever.
A stunning piano & vocal performance with a few surprises along the way, which will win the hearts of life-long fans and those who have only recently discovered her magical talent.
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Live music: Originals Night
The Bear, Bedford High Street @ 8pm
Free entry
Danny Barton presents The Bear Originals Night supporting local musicians in the heart of Bedford. This month’s acts include Dois Padres (pictured), Tooth Marks and Blake Baker.
Sunday, 1 February 2026
Live music: The Black and Gold play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A five piece Irish band hailing from Bedford, playing the Sunday afternoon session for the first time.
Sunday, 1 February 2026
Community: Black Tom Bingo
The Kent Arms, Salisbury Street
£10 for a five-page book
Get ready for a night of laughs, prizes, and proper community vibes at the Kent Arms’ monthly bingo night.
As well as the bingo, there will be a raffle in the break and if you book online you’ll get a free dabber. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just in it for the banter – this night’s for you.
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Noel Carrington: Nothing Need Be Ugly
The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
Curated by writer and publisher Joe Pearson, this exhibition tells the story of publishing’s unsung hero Noel Carrington (1895–1989). Schooled in Bedford with his sister Dora, Noel Carrington became one of the most influential figures in 20 th century design. Through the Puffin Picture Books and Country Life he commissioned, edited and published some of Britian’s most loved children’s picture books.
Read: Celebrating Bedford’s unsung publishing hero: Noel Carrington and Puffin Picture Books
He saw the genius in artists such as Kathleen Hale, publishing books about Orlando the Marmalade Cat and championed emerging artists such as Hilary Stebbing. With Eric Ravilious, Edward Bawden and Mervyn Peake he commissioned books such as ‘High Street’, ‘Life in an English Village’ and ‘Captain Slaughterboard’.
Through beloved children’s books, forgotten gems and original artwork this exhibition will take Noel Carrington out of the footnotes and into the spotlight.
Exhibition: Edward Bawden – Printmaker
The Higgins Bedford until 26 April
Free entry
Take a trip to the Higgins Bedford to explore the Edward Bawden Printmaker exhibition, which celebrates Bawden’s remarkable legacy as ‘The Master of the Linocut’ and offers visitors a chance to delve into his innovative techniques and artistic achievements.
Every Tuesday
Community: Tuesday Chess Café
The Pavilion in the Park @ 2pm – 4pm
Free
If you’re a keen chess player or have always wanted to learn, then the weekly chess cafe at the Pavilion in the Park is for you.
Players meet every week and there’s no membership, no fee – just turn up. All you need to do is buy a coffee to support the venue. Any standard, from complete novice to Grand Master, welcome.
