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.
The Bedford Clanger’s What’s On Guide is kindly sponsored by The Cellar Bar.
Until 30 November 2024
Exhibition: Preparing for the Apocalypse – towers, prophets and meaning
The Panacea Musuem, 11 Newnham Road, MK40 3NX @ 10am – 4pm Thursday – Saturday (last entry 3.30pm)
Free entry
A new exhibition and series of free events that explore apocalyptic culture and belief are taking place at the Panacea Museum as part of the nationwide Being Human Festival until the end of next month.
The special exhibition, Preparing for the Apocalypse – towers, prophets and meaning, explores the significance of landmark towers in Apocalyptic culture and belief.
The displays take inspiration from the Panacea Society’s own clock tower as well as the symbolic ‘towers’ of international membership for the Healing Ministry. The significance to the Society of James Jezreel’s Tower in Kent is investigated, as well as a look at towers in the Bible and their meaning.
Read more: New ‘Apocalyptic’ exhibtion opens at the Panacea Museum
Thursday 24 October – Saturday 2 November 2024
Live music: Bedford Sings – a celebration of choral singing
Various locations
Do you sing in the shower? Do you think singing is only for the rugby ground or church? Then Bedford Sings is here to make you think again. The celebration of communal singing returns from 24 October – 2 November and project director Duncan Fraser says they’re looking forward to celebrating some of the best choral singing in Bedford.
“We’ve got a range of exciting events from barbershop and collegiate to rock, Disney and Jazz. Over 500 singers will celebrate singing in all its forms, so come and join in the fun.” You can find out about all the events and book tickets at their website.
Thursday 24 October 2024
Theatre: Frankenstein (on a Budget)
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £14
One man, one monster, one glorious dream to singlehandedly tell the most famous cult horror story of all time, and absolutely no budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?
Frankenstein (On a Budget) features one actor, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather based puns, plenty of cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at. Can our ill fated doctor build his monstrous creation, play 25 characters, sing a lot of songs, attempt accents from across the world, perform a dance routine, and ultimately save the day in just 60 minutes?
Thursday 24 October 2024
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Last Chance Ragtime Band
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99
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 25 October 2024
Children’s Theatre: Exploring with Kaye Leidoscope
The Place Theatre @ 10am
Tickets: from £2
Join Kaye Leidoskope for these lively & lovely interactive storytelling sessions for under-fives and their grown-ups. Expect songs, games, crafts and dancing …perfect for little ones to creatively learn through play!
Kaye Leidoskope (aka Kaye Mahoney) is an experienced performer and workshop leader who loves to help little ones (and big ones!) to create and learn. She also runs Puggle Club, the preschooler’s creative arts programme at The Higgins, and you can follow her on social media to find out more.
Friday 25 – Saturday 26 October 2024
Theatre: Murder for Two
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £23
An anarchic musical murder mystery with a twist: one actor investigates the crime, whilst the other plays all the suspects! And they both play the piano throughout!
When the body of an acclaimed novelist is discovered at his birthday party, all the guests fall under suspicion. Can local beat-cop and wannabe detective Officer Marcus solve the mystery before the experts arrive?
With non-stop live music from a shared piano, and plenty of murder and mayhem thrown in, Murder for Two is impossible to resist.
Friday 25 – Sunday 27 October 2024
Art: The Big Fat Salon Hang
POP STUDIO4, The Old Arcade @ 10am – 5pm (late event on Friday til 9pm)
Free entry
Since moving into their space in The Arcade, the POP STUDIO4 artists have gone from strength to strength. The last weekend of October will see this working studio transformed into a floor-to-ceiling feast of original art for sale; from framed originals and limited-edition prints to never-before-seen work created in the space.
“Our aim is to provide an unpretentious, welcoming, creative show for Bedford’s residents and visitors across three days,” said founder and artist, Talia Giles.
“This is a chance to see an art exhibit in the same space that is actually made, right in the heart of the town centre.”
Read: Art sale and exhibition ‘with a twist’ at Bedford’s Old Arcade
All the work on show will be for sale, with artwork to suit all budgets and tastes, from abstract and figurative painting through to intricate illustration and fantasy work.
Friday 25 October 2024
Live music: Duzzy Avocado + Zenana + Prawnstar Martini
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
The wonderful Duzzy Avocado have finished their EP, Punch to the Heart, and they are having a launch party at Esquires to celebrate. They’ll be joined by Zenana (read more about their 80s revival here) and Prawstar Martini.
Drawing together four of the town’s most exciting singer-songwriters and musicians, Bedford-based girl group Duzzy Avocado create punchy covers and thought-provoking originals, carving out their own niche of folk, country, and bluegrass.
Comprising guitars, banjo, violin, ukulele, and percussion, fused with three-part harmonies and their unique song arrangements, these talented and vibrant ladies are a refreshing treat and guaranteed to entertain! It’s going to be one hell of a hoedown. Don’t miss out!
Friday 25 October 2024
Quizzing: Geoff Ware and friends present – Northern Soul, Motown and 60s/70s club classics
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
Join Geoff and friends for a fun evening of soul and Motown club classics.
Friday 25 October 2024
Live music: Doubleheader – Lord Baker Soul & Ska Show
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
An incredible Soul and Ska show that will get you dancing from the first song. Lord Baker really knows how to entertain and you’re guaranteed an unmissable night.
Friday 25 October 2024
Live music: The Wave Pictures + Tugboat Captain
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50
Formed in 1998 in the tiny rural village of Wymeswold in northern Leicestershire, lead singer and guitarist David Tattersall, bassist Franic Rozycki, and drummer Jonny “Huddersfield” Helm were heavily influenced by both the music played by John Peel and their parents’ classic rock collections.
They soon relocated to London, signed to Moshi Moshi Records and have released countless highly acclaimed albums (as well as finding time to collaborate with acts such as Darren Hayman, Herman Dune, The Mountain Goats, Jeffrey Lewis and Stanley Brinks) ever since.
Much loved by BBC6 Music, The Wave Pictures are scarily prolific with a formidable discography. Frontman Tattersall is both a brilliant songwriter and guitarist, often compared to Tom Verlaine (Television), Jonathan Richman and Johnny Marr.
Saturday 26 October 2024
Live music: Skimmington Ride
The Wellington Arms, Wellington Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
The Wellington is pulling out all the stops this Halloween with a performance from Skimmington Ride – a full-on Pogues meets the Dubliners mash-up.
A right ruaille baillie will be had, so get down to the Welly to enjoy the craic!
Saturday 26 October 2024
Dancing: Halloween Silent Disco
Bedford Esquires @ 2.30pm – 5pm (family edition) / 9.30pm – 2am (adult edition)
Tickets: see website
It wouldn’t be Halloween without Esquires’ legendary Silent Discos. As ever, the venue will be getting a full makeover for the evening, with Halloween decor throughout the room and a request for revellers to dress to distress!
**Prizes will be on offer for the best (and worst) dressed individuals and groups**
Three DJs will be battling it out, just flick the switch on the new, bass-heavy headphones to choose which one you want to listen to!
Daytime disco for families, 18+ event from 9.30pm.
Saturday 26 October 2024
Live music: Halloween Party with music from World On Fire until 1am
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy Hour until 9pm / late close
Free entry
There have been some ghoulish goings on at The Cellar Bar recently with tin plates disappearing and holes appearing in the walls. The bad spirits have definitely arrived.
Saturday night is Halloween Night and World On Fire are bringing the best spooktacular party vibes to Bedford. Join in the fun to banish those bad spirits and everyone will have an un-boo-lievable evening.
Prizes for the best Halloween fancy dress.
Saturday 26 October 2024
Live music: Dreadzone + DJ Greg Dread
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
After numerous sell-out shows at Bedford Esquires, Dreadzone return as part of their autumn tour to promote their new album NINE.
Nine is the ninth official studio album from Dreadzone and is a reflection of the last five years and a culmination of growing and re-inventing the Dread sound. Dreadzone have been releasing albums and progressively bettering, refining and perfecting their own unique and inimitable take on dub since their inception in 1993. They have successfully navigated through an ever-changing musical landscape and have been a creative force now for over three decades.
At the helm is producer, founder, writer and drummer Greg Dread with bass-master Leo Williams plus Bazil and Blake Roberts with new faces and voices joining Earl 16 and Spee on vocals on the record. Nine also features LSK (Faithless), Cheshire Cat (Leftfield), Zoe Devlin (Alabama 3) and contributions from Don Letts and original Dreadzone member Tim Bran.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Walking: “The Life and Times of John Bunyan” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
Discover the story of Bedford’s most famous son who was imprisoned for his non-conformist preaching. Visit the site of the cottage in which John and his family lived, the churches in which he worshipped and the site of the gaol in which he spent 12 long years and began to write one of the best selling books in history, The Pilgrim’s Progress.
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 the walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £4 per adult or £2 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Theatre: Kickhouse Mysterium
The Place Theatre @ 11.30am
Tickets: £12 / £8 / family ticket £32
A quest to make amends, in a magical world of Mysterium. A magical comedy fable, of few words, about perseverance & achievement.
Jon, the chaotic student of Frank the Dog, breaks a precious artefact and has to redeem himself through a series of bizarre, yet playful, challenges and games. if successful Jon will acquire the status of ‘master’, repair the artifact and redeem himself.
Along the way Jon is hampered in his quest; with set-backs, twists, turns, and the interference of the sinister Cyprian Londt. Funny, fast-paced, stylish, ‘clowning’, set in a ‘home-made’, magical, world full of contraptions, illusions and mystifying objects.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Live music: Soul Factory – Sunday Chillout with DJ Rocky
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / bar opens at 3.00pm
Free entry
Head to the Cellar Bar for an afternoon of soul and rnb music with Soul Factory. Happy Hour is also from 3pm now on a Sunday.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Live music: Millie Manders & The Shut Up + Ramona’s Tea Party
Bedford Esquires @ 4pm
Tickets: £15
Millie Manders and The Shutup create cross-genre punk that is hard to ignore. 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.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Live music: Vinyl Frontier play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Post Punk and new wave covers band Vinyl Frontier play the Sunday Afternoon session.
Sunday 27 October 2024
Relas: Saturday Soundbath
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £15
Seeking relaxation and mindfulness in Bedford? Then allow Yanni to treat you to a relaxing Sound Bath experience at The Place Theatre. A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants are “bathed” in sound waves produced by various healing instruments. As you recline comfortably, you’ll be enveloped in the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, rattles, chimes, and drums.For further information on booking, see the Place website.
Tuesday 29 October – Saturday 2 November 2024
Musical theatre: Rewired (a musical)
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £18
As a quirky house clearance team removes the belongings of deceased hermit Albert, they learn about his life and hidden talent. As the furniture and rubbish clears, so does the chaos of their own lives.
Parental guidance – the show features some swearing
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Art & Culture lecture: Peter Medhurst presented Handel in Georgian England
The Addison Centre, Kempston @ 10.45am / 11am start
Tickets: NBAS members – free / guests £10
North Bedfordshire Arts Society presents an account of Handel’s musical adventures in Georgian London by singer, pianist and lecturer-recitalist, Peter Medhurst. The talk also includes live musical performances.
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ noon
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
This week’s recital is a piano duet by Viola Lenzi and Isabella Gori.
Free with a retiring collection.
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Film: Bedford Film Society presents – 1976 (Chile)
The University of Bedford, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £70/annual membership, £5/day guest
A wealthy woman is drawn into Chile’s anti-Pinochet resistance in this thrilling feature debut from actor-turned-director Manuela Martelli.
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Classical music: Bedford Sings presents Entente Cordiale
Bunyan Meetin,g Mill St, Bedford MK40 3EU @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10 on the door
As part of Bedford Sings, local chamber choir Cantamus is presenting a programme of French and English music in a programme titled Entente Cordiale.
A nod to the alliance between French and the UK in the run up to World War One, the performance will include Vaughan-Williams’ (1872-1958) quintessentially English Mass in G minor for double choir. In addition, French motets based on Gregorian Chant by Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986), music by celebrated composer Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) who fundraised for soldiers who had been musicians before the Great War. The reflective programme includes some other remembrance themed music and French and English war poetry.
This concert will be conducted by local musician, teacher and borough councillor, Henry Vann.
“You may not know your Lili Boulanger from your Maurice Duruflé but there is something new for everyone in this programme and the Vaughan-Williams Mass is an absolutely breathtaking piece,” said Henry. “
It is entirely appropriate as we head towards a period of remembrance that we take a moment to reflect on the impact of war and this programme is hopefully a contribution towards that, concluding with a performance of Guest’s one-minute long For The Fallen.”
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Friends of the Higgins talk: Live portrait painting with Michael Croker
St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Rd, MK40 2PF @ 7:30pm
Donation to the Friends of the Higgins
At this unique event, artist Michael Croker will select a member of the audience and paint their portrait, so look your best in case you are picked! Michael will provide commentary as the portrait emerges and a glimpse into the art of portraiture.
Michael studied Fine Art at Norwich School of Art from 1984-87. He was artist-in-residence at Dulwich Picture Gallery and has been teaching since the 1980s. Having taught adult education for a number of years he started teaching at Bedford School in 2005 where he has been Director of Art since 2013.
He has exhibited in several national exhibitions including the Lynn-Painter Stainers competition, the Hunting-Observer competition and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Theatre: Mr Cleverly’s Transcontinental Delivery Service
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £14
Step inside the unique world of Mr Cleverly’s Delivery Service – Parcels, Packages and Post.
Dear Delivery Agents, you are invited to explore adventure archives from 1b Nosmo Road. Join for a wild ride through stagnant sewers, across perilous oceans and amongst stars as you track down missing intern Phillip Appleseed (who for both reasons most people call Pip).
Mr Cleverly is a playfully visual and hugely silly live audio adventure told via wireless headphones, binaural sound technology and live on stage percussion. A multi-roling, fast-paced immersive storytelling experience for brave children and their families presented by the award-winning (EDFRINGE Excellence Award Winner 2018 ) and critically acclaimed Living Record Productions.
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Art: The Circus of Illustration’s Drink and Draw – Monster Mash
The Park pub, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Free (£2 donation appreciated)
On the last Tuesday of every month, Bedford’s creative community meets up at the Park pub for the Circus of Illustration’s monthly Drink and Draw sessions. With a different theme each month, it’s open to absolutely anyone (over 18) of any skill level and there’s no need to book.
This month’s theme is a wicked Halloween drink and draw. Unchain your monstrous creativity. We’ll show you how to make your own exquisite corpse mini book. Bring your terrifying monster ideas to life! Whether you prefer wild witches, friendly phantoms or beautiful beasts, all artistic styles are welcome.
Equipment and resources are provided in a no-pressure, relaxed atmosphere to chat, drink and doodle.
Drink and Draw is for all grown ups!
– Chat with new people who like creative stuff
– Do some no-pressure doodling and get inspiration from others.
– Equipment provided
Wednesday 30 October 2024
Walking: “The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown is undoubtedly the River Great Ouse and its Embankment. This entertainig and informative circular walk takes you along the banks of the river, which has been described as one of the finest riverside settings in England. Learn the story of the Victorian Embankment development and enjoy a walk in the ornamental gardens.
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 the walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £4 per adult or £2 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.
Thursday 31 October – Saturday 2 November 2024
Musical theatre: Annie
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm (Thursday and Friday), 2pm & 6.30pm (Saturday)
Tickets: prices vary
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan.
This all- time classic musical is a must for all the family, with a great sound track and fabulous characters. A must for all the family.
Thursday 31 October
Children’s Theatre: Comedy Club 4 Kids Halloween Special
The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm
Tickets: from £8.50
Dress up in your Hallowe’en finest and join us for a special spooky afternoon of devilishly good comedy!
Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, costume extravaganzas are highly encouraged, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of the entire audience being zombies, werewolves, witches, vampires and g-g-g-g-ghosts!
For this show we have the very funny Eleri Morgan as your host, comedy ventriloquist Lachlan Werner and his puppet witch Brew, and the musical sensation that is Jonny Awsum!
Thursday 31 October 2024
Murder Mystery: Sheer Luck Holmes – The case of the floating fiancee
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £55
Get ready for an exhilarating night of mystery and mayhem as you join Holmes, Watson and Mrs Hudson as they re-enact their latest mind-boggling case in this laugh-out-loud murder mystery dinner show. With hilarious characters, deadly twists, dastardly turns, and a three-course meal that’s simply to DIE for!
So, dust off your magnifying glasses and prepare to super-sleuth your way through a fully interactive murder mystery evening. Will you use your powers of deduction and discover who dunnit, or will it be down to Sheer Luck?
Tickets are £55 per person and include a three-course meal and two-hour interactive show!
Thursday 31 October 2024
Karaoke: Halloween special – best dressed wins a prize
The Cellar Bar at 9pm / request slips in from 8pm / bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
The Cellar Bar is the only place to be on a Thursday night and the scariest day of the year is no exception! Will you sing Thriller or Monster Mash at their Halloween Karaoke? Come dressed in a spooktacular costume and best dressed wins a prize. Halloween cocktails & shots available. With a catalogue of over 60,000 songs you’ll definitely find something suitable to sing!
Perform like a pro with their professional lighting, sound and a proper stage. The best sounding performers and acoustics on the High Street. Sing with your friends using multiple microphones. The one and only Matt Bedford hosting your night
Thursday 31 October 2024
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring The Jim Hammond Trio
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99
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 1 November 2024
Live music: The Dream Machine + French Mothers + WKTD
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12.50
The Dream Machine are back in Bedford this month as part of their UK tour.
The band come to Esquires following recent support shows for The Coral, The Lathums, Noel Gallagher and The Charlatans, while gearing up for the release of their James Skelly-produced second album, Small Time Monsters.
“The Dream Machine are one of my favourite bands. They bridge the gap between pop stars and psych punks effortlessly. Small Time Monsters is an incredible album.” James Skelly, The Coral
Friday 1 November 2024
Quizzing: Ska-loween Party, live music by ‘Who stung Sting’ Club
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry
Back by popular demand! A little taste of the Caribbean in Bedford this Halloween Weekend.
Join us for an evening of Reggae & Ska music by the band ‘Who Stung Sting.
Saturday 2 November 2024
Family fun: Teaching Talons
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford, MK40 3NX @ 10.30am – 11.30am and 11.45am – 12.45pm
Free entry
Meet and greet some amazing animals on the site of Bedford’s own ‘Garden of Eden’.
Encounter a wide variety of animals, including snakes, reptiles and owls with Teaching Talons’ live feeding demonstrations. Chip the dog will also be in attendance and will be showing off his tricks!
Saturday 2 November 2024
Dancing: Boombastic Daytime Disco – 80s, 90s, 00s
Bedford Esquires @ 2pm – 6pm
Tickets: £6
Dance and singalong to some of the Greatest Hits ever as we give you a great excuse to get out! Why wait for the evening to have fun? Indulge in an afternoon filled with nostalgic tunes, singalongs, inflatables and a vibrant atmosphere.
Expect all the great fun of a Boombastic party and be home before you’d usually be going out. Result!
Saturday 2 November 2024
Live music double-header: Cameo & Five Five Six
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm / Bar opens at 6pm / Happy hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
Entertaining the audience this Saturday is Cellar Bar favourite, Cameo, back singing classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and so much in between – a cracking party night guaranteed.
Afterwards and seeing everyone into the small hours are Five Five Six. 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. This is a late, late event.
Saturday 2 November 2024
Live music: Gaz Brookfield + The Barrys (Acoustic)
Bedford Esquies @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Hot off the back of the success of his UK Folk Chart number one album, Morning Walking Club, Gaz Brookfield returns to Esquires.
Marking 15 years since he quit his day job and became a full-time musician, Gaz is celebrating a decade and a half of belligerently refusing to give in.
Come and join Gaz as he plays songs from all nine of his studio albums. Expect a night full of up beat folk tales that will make you laugh, cry, and sing a long at the top of your voice.
Saturday 2 November 2024
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Ravensden Village Hall, MK44 2RL @ 1pm
Circular 4.5-mile countryside walk ahead of the NBR AGM.
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.
Sunday 3 November 2024
Family fun: Sacrifice Pro Wrestling
Bedford Town Football Club, Meadow Lane, MK44 3LW @ 2.30pm
Ticket price: £9
Family-friendly Pro Wrestling returns to Bedford, as the stars compete in WWE-style action. See the slams up close and personal, meet the wrestlers themselves and even get photos with the Champions in-ring.
Every penny from Sacrifice shows go to local and national charities, so if you’d like to see the most fun way to donate to great causes, all on your doorstep, check out Sacrifice Pro.
Sunday 3 November 2024
Food and drink: Afternoon Tea with live music from The Workshop Boys
The Cellar Bar @ 4pm
Free entry
Various Afternoon Tea options available from £25. Sit and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea whilst enjoying listening to the sounds of The Workshop Boys.
Sunday 3 November 2024
Live music: Sunday Afternoon Chillout – The Workshop Boys
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm – 7pm / Bar opens at 3pm / Happy Hour 3pm – 9pm
Free entry
These guys need no introduction, and what could be better than on a Sunday afternoon!
Formed by former members of Los Marbles and Cutting Out, The Workshop Boys have fast become one of Bedford’s most loved bar bands.
See the website regarding options for combining afternoon tea and bottomless afternoon tea with this event.
Sunday 3 November 2024
Live music: The Shade play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm – 7pm
Free entry
The Shade are back for another Sunday Afternoon Session at Esquires
This dynamic British rock four-piece formed to provide an authentic and honest sound of Prog Rock in an increasingly processed and manufactured music scene. Gigging previously as Nightshade, we were a regular act on the Peterborough circuit around 2012. They are now returning to the scene as a fully-fledged progressive rock tribute band, playing the most popular anthems from this diverse genre.
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Rediscovering Black Portraiture
The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
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
Exhibition: Edward Bawden & Me
The Higgins Bedford until
Free entry
Brand new work by some of the biggest names in contemporary British art, illustration and textiles are on display at an exhibition at the Higgins Bedford in celebration of the work of one of Britain’s most inventive and influential artists
Entitled Edward Bawden & Me, the exhibition has been curated by Bawden’s good friend, illustrator and printmaker, Chris Brown and also features work by local artists’ collective, the Circus of Illustration.
Read: Star-studded new Edward Bawden exhibition opens at the Higgins Bedford
You can also read the full article in the February issue of The Bedford Clanger.
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 | From 3 October: Thursday- Saturday – 10am – 4pm (last entry 3.30)
Free entry
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
