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 21 September 2023
Talk: Skeptics in the Pub presents – Designing a City with Tony Mackay
North End Social Club, Roff Avenue @ 7.30pm
Pay What You Can
The latest season of talks from the Skeptics in the Pub kicks off tonight (21 September) with a fascinating look at town and city planning with internationally-renowned architectural and planning consultant (and Bedfordian), Tony Mackay.
As Assistant Chief Architect at the Milton Keynes Development Corporation, Tony was responsible for the design of commercial, leisure and housing projects from inception to completion for over a decade.
Now in his 80s, but no less enthusiastic, Tony will explain the design and execution of the Milton Keynes masterplan as well as his experiences in shaping the design of the new Chinese city of Songjiang near Shanghai.
Tony has lived in Bedford since 1970 and is also an artist having exhibited in London, Copenhagen, Liverpool and Shanghai and a founder of the Eagle Gallery, Bedford.
Earlier in the year, the Bedford Independent interviewed Tony to find out more about his remarkable career and the (quite mundane) truth about 15-minute-cities. You can read the full interview here.
Thursday 21 September 2023
Quiz: 50 Years of Hip Hop Quiz
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
£2/person, maximum of six per team (age 16+ due to bad words)
Head to Esquires for a celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop, with the venue head honcho, Gareth running his first ever quiz (go gentle…)!
The quiz will cover the full spectrum of Hip Hop, from its inception through to modern day (although we all know the last 10 years or so has been pretty terrible)…
So, do you know your Tribe Called Quest from your Biggy? Do you know what the four elements are? Test your Hip Hop knowledge across varying rounds of difficulty and take home some tasty cash and drinks prizes in return.
Thursday 21 September 2023
Community: Death Cafe
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Free to attend
A Death Café is an informal gathering of people (often strangers) to talk about death over a cup of tea and a piece of cake.
The topic of discussion is generated by the group and there is no agenda, objective or prescribed theme. A Death Café is an open, accessible and confidential space for those interested in talking about anything in relation to death.
Thursday 21 September 2023
Theatre: Dog/Actor
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £14.50/£12.50
Two explosive and comedic short plays written by Steven Berkoff, performed back-to-back by the same one actor.
The first play: DOG follows a day in the life of a racist football hooligan and his beloved pitbull terrier, Roy, who changes his life. The second play: ACTOR is a spoken word monologue which delves into the heart of the acting industry, humorously and poignantly portraying the trying life of a struggling artist.
Without the use of any set or props, DOG/ACTOR presents a masterclass in physical theatre and comedic storytelling, promising a thrilling theatrical experience.
Friday 22 and Saturdy 23 September 2023
Families: Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers
The Place Theatre @ 10.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm (Friday) and 10.30am, 1pm (Saturday)
Tickets: £8
Get Lost & Found and The Roald Dahl Story Company is proud to present the UK tour of Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers.
Direct from an acclaimed tour of the Australia this brilliant family show celebrates Roald Dahlʼs extraordinary stories from The BFG to The Twits – and many more along the way.
Somehow, Roald Dahl’s words are mysteriously disappearing – not only from books, but children’s minds too! Luckily, the top-secret Ancient Guild of Taletenders have come to the rescue: join them for fun interactive games, immersive storytelling, and some theatrical magic to help save these stories forever!
Especially made for ages six and up, the show is an immersive and interactive performance, involving games and imaginative play.
Friday 22 September 2023
Live music: Lord Baker Soul & Ska Show
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/doors open 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 we guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Friday 22 September 2023
Live music: The Total Stone Roses
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15/£17.50
The UK’s BEST Stone Roses Tribute return to the stage at Esquires. If you love I Am The Resurrection, Made Of Stone, Fools Gold, Waterfall, She Bangs The Drums and many more then do not miss this chance to hear your favourite Stone Roses anthems performed live by the UK’s finest tribute.
Saturday 23 September 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers weekly walk
Kempston Mill, MK42 7FB @ 1.30pm
A 6.8 miles moderate circular walk beginning and ending at Kempston Mill.
Saturday 23 September 2023
Live music: Slide Record Shop’s 6th birthday ft Roll Your Own Records and Zenana EP launch
Slide Record Shop, the Old Arcade @ 10am – 5pm
Free entry
It only seems like yesterday when Warren and Nerys opened the doors of Slide Record Shop, but astonishingly, it’s six years ago. To celebrate, they’re having a birthday party and everyone is welcome.
In the morning, there’s the double draw of Roll Your Own DJs on the decks and a free Say doughnuts.
In the afternoon Slide will be hosting Zenana to launch their debut EP after 37 years apart! Formed in the 80s in Bedfordshire (founder Anita Gabrielle Tedder is from Wootton) Zenana was a female electronic group that recorded from 1984-86 and released one sing ‘Witches’ in 1986.
Last year Anita was contacted by a Bristol-based DJ, Kiernan Abbott who had discovered a copy of Witches and the track was becoming a crowd favourite at his gigs.
Due to the resurgent interest in their music Zenana have produced a new four-track EP of remastered and freshly mixed tracks, including their single Witches. The EP will be launched at Slide at 2pm on Saturday, followed by a DJ set from Matt Anniss – renowned DJ and dance music historian – who is also behind the Dub version of Witches.
Saturday 23 September 2023
Live Music: Sophia Soul
The Cellar Bar at 8pm/ doors open at 6pm
Free entry.
The wonderful Sophia Soul will be appearing at The Cellar Bar this week. A modern-day diva, Sophia Soul has had an outstanding career in live vocals spanning over 14 years. Having previously been the frontwoman for several successful groups and bands, she’s currently taking the UK by storm venturing into her solo career.
Saturday 23 September 2023
Live music: An evening with Fynnius Fogg
The Place Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £15/£12
For the band Fynnius Fogg’s 50th Anniversary, they are holding charity music events across the UK. Come and support them and a worthy cause.
Saturday 23 September 2023
Live music: A Flock of Seagulls + guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £22
As part of their UK tour, Bedford Esquiers has secured a rare date with 80’s futuristic legends A Flock of Seagulss this month.
The band is now recognized as a pioneering act, capturing the zeitgeist of their time, particularly with multi-layered hits such as Space Age Love Song, Telecommunication and Modern Love is Automatic.
Massive success in the USA has kept the band Stateside over the years with the UK very often overlooked on the touring front so to secure a show for Bedford Esquires is great news for the venue and the legion of the band’s fans.
Saturday 23 September 2023
Comedy: Joe Avati – When I Was Your Age
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 8pm
Tickets: £25
In Joe Avati’s hilarious new show he asks you to leave your political correctness at the door. Internationally renowned for his inimitable style Avati is a master of treading the very fine line saying what everyone is thinking but no one dares to say whilst not resorting to the use of profanities or vulgar shock tactic routines.
In his latest offering ‘When I Was Your Age’ he tackles the ‘then versus now’ generational differences of today’s children, the complexities of modern day parenting compared to the strict upbringing of yesteryear and threaded throughout all of this he tackles the minefield of cancel culture, the woke brigade and why people are over political correctness.
His observations are not only deadly accurate but extremely relatable to all ages. This is a show for all the family. Bring your kids so they know what it was like when you were their age, bring your parents to highlight how much they have changed since they were your age and bring your friends to laugh and reminisce about growing up as teenagers when you were that age.
Sunday 24 September 2023
Walking: “The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown” 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 24 September 2023
Community: Poets Jumble Trail
Poets Area, MK40 2AJ @ 11am – 3pm
Free
Don’t miss the new, nearly-new and pre-loved bargains at the 30+ stalls at the Poets Jumble Trail.
Take a wander around the six streets of Chaucer, Chesterton, Milton, Sidney, Spencer and Shakespeare Roads, browse the stalls and grab the bargains. It’s like a car boot sale but in front gardens.
This is the eighth year the event has taken place and organisers say it will be as friendly and as welcoming as usual. As it’s Sunday, there is free on-street parking and 100% of the stall pitch donations go to the British Heart Foundation.
Sunday 24 September 2023
Live music: Soul on Sunday
The Cellar Bar @ 3.00pm. Bar opens at 3.00pm
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 24 September 2023
Live music: The A Band play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Bruce Murray, Pete Bonas, Mark Ayles, Richard and Tim Winter return to Esquires for the Sunday afternoon session.
Tuesday 26 September 2023
Art & Culture: The Arts Society North Bedfordshire presents “A village in heaven – Stanley Spencer’s Cookham”
The Addison Centre, Kempston @ 10.45am
Members free/non-members £10
Connect with like-minded people and make new friends through a shared curiosity for the arts at these public, ‘open to all’ lectures on a variety of art topics.
Dr Amy Lim will look at Cookham’s place in Spencer’s art, and how it was central to his unique vision of English domestic and spiritual life. Guests are welcome to attend at a cost of £10 per lecture per person.
Tuesday 26 September 2023
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Featuring a recital by Karen Wong (flute) and Lance Mok (piano).
Tuesday 26 September 2023
Art: The Circus of Illustration’s Drink and Draw – Band T-shirts
The Park pub, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Free (donation appreciated)
The Circus of Illustration’s monthly Drink and Draw is back and everyone (over 18) is welcome. This month’s theme is ‘band t-shirts’ so either design some merch for your favourite band, or create your dream band’s logo.
Any skill level, free to attend, no need to book, just turn up. Equipment and resources are provided in a no-pressure, relaxed atmosphere to chat, drink and doodle.
Tuesday 26 September 2023
Variety: Green Earth Cafe Variety Show
Green Earth Cafe, St Paul’s Square @ 7.30pm
Pay What You Can
Great Cafe in St Paul’s Square is hosting its first Variety Show in conjunction with Bethnal Green’s Bellmaker Corp. The event will feature Jessica and Jessica, spoken word artist Sparky and poet katie o’pray.
Everyone welcome!
Tuesday 26 September to Saturday 30 September 2023
Theatre: Crime and Punishment
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £10
Raskolnikov, a former law student living in extreme poverty in St Petersburg believes he is ‘extraordinary’. After murdering the avaricious old pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanova and her sweet sister Lizaveta, he finds he cannot escape his pervading guilt, which results in the realisation that he is just an ‘ordinary’ man.
Led to Raskolnikov by the discovery, at the pawnbrokers, of items of value belonging to him, we follow the progress of inspector Porfiry’s investigation and patient interrogation of Raskolnikov.
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s tale of poverty, crime, guilt, redemption, punishment, and love is as fresh and relevant today as it was when it appeared in The Russian Messenger during 1866 in 12 monthly instalments.
Crime and Punishment seeks to explore the moral and psychological dangers of the ideology of radicalism. This adaptation by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus thoughtfully pares back the story to focus on the actions and emotions of the main characters and the gentle
persistence of Inspector Porfiry’s search for justice.
Wednesday 27 September 2023
Walking: Tales of the Tower & Steeple: Tour of St. Paul’s & St Peter’s
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 27 September 2023
Film: Cinema @ 3 St Peter’s presents – Mulholland Drive
3 St Peter’s Street @ 7pm
Tickets: £12/£10.50/£9/£6
Set in motion by a car crash on Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, David Lynch’s 2001 film stars Naomi Watts and Laura Harring and is the latest in the Cinema at 3 St Peters’ LA season.
Initially, the film plays out like a stylised mystery against the backdrop of the Hollywood Hills, as Betty (Watts) attempts to help amnesiac Rita (Harring) discover her real identity.
As the movie goes on, though, there are sinister hints that all is not as it seems, and soon the narrative breaks down, eventually shifting into a harsher reality in which the two women take on very different roles.
Wednesday 27 September 2023
Drag Showcase: Miss Palma Violet and Miss Lushes Lips
The Cellar Bar @ 8.00pm/doors open at 7.00pm
Free entry
Come and join the laughter, fun and entertainment with two fabulous local drag queens – Miss Palma Violet and Miss Lushes Lips. The riotous evening will include live cabaret, lip synching, adult fun and games, insult comedy, raffle and disco.
Strictly over 18s.
Thursday 28 September 2023
History: Historical Association Bedford presents: Making a Superpower – The Stalinist Revolution 1928-1945
St Peter’s Chapter House, De Parys Ave, Bedford, MK40 2TX @ 7.30pm
Non-members welcome (£3 suggested donation)
Alan Marchant will talk on how Russia became a superpower in the years 1928-1945. He will explore the ruthless way in which Stalin developed the country’s industry and how, to provide the workers he needed, a botched attempt was made to mechanise Russia’s agriculture.
As it was imperative to feed the industrial workers, scant food was diverted to the towns and areas such as Ukraine faced starvation. However, when war with Germany eventually came, Russia could withstand her. The lecture will provide an important insight into the present conflict.
Further details 01234 266839/07989 837819.
Thursday 28 September 2023
Live music: Planet Swing
Wixams Dance Hall @ 8pm
£12/person, live music from top-quality Swing & Jive. Dance lessons 7:15pm-8pm Bands Band + DJ from 8-10:30pm.
This week the 17-piece Umbrella BigBand, will be entertaining and getting those feet stomping with their extensive repertoire of classic BigBand and Swing, including Strict Tempo Quicksteps and Rhumbas to Lindyhop and Swing.
The Umbrella BigBand really are not to be missed. Their 17-piece ‘Big Band based near Cambridge, UK,’orchestra’ includes Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, a Rhythm Section and talented vocalists.
Thursday 28 September 2023
Live music: NAKED LUNGS + Utopia Development Corporation
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
£10
Naked Lungs return to Bedford Esquires are part of their ‘’Doomscroll’’ tour.
The enigmatic Irish four-piece noise-punk band has earned plaudits from the likes of NME, BBC Radio 6 Music, and was named as one of NME’s 100 for 2023.
Naked Lung’s debut album stands as a pulverising display of a band that are able to deliver on all of the hype that has been building around them, whilst continuing to defy pigeonholing. Stop scrolling, put down the phone, and pay attention.
Friday 29 September 2023
Live music: Julia Shailes
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6.00pm
Free entry
Julia Shailes makes her debut performance at The Cellar Bar, playing acoustic covers of pop, rock and Country from the 50s til the present day.
Friday 29 September 2023
Live music: 90s Live
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £27
Get ready as we spice up your life, taking you back for good and hit you one more time with the ultimate 90s party night out!
The music of a generation brought to life with fantastic vocals, genius costumes and of course; all the dance moves you know and love.
From Take That to Oasis, Spice Girls to Supergrass get ready for this non-stop 90s extravaganza as we set you free and pump up the jam with songs by Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, The Vengaboys, Bryan Adams, Boyzone, Shania Twain, Aqua, Lou Bega, Eternal, Bewitched, Wet Wet Wet, Ace of Base, 2 Unlimited, S Club 7, Gina G, Pulp, Blur, Shampoo, and many more.
Saturday 30 September & Sunday 1 October 2023
Children’s theatre: Splash Test Dummies
The Quarry Theatre @ various times
Tickets: from £13 (20% off all tickets, when you use the Promo Code SPLASHTEST)
Rub-a-dub-dub, The Dummies are here with some splish-splashing circus skills to drown you in tears of laughter. Even better, there’s a special offer of 20% off all tickets, when you use the Promo Code SPLASHTEST when checking out online!
The Splash Test Dummies are off on an exciting adventure of oceanic proportions! With a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, dazzling acrobatics, dexterous juggling and side-splitting, slapstick comedy, the Dummies are ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an exciting hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family.
Age Guidance: 8+
Saturday 30 September 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Wootton, MK43 9HT @ 1.30pm
Beginning and ending in Wootton, this week’s walk is a circular six-miler, described as moderately difficult.
Saturday 30 September 2023
Dance music: Boombastic 90s Bedford!
Bedford Esquires @ 9pm
Tickets: £7
One of the biggest 90s parties in the region, Boombastic 90s night returns to Esquires in Bedford for the first time since 2019 with a night of pop gems, anthems and floor fillers!
Performing to thousands of partygoers across the country over the past 10 years and also guested with the infamous Guilty Pleasures clubnight at KOKO in Camden, these guys know how to start a party!
Bringing you the BIGGEST hits of the nineties from Take That to TLC and Blackstreet to Blur.
Saturday 30 September 2023
Live music: Last Chance Ragtime Band
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6.00pm
Free entry
Returning once more to The Cellar Bar, The Last Chance Ragtime Band is a stomping Lindy Hop Jazz Band from Bedford playing the best swing music in town. Come on down and bring your dancing shoes!
Saturday 30 September 2023
Dance music: Disco for Grown Ups
St Paul’s Church @ 7.15pm – 11.30pm
Tickets: £16.81
Discos for Grown Ups’ pop-up disco party heads to the beautiful St Paul’s Church in the heart of Bedford for a night to remember. It’s going to be a fabulous, feel-good and fun night of dancing in an amazing venue to floor-fillers from 70s disco, 80s pop and 90s dance floor classics.
Sunday 1 October 2023
Walking: The Silent Faces of Bedford 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 1 October 2023
Live music: Roadhouse play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Blues Rock band ‘Roadhouse’ return to Esquires for this week’s Sunday afternoon session.
Sunday 1 October 2023
Folk Music: That’s All Folk – Reg Meuross with Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £13
Reg Meuross presents his stunning song cycle Stolen From God, with the sparkling playing of concertina wizard Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (Granny’s Attic).
The live show, which features a narration on the historical background to each song, was previewed during last year’s Black History Month. Featuring vocals from both musicians, alongside incredible instrumentation, it received a tremendous reception at shows in Bristol,
London and Manchester
Reg Meuross’s belief that folk songs provide a rapid and accessible route into history and its current relevance stood him in good stead when it came to tackling the history of the transatlantic slave trade in story and song. He unearthed both incredible tales and uncomfortable truths – now brought fully to life with this enlightening live performance.
Sunday 1 October 2023
Poetry: Swan Poetry Evenings – 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 month will be poetry, song and drama exploring the joys and sorrows of aging.
This monthly event takes place at The Eagle Bookshop in St Peter’s Street.
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
