Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford Clanger’s 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.
Wednesday, 27 – Friday, 29 May 2026
Theatre: The Pantaloons present: Sherlock Holmes and the Hounds of the Baskervilles
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
How can one show possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary, my dear!
The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Features live music, audience interaction and more mystery than you can shake a magnifying glass at.
Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Walking:“Bedford’s South Bank Show” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub in Silver Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
The settlement south of the River Great Ouse is attributed in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in 915 to King Edward the Elder. During the latter half of the 20th Century, the south of Bedford changed dramatically as modern development took place.
This walk reveals the medieval past and the more recent lost industry, buildings, public houses and the importance of Bedford’s South Bank to the development of the town.
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.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WALK CROSSES UNDER A LOW BRIDGE OF 4’ 9” HEIGHT TWICE EN ROUTE.
Thursday, 28 May 2026
NT Live screening: Playboy of the Western World
Stevington Cinema Club Stevington Village Hall, MK43 7QT@ 6.45pm
Tickets: £16
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery.
Thursday, 28 May 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Meeting place: Riseley, near the Fox and Hounds, MK44 1DT @ 7pm
Gentle 4.5-mile wander around the Riseley area, 4.5 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.
Thursday, 28 May 2026
Family fun: GrandSlam Wrestling
Bedford Academy @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15/£12.50/family ticket £50
BEDFORD – ARE YOU READY?! After sold-out shows across the UK, GrandSlam Wrestling is bringing the action to Bedford, so expect a night of explosive, edge-of-your-seat matches, larger-than-life wrestling superstars, plus plenty of drama, rivalries & unforgettable moments.
Tickets are on sale now.
Friday, 29 May 2026
Philharmonia Family Concert: Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh
St Paul’s Church @ 2pm & 3.30pm
Tickets: £10/£5
Enter the Hundred Acre Wood and join eight Philharmonia cellists on an exciting adventure with Winnie-the-Pooh and his lovable companions.
Follow Piglet as he attempts to catch a Heffalump, help Pooh and his friends find Eeyore’s missing tail, and try to figure out what Tigger wants to eat for breakfast…
Music composed by the Philharmonia’s very own Richard Birchall brings A. A. Milne’s beautiful landscape to life in this charming, heart-warming, family-friendly concert – perfect for celebrating the centenary year of one of the world’s most beloved stories.
Saturday, 30 May & Sunday, 31 May 2026
Convention: Tattoo Factory Bedford
Bedford International Athletic Stadium @ 10am – 5pm
Tickets: day ticket £20 / weekend ticket £35 / U18s free
Bedford Tattoo Factory is an annual tattoo convention with a festival-style, bringing together 120 talented tattoo artists and 10 unique traders.
Enjoy live entertainment, great food and drinks, plus free face painting and temporary tattoos. The perfect chance to meet artists, watch live tattooing, and soak up a vibrant, creative atmosphere.
Throughout the weekend, the organisers are raising money for Keech Hospice Care. Last year they raised over £1,000 and are hoping to raise even more this year.
Saturday, 30 May 2026
Live music: Mark Morriss (The Bluetones) + guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16.50
Best known as the lead singer for The Bluetones, and now having been a solo artist since 2008, Mark Morriss has spent the best part of three decades honing his craft as a live performer.
During that time, he has released six albums with The Bluetones, including 14 Top 40 singles, four solo albums and collaborated with Matt Berry and the Maypoles, Mike Wilton, and The Helicopter Of The Holy Ghost on tours and on record.
As a live performer, Mark is able to blend songs from his extensive back catalogue with stories of his time on the road, providing an entertaining show that prides itself on never being the same twice.
Saturday, 30 May 2026
Comedy: Daliso Chaponda: Tropical Storm
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
Daliso Chaponda has been writing jokes about the news for over a decade – on Have I Got News For You, Radio 4′ News Quiz, Australia’s Good News Week and many more besides.
But this show is not about THE news but about news itself. Journalists, bloggers, fake news, satirical news: have we lost the thread of it all? Is the reporting of news endlessly polarising us as a society rather than educating us?
Saturday, 30 May 2026
Live music: Dylan Gilbert
Clapham Village Hall @ 6.30pm
Tickets: £5
Don’t miss out on your chance to see 11-year-old guitarist Dylan Gilbert as he performs at his first live concert.
Dylan has been playing guitar since the age of eight, and is already a seasoned performer, having played regularly at The Cellar Bar and at several local events.
Read: Next stop Knebworth: 11-year-old guitarist puts on charity concert in Clapham
And despite not being born during Britpop’s 90s heyday, it is the bands of this era that most heavily influence his style, so expect tracks from Oasis, Blur, Pulp and more, plus some of Dylan’s own material.
Saturday, 30 May 2026
Live music: The Cuban Brothers
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
The Cuban Brothers are heading to Bedford Esquires for a fun-filled evening of debauchery and beats.
They may be a comedy act, but they’re simultaneously serious musicians who have played with Prince, been on the road with James Brown and supported Fatboy Slim, Chuck Berry and De La Soul.
If you’ve ever seen them before, we’ll see you there – if you haven’t, get some Cuban Brothers in your life, before it’s too late.
Sunday, 31 May 2026
The John Bunyan Community Boat: Sunday Afternoon Cruise
From the KingfisherCardington Road Bedford, Bedfordshire GB MK44 3SA @ 1.30pm (Priory Marina) and 2.30pm (Sovereign’s Quay)
Tickets: £20 / £12
A two-hour (from Sovereigns Quay) or four-hour (from Priory Marina) round trip with the option to add food to your ticket.
Get £2 off every ticket by entering SPRING26at the checkout.
Sunday, 31 May 2026
Walking: “The Life and Times of John Bunyan” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub in Silver 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, 31 May 2026
National Theatre Live: All My Sons
The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm
Tickets: £16
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge).
Sunday, 31 May 2026
Live music: The Soho Dukes play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
World-renowned, critically-acclaimed, electrically-powered, rascally rock and roll from the Soho Dukes, who are back for another Sunday afternoon session in the Esquires’ bar.
Tuesday, 2 June 2026
Gardens: Kathy Brown’s Garden
The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington MK43 7QB @ 10.30am – 1pm / 2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets: £11 / £5.50 | Booking required
Enjoy a guided walk around the beautiful gardens of the Manor House in Stevington, which have been created by Kathy Brown and her husband Simon over the last 30 years.
You can choose either a morning or afternoon slot, but numbers are limited to ensure the best visitor experience – and that there is enough cake!
Tuesday, 2 June 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 violin recital by Alex Collins. Free with retiring collection.
Tuesday, 2 June 2026
Poetry: Ouse Muse presents David Floyd
The Eagle Bookshop, St Peter’s Street @ 8pm
Join guest poet David Floyd at this month’s Ouse Muse gathering.
David was born in London in 1980 and is a member of the Wild Thing Poetry collective and host of The Poetry Lounge’s limerick competition. His first full collection, A Night at the Snooker is out now from Hearing Eye.
The reading will be followed by an open mic session. All welcome, so bring along your work.
Tuesday, 2 June – Saturday, 6 June
Community Theatre: Lovely Bones
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12
Based on the 2020 novel of the same name, this is a haunting, yet beautiful exploration of grief, love and the power of memory.
We follow the story of Susie Salmon, a young girl who is murdered and from her place “in between” heaven and earth, tries to help her friends and family find peace and justice. Get ready for an emotional ride and a play filled with beautiful performances.
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Walking: “Bedford in World War II” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub in Silver Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
A walk that reveals the way of life in Bedford and some of the little-known facts about the role it played during World War II. Learn how Bedford became the main hub of the BBC during the war and how it also became a centre of wartime entertainment. Discover a ‘secret’ Bedford and the connections of the town to the code breakers at Bletchley park.
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.
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
NT Live screening: All My Sons
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: from £10
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge). quarrytheatre.org.uk
Thursday, 4 June 2026
Quiz: Esquires’ monthly music quiz
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
£2 per person/maximum of six per team
Head to Esquires for their monthly music quiz on the first Thursday of every month. Teams of up to six people compete in the quiz featuring music from the 50s to the present.
Cash prize for the winning team.
Friday, 5 June 2026
Live music: Just Radiohead
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Just Radiohead are the UK’s leading Radiohead tribute band, replicating and performing the astonishing music of one of the nation’s most influential, versatile, and talented bands.
Showcasing tracks from the explosive post-grunge debut of ‘Pablo Honey’ through to the beautiful and most recent art-rock album release ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’, the band captures moments from a back catalogue now spanning four decades.
From Saturday, 6 June
Exhibition: Panacea – From and Inspired By
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd MK40 3NX @ Thurs – Sun 11am – 5pm
Free
A special new exhibition, featuring work created by the ‘Beds Urban Sketchers’ group, is inspired by the Panacea buildings and story.
There will be a mix of paintings, drawings and some textile and sculpture works.
Saturday, 6 June 2026
Live music: Ceremony 6
Bedford Esquires @ 1pm – 11pm
SOLD OUT
This month’s Ceremony is looking like a tantalising line-up for new-music-lovers, so it’s no surprise that it’s sold out. Keep an eye on Esquires’ socials in case of any return tickets…
Saturday, 6 – Sunday, 14 June 2026
Great Big Green Week: Events at Bedfordshire Libraries
Throughout Great Big Green Week, take part in nature-themed treasure hunts and Rhymetime sessions at all libraries in Bedford Borough.
Saturday, 6 June 2026
Great Big Green Week: Charity Plant Stall and BedsGOVET Sustainability Information Table
The Panacea Museum @ 11am – 4.30pm
Free
Panacea Museum volunteer, Valerie, grows, pots up, trims and waters this permanent plant stall in aid of Sue Ryder and Bedford Hospital’s Primrose Unit.
There will also be a Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust (BedsGOVET) information stall, outlining their monitoring of the River Great Ouse and exploring how river quality impacts biodiversity, the local economy, and community wellbeing.
Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 June 2026
Community: Eid Festival
Friday, 6 – Saturday, 7 June
Addison Howard Park @ 1pm – 8pm | Free
Since 2015, Bedford’s Muslim community has been celebrating Eid with a family-friendly and inclusive festival at Kempston’s Addison Howard Park.
What began as a small local gathering has grown into one of the largest Eid celebrations in the South East, attracting visitors from across the country, with some travelling from as far as Wales to be part of the celebrations.
At this month’s event, visitors can expect over 75 stalls, serving everything from handmade bakes, clothing and artisan honey to international street food from a variety of cultures and cuisines. Alongside the food and shopping, there will be funfair rides, family entertainment, free football coaching sessions, a FIFA tournament, raffle prizes, on-stage competitions, a free activity zone and much more.
Entry is free, and there is ample on-site parking.
Visit the Instagram page @eidinbedford or eidinbedford.co.uk for more information
Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 June 2026
Art workshop: ‘Creative Joy in Nature’
Bedford Eid Festival, Kempston @ 1pm – 8pm (Sat) 10am – 6pm (Sun)
Free
Artist Anne-Marie Abbate will be at Bedford Eid Festival this month, running family-friendly art workshops to create butterflies and dragonflies, using tissue, willow, beads and light-catching sparkles.
Saturday, 6 June 2026
Comedy: Ian Stone is “looking for the Wow”
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
Join the hugely successful broadcaster, podcaster, writer and comedian, Ian Stone ahead of his UK tour.
As well as performing at major comedy festivals and venues globally, his popular posts and reels on social media have quickly earned him a following of over 60k.
Sunday, 7 June 2026
Great Big Green Week: Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park
Bedford Park @ 10am – 7pm
Free
The ever-popular Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park returns, offering a free, accessible day of more than 20 yoga and wellness activities for all ages and abilities next to the Pavilion in Bedford Park.
Now in its ninth year, activities include laughter yoga, Reiki, cacao ceremonies, breathwork, Qigong, sound baths, SEND, women’s and family sessions, all led by qualified local instructors, with British Sign Language interpretation available at selected sessions.
For the full list of sessions, please visit bedford.gov.uk/yogaday
Sunday, 7 June 2026
Walking: “Bedford’s Movers and Shakers” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at St Loyes, opposite Bedford Prison
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
You will know of the ‘mugshot’, but did you know it was first introduced into the criminal justice system by Robert Evan Roberts, a reforming governor of Bedford Prison in Victorian times?
Join Bedford Tour Guides on this walk and meet Roberts and others who made a difference in Bedford and in the world; an astronomer, a polar explorer, the first woman county councillor and discover how some of the most attractive private dwellings in Bedford came to grace this area of town.
N.B. Please note that this walk starts from St Loyes, opposite Bedford Prison.
Sunday, 7 June 2026
Poetry: Read Poets Society
The Eagle Bookshop @ 7pm
Tickets: Free but please book via the Place website
Join the Swan Poetry Society for their monthly reading of poems reflecting the season. This month’s theme is Conversations.
This monthly event takes place at The Eagle Bookshop in St Peter’s Street.
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Noel Carrington: Nothing Need Be Ugly
The Higgins Bedford @ extended until 2 September
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 20th-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.
At the Panacea Museum
Permanent exhibition: Discover the amazing story of a unique religious community
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd @ Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Free entry
This fascinating hidden gem of a museum tells the story of the Panacea Society – a secretive Christian group formed in the early twentieth century that created its 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.
As featured on BBC Radio 4’s Mark Steel’s in Town.
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.
