What’s on Bedford: 26 February – 9 March 2025

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 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.


Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Live music: She Drew The Gun
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16.50

The back of a man's head within a red circle on a blue background

She Drew The Gun returns to Bedford Esquires for the first time since their sold-out show in 2019. Now heading towards their fourth album, the project is the brainchild of Louisa Roach, who has steadily released a string of excellent music over the last decade.

2016’s debut ‘Memories of Another Future’ was swiftly followed by a crowning as Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition winner. The follow-up ‘Revolution of Mind’ was named one of BBC 6 Music’s Albums of the Year, while 2021’s ‘Behave Myself’ saw record praised as “some of her most finessed and contoured songwriting to date”.


Thursday, 27 February 2025

Theatre: Forgotten in the Land of Egypt
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16

An illustration of someone punting a boat with looming Egyptian buildings in the background

In 1631, The Fens, the flat area of land stretching from Cambridge to Norwich, were drained. In 2050, The Fens return to the sea. Two children play in the waterscape. They tell tales of a mythic Waterman, who scours the water for sunken parts. But, in the bitter struggle for survival, soon the play adopts a more sinister note. Meanwhile in Ely, 2023, a priest gets a visit from a woman haunted by prophetic dreams.

It’s a play about grief, faith, and the climate crisis; the crashing confluence of past and present; the refusal to heed the warnings we’re given.


Thursday, 27 February 2025

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

The Untouchables jazz and blues band playing on stage at The Cotton Club. Image: The Untouchables/Facebook
Image: The Untouchables/Facebook

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, 28 February 2025

Family fun: Exploring with Kaye Leidoskope – Exploring Transport
The Place Theatre @ 10am
Tickets: Pay what you can

Kaye Leideskope is wearing a zebra print jacket against a pink background and looks like she is holding up a rainbow with both hands
Image: Kay Leiderskope

Join Kaye Leidoskope for these monthly lively & lovely interactive sessions for children two to five years and their grown-ups. At each session we explore a new subject area like transport, animals and weather.

You can expect play, songs, crafts and we always have bubbles… perfect for little ones to creatively learn through play!


Friday, 28 February 2025

Comedy: Ed Byrne
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £32.50

A photograph of the comedian Ed Byrne has been fractured as if it's a broken mirror

From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Come and join Ed as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs.

Edinburgh Fringe 2023 was a bumper five-star review year for Ed. They came in thick and fast alongside outstanding critical acclaim for this exceptionally funny, ‘Best Reviewed Stand Up Show at Edinburgh 2023’ (British Comedy Guide).

As seen as Hosting Live At The Apollo and regular appearances on QI and Mock The Week (BBC).


Friday, 28 February 2025

Live music:  Mat Roberts & J37
The Cellar Bar @ 9pm / bar opens @ 6pm / Happy hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry

Mat Roberts and George pictured smiling in a bar

Mat Roberts is back at the Cellar Bar so expect a diverse range of music, from pop to rock and anything in between.  Performed with his partner in music – the duo J37.


Friday, 28 February 2025

Live music: Paktofonika
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £42.75

The members of Paktofonika sat on some industrial steps outside a red painted storage conatainer

A concert not to be missed. The legendary Paktofonika will appear in Bedford for the first time.

“I am God”, “Fleetful Moments”, “Me to Me” and “Priorities” will be rapped live in Bedford.


Friday, 28 February 2025

Live music: The Future Sessions ft Blame Caesar, Plateau and Monochrome and The Dog Cat Scene
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £8

Promo poster for The Future Sessions at Esquires featuring images of astronauts

The Future Sessions return to Bedford’s Esquires this month, with the spotlight on local emerging talent featuring another four of the region’s bands, all fighting hard for your attention.

blender brings together Blame Caesar, Plateau and Monochrome, plus The Dog Cat Scene – making their debut at Esquires.


From Saturday, 1 March – Saturday, 8 March 2025

Exhibition: Wire and Textile – a solo exhibition by Cecilia Gatehouse
Eagle Gallery, 20 St Peters Street, Bedford MK40 2NN @ Monday-Saturday 10.30-5 pm; Sunday 11-3pm
Ticket price: Free Entry

Delicate textile art by Cecelia Gatehouse. The work features three women
An example of Cecelia Gatehouse’s work

An exhibition of the work of Cecelia Gatehouse opens at the Eagle Gallery this March. Cecilia’s work is mainly figurative and she uses images from personal experiences, photographs and her own imagination. Her pieces celebrate the beauty of nature, convey feelings of belonging, but also of alienation in an increasingly challenging world.

Drawing with wire and threads gives her work a feeling of translucency, intended to express memories, movement and emotion. She adds colour and texture by inserting collages of painted and stitched fabrics. Upon closer inspection one can see recycled objects such as buttons, lace, and beads – materials that once were discarded have been repurposed and given value.


Saturday, 1 March 2025

Live music: Soul Factory – Saturday Afternoon Chillout with DJ Rocky & Bobby
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / bar opens @ 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 and Northern Woul classics with Soul Factory.  


Saturday, 1 March 2025

Live Music: Cameo 
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / late close
Free Entry 

Singer Cameo reclining on a sofa surrounded by guitars
Image: Cameo/Facebook

Up first on Saturday night is Cellar Bar favourite Cameo who is back for another solo performance. Singing classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Chili Peppers and so much in between.


Saturday, 1 March 2025

Music: Shout Out to the 60s
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15

Brightly coloured psychedelic 60s style poster with four 'groovy' 60s style singers of the Shout Out to the 60s show

Get Ready to Step Inside the fabulous music of the 1960s where we celebrate some of the best icons of the decade.

This show is a toe-tapping, twisting, head-shakin’ celebration of the greatest idols, who made the music of the era so special – everyone from Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Aretha Franklin to the Shirelles, The Supremes, Tina Turner, and everyone in between. 

With over thirty beloved hits, the show takes you on a journey which will have you dancing in your seats and coming back for more!


Saturday, 1 March 2025

Live Music: MoonDog and the SunCats
The Cellar Bar @ 11.00pm / late close
Free entry

A digital illustratoin of the band members of Moondog and the Suncats.

We’re excited to welcome the pioneering band of ‘schwafflepop’ MoonDog & the SunCats. They are not just a band, but more of a fun experience in melodic story telling. Not to be missed.


Sunday, 2 March 2025

Poetry: Read Poets Society
The Eagle Bookshop @ 7pm
Tickets: free, but please book via the Place website

A collage of the faces of noted writers including William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Philip Larkin, Virginia Woolf, Alan Bennett,Terry Pratchett, Maya Angelou and more
Image: Swan Theatre Company

Join the Read Poets Society for their monthly reading of poetry and prose. This month’s theme is Art and Architecture.

This monthly event takes place at the Eagle Bookshop in St Peter’s Street.


Sunday, 2 March 2025

Live music: Lost 4 Words play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry

Lost 4 Words return to Esquires for the first time in a while.

Carl, Mike, John and Wayne will be playing their own takes on many a rock classic.


Sunday, 2nd March 2025

Live music: Waterloo Duo – ABBA Tribute
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm / bar opens at 3pm
Free entry

The two female members of ABBA Duo, dressed in 1970s ABBA finery

‘Waterloo’ The Best of ABBA duo is a fantastic tribute to the Swedish supergroup. If you love Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Voulez-Vous and many more hits you’ll love this incredible performance.

Why not combine an afternoon of ABBA tunes with the Cellar Bar’s Bottomless Afternoon Tea packages?


Sunday, 2 March 2025

Live music: Andy Bell (Ride / Oasis) Pinball Wanderer acoustic show + James Chapman (Maps) DJ set
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: prices vary

Andy Bell (formerly of Ride and Oasis) is pictured in shades of yellow, green and blue and pink

Andy Bell (Ride / Oasis) will be playing a special acoustic show at Esquires this month in support of his new solo album ‘Pinball Wanderer’.

The album is a collection of eight songs that marks the start of a new sonic chapter for Andy. While his two previous solo releases (2020’s The View From Halfway Down and Flicker from 2022) were based on material he had been accruing since the 1990s, this one is entirely new and it’s a mix of psychedelic melodies – Can via Stone Roses grooves.

The lead single is a quite stunning cover of The Passions ‘I’m in Love with a German Film Star’ featuring Dot Allison (One Dove / Massive Attack) and Michael Rother (Neu!)

You can pick up a ticket along with pre-ordering a copy of the album from Slide Record Shop now.


Tuesday, 4 March 2025

Poetry: Ouse Muse presents – Maggie Brookes-Butt
The Eagle Bookshop, St Peter’s Street @ 7.45pm for 8pm start

Poet Maggie Brookes-Butt
Image: Ouse Muse

Ouse Muse’s guest reader this month is Maggie Brookes-Butt. She has been writing all her life, as a journalist, BBC TV producer, creative writing academic and Royal Literary Fund fellow.

Her books include six poetry collections as Maggie Butt and two historical novels as Maggie Brookes. As well as being a writer, she is a compulsive reader, hopeful gardener, dreadful cook, besotted grandmother, and a Londoner to the bone, though she loves to swim in the sea.

Maggie’s latest poetry collection is Wish – new and selected poems (Greenwich Exchange) – poems from Maggie’s six previous collections – about the strength of women, concern for our planet, and hope in the power of love – are gathered here alongside bitter-sweet new poems about the joys and fears of a grandmother in this troubled, vulnerable and precious world.


Tuesday, 4 March 2025

Film: Bedford Film Society presents – The Dead Don’t Hurtest
The University of Bedford, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: members free / £5/day guest

The poster for the film The Dead Don't Hurt

A story of star-crossed lovers on the western U.S. frontier in the 1860s.


Tuesday, 4 March 2025

Comedy: Juliette Burton: Work in Progress
The Quarry Theatre: @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10

Comedian Juliet Burton wearing a glittery sequined jacket and on a pink glittery background

Ever felt like there’s another way? Award-winning performer Juliette Burton is a “Fringe Favourite” (The Guardian) and a “Fringe Legend” (FringeReview), yet living on the fringes can give a good view of what needs to change. 

Juliette Burton has been in hospital five times for mental illness and has been bothered by the normal way of doing things. Now she celebrates all that truly makes the trickiness of being human worth the effort.


Wednesday, 5 March 2025

Live music: Snapped Ankles + Guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15

The members of Snapped Ankle with their faces obscured by scraggly wigs. They are wearing headphones and holding microphones and wires

This month sees the debut show at Bedford Esquires of post-punk, performance and art rockers Snapped Ankles. The band members’ identities are unknown, due to the fact that the group performs in Ghillie Suits, but they claim to be “forest folk…descended from the trees”.

The Woodwose have discovered electricity and they’re not afraid to use it.


Wednesday, 5 March 2025

Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm / bar opens at 7.00pm.
£3pp to enter the quiz

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

Quiz nights in Bedford will never be the same again.  The Cellar Bar is bringing SpeedQuizzing to Bedford town centre – a fun and 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 there is a rolling jackpot each week.  Hosted by experienced Speed Quizzing host Reno.

The bar is open from 7pm and the quiz starts at 8pm.  Walk-ins are allowed on the night until we the bar is full.  To ensure you don’t miss out, reserve your table online here.


Thursday, 6 March 2025

Live music: Irish Folk Night
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
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.

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


Thursday, 6 March 2025

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

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, 6 March 2025

Food & drink: The Cellar Bar Drinks Exchange
The Cellar Bar @ 9pm / bar opens at 6pm
Free entry

Stock exchange graphics with a rising arrow and the words The Drinks Exchange

The Cellar Bar is transforming into a bustling stock market of drinks for the night when their drinks menu will become a live stock market where drinks prices will rise and fall in real time depending on demand! When a drink becomes less popular, the price will tumble. If a drink becomes more popular its price will rise.

Get ready to ride the market and maybe indulge in some drinks you would never otherwise try. All of the screens throughout the venue will display the live prices so you can keep on top of the market and be ready for that market crash!

Join us every Thursday from 9pm until late during karaoke. Don’t forget to pop in earlier during Happy Hour from 6pm – 9pm for cheaper drinks too.


Thursday, 6 March 2025

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

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.


Wednesday, 6 March 2025

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

The 16 members of the Umbrella Big Ban pose in vintage military uniform with their instruments

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, 7 March 2025

Family-friendly: Puggle Club
The Higgins Bedford @ 10.30am – 12 noon / 1pm – 2.30pm
Free entry

A chance to get creative, have fun, and socialise!

It’s a drop-in activity, so no need to book. Just pop in any time between 10:30am and 12 or between 1pm and 2.30pm and stay for as long as you like.

Please be aware some activities might not be suitable for under 24 months.


Friday, 7 March 2025

Quizzing: Quiz Night
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £3

Illustration of a lightbulb made of a brain. Image: The Place Theatre
Image: The Place Theatre

The first Place  Quiz of 2025!  Do you have what it takes to win? Gather your team and book your table. Maximum six per team.

The bar is open all evening and all proceeds go to the Place Raise the Roof Campaign.


Friday, 7 March 2025

Live music: THE BEAT Ft Ranking Jnr + Guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £27.50

Ranking Junior is pictured holding out a microphone to the crowd

Along with their contemporaries The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, The Beat became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular and influential bands of the British ska movement.

The Beat featuring Ranking Jnr continue to perform all the classic hits in their dynamic live shows.


Friday, 7 March 2025

Music: The Ronnie Scott’s Soho Playbook
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £26

Black and white photo of the members of the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club band performing on stage

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club return to The Quarry Theatre with a stunning new collection of music, narration and projected archive images and footage, celebrating Ronnie Scott’s ‘Soho Songbook’.

Since its humble beginnings as a basement music bar where musicians would jam, Ronnie Scott’s has hosted landmark performances from the likes of Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and Michael Bublé – and not forgetting surprise appearances by the likes of Jamie Cullum, Stevie Wonder and Prince.  

‘The Ronnie Scott’s Songbook’ is a glimpse into this unique world and its incredible history.  Hosted and performed by the award-winning Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, led by the Club’s Musical Director, this is a unique evening celebrating the music and history of Ronnie Scott’s and is a must for any music fan.


Friday, 7 March 2025

Live music:  Megapint?
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens at 6pm / happy hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry

A black and white photo of the band members of Megapint? They are sat behind a drum kit and under the words MEGAPINT? Est. 2022

The guys are back for another regular gig at The Cellar Bar. Expect musical excellence mixed with a wonderfully curated list of rock/pop classics


Saturday, 8 & Sunday, 9 March 2025

Gaming: Bedford Tabletop Expo
Bedford International Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB @
Tickets: Adults £6 / weekend ticket £8 / under 16s free

Players at the Bedford Tabletop Expo
Image: Bedford Tabletop Expo

For the third year in a row, Bedford Tabletop Expo we be delivering the ultimate weekend for fans of tabletop, board games, miniatures, scale models, miniature railway and wargaming.

The interactive event is a chance to delve into new hobbies, play games, learn new skills and meet new people. Get immersed in a variety of hobbies, storytelling and gaming with players of all ages. There will be traders, independent creators, interactive exhibits, RC car racing, family board gaming, demos, tournaments, workshops, panels and more.

It’s 100% family-friend and all under 16s are free.  We recommend allowing a visit of at least 3-4 hours to take in the whole expo

All entry tickets and addons for premium events and activities can be found on Eventbrite.


Saturday, 8 & Sunday, 9 March 2025

Film: Screening of Macbeth: David Tennant and Cush Jumbo
The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm
Tickets: £15.50

David Tennant as Macbeth as a crown is placed on his head

David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife, Criminal Record) lead a stellar cast in anew production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London, especially for the big screen. 

Unsettling intimacy and brutal action combine at breakneck speed as Max Webster (Life of Pi, Henry V) directs this tragic tale of love, murder, and nature’s power of renewal. 


Saturday, 8 March 2025

Book Sale: March Big Bumper Book Sale
The Place Theatre @ 10am
Free entry

Piles of paperback and hardback books

The Place Theatre’s Big Bumper Book Sale is back.  Pop along to the theatre foyer and browse a huge selection of fiction, non-fiction, play scripts and more whilst enjoying a hot drink – and of course…. cake.

No ticket is required – just come along anytime between 10am-1pn

If you would like to donate any books to the sale, get in touch to arrange a suitable time by emailing admin@theplacebedford.org.uk


Saturday, 8 March 2025

Comedy: Jokes and Laffs
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15

A close up of the comedy creation 'President Obonjo"

Jokes and Laffs is back for 2025 with another stellar line-up this is an evening you won’t want to miss.

President Obonjo will be leading proceedings with the following acts also taking to the stage:

Lateef Lovejoy is an extremely gifted entertainer, who made his show business debut as a witty 12-year-old on ITV’s morning gameshow “Mousetrap”. After that experience on the big screen, he has never looked back.

Susan Murray has emerged as one of the best female stand-ups in the UK and was the first-ever woman to MC Decompression gigs for the British Army / CSE. In the top 100 Huffington Post funny women Tweeters, she’s written for and was a guest on Jeremy Hardy Talks To The Nation and has also starred in Stephen K Amos’ Idiots Guide, both for Radio 4.

If you want serious comedy, David Tsonos is not your man. With his friendly and confident persona, he intrigues everyone with his combination of banter and impulsive comments. His comedy stems from being the youngest of five boys, babysitting his nephews and his cat.


Saturday, 8 March 2025

Dance music: Good Times presents ‘The Classics’
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15

Oversized 3D paper stars are suspended over a dancefloor as a DJ performs on the stage

Good Times presents “The Classics”

A feast of the finest House and Garage, Ibiza anthems, Trance & Old Skool classics from the 90’s. As always, expect a kickin’ sound system, stunning light show & awesome decor to create an exhilarating atmosphere at Esquires.

If you love dance music, clubbing & lovely people… this is one for you! DJs Confirmed so far incluse Dazz Norman, Dave Bergin and MC Wilson. Full line-up tbc…


Saturday, 8 March 2025

Live usic:Who Stung Sting 
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / late close
Free entry

The lineup of Who Stung Sting

A fresh (ish) four-piece playing a selection of reggae and ska classics, plus a few ‘converted’ songs. Comprised of Mark Calder (bass and lead vocals), Simon Gutteridge (keys and lead vocals) Rich Jones (sax) and Chris Thatcher (drums and vocals). All ska and no guitar!

Expect tunes by: The Specials, Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals, Prince Buster, David Bowie, Harry J Allstars, Dawn Penn, UB40, Madness and many more.


Saturday 8 March 2025

Live Music:  Helen Lester
The Cellar Bar @ 11pm / late close
Free entry

A headshot of the singer Helen Lester

The Cellar Bar welcomes back Helen Lester to the venue – where she always makes an impact.

Performing a wide range of material from across the decades, Helen will blow you away with her powerful vocals and upbeat style. Expect a bit of everything from Motown, pop, disco, soul and more!


Sunday, 9 March 2025

Live Music: Daytime disco for grown-ups
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / doors open at 3pm / happy hour 3pm – 9pm
Free entry 

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

It’s back!  The Cellar Bar Daytime Disco, hosted by DJ Stevo. Dance and sing along to some of the greatest hits ever as you’re given the best excuse to get out on a Sunday afternoon. Why wait for the evening to have fun? And it’s all free with no tickets required.

Indulge in an afternoon filled with nostalgic tunes, singalongs, and a great atmosphere. The glitterball will be up and the neon outfits on. We welcome dressing up. Anyone who does 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!

Not only are we giving customers coming to this event a fabulous time, but please remember that we are just a bar and anyone can just come in, you don’t need to come just for events.


Sunday, 9 March 2025

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

Marc Patching, Steve Pagano, Stuart Noakes and Tony Morton are The King Bees and they are returning to Esquires to perform at the Sunday Afternoon Session.


At the Higgins Bedford

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

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 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

Cocktails. Image: bridgesward/Pixabay
Cocktails. Image: bridgesward/Pixabay

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.


Theatre highlights by Paula Walker

The March 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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