Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford Clanger what’s on guide lands every Wednesday and is the only guide you need to find out what’s on and what’s happening across the Borough for the next 11 days.
The Bedford Clanger’s What’s On Guide is kindly sponsored by Bedford Esquires.
Thursday, 29 January 2026
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Talk: Bridging Generations
The Higgins Bedford @ 11.30am
Free entry
Join speaker Paul Salver of The Holocaust Memorial Trust for a talk recognising Holocaust Memorial Day and this year’s theme for 2026, Bridging Generations.
Paul will cover some personal testimonies, the impact of the Holocaust and why it is important to remember it today. Paul was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2025 for his work in Holocaust and genocide education and awareness. Recommended age 11 +, booking recommended.
Friday, 30 January 2026
Children’s Event: Exploring with Kaye Leidoscope
The Place Theatre @ 9.30am
Tickets: Pay What You Can from £2
Blending storytelling, nature-based crafts, and the rich tapestry of everyday stories, Exploring with Kaye sessions are a unique space where young children and their carers can slow down, connect, and explore together. Each session is inspired by the colourful wonders of the natural world.
Friday, 30 January 2026
Live music: Emerging Frequencies – local band showcase for IVW
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £8
Independent Venue Week is all about celebrating the rooms where scenes are born, bands cut their teeth, and communities form. Emerging Frequencies captures that spirit perfectly: no headliners, no hierarchy, just a curated collision of artists shaping the next wave of local sound.
Emerging Frequencies has brought together eight rising local acts for one buzzing night of discovery, energy, and pure DIY spirit. For just £8, you get a downstairs‑venue takeover split across Room 2 and the bar, each space offering its own flavour of noise, nuance and new talent. Playing the event : Emergence, T.R.A.T.S, Wobble Dog, Lillibet, Weetzie, Syndicate, Blunt Cactus, The Scenesters. Come witness the best in local talent.
Friday, 29 January 2026
Live music: Knife Bride + Obeyer + Dead Villains
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
To celebrate their favourite venue during Independent Venue Week, Tough Time presents the critically acclaimed Knife Bride, who, following appearances at Download, 2000 Trees and top venues across the UK and Europe, have emerged as one of the UK’s top alternative artists.
Knife Bride are supported by Obeyer and local newcomers Dead Villains.
Friday, 30 January 2026
Dance music: Payday Rave
Herd, St Cuthbert’s Street @ 8pm
Tickets: Free entry before 10.30pm
Three rooms of music to celebrate the end of the 100 days of January.
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Independent Venue Week presents: Ceremony 5.5 ft Man Woman Chainsaw | Adult DVD | Cliffords and more (SOLD OUT)
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Tickets: £27.50
As part of Independent Venue Week, The Roar Club, Club Biscuit and The Pad Presents have curated Ceremony 5.5, the ‘mini’ version of their ‘new music all-dayer’.
Headlining will be the art-rock collective MAN/WOMAN/CHAINSAW, who previously sold out the venue earlier this year. Providing support will be Adult DVD, billed as Yorkshire’s answer to LCD Soundsystem.
Travelling all the way from Ballincollig, Ireland, will be hotly tipped and anthemic alt-rockers Cliffords. Already billed by Rolling Stone as ‘a band on the cusp of greatness’, they’ve spent the summer wowing audiences at massive festivals like Glastonbury, Latitude and Reading / Leeds.
Also appearing will be the psychedelic funk of Common Goldfish, the wonky new-wave experimentalism of Formal Speedwear, the ‘aggressive hopecore’ of sweaty rave-pop duo Punchbag, the hypnotic Radiohead meets Fontaines noise of Saint Clair and, fresh from supporting Public Image Limited, Spanish Horses will be bringing their Velvet Underground-influenced grooves to the party.
Last, but not least, Manchester’s Vincent’s Last Summer will be bringing their magic telephone to Ceremony 5.5 to teleport us all back to 2008, the year of ‘Indie Sleaze’,
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Comedy: Hal Cruttenden – Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
Hal is back with a brand-new tour and a show that promises to stick it to ‘The Man’, as long as ‘The Man’ doesn’t stick it back to him.
He will be hilariously pontificating on subjects like middle-aged dating, social media, the insanity of modern politics and the fact that his daughters love him but don’t respect him. He believes that, after you’ve seen the show, you’ll feel exactly the same way.
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Music: Almost Kate Bush
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
Welcome to the wonderful world of Almost Kate Bush, a captivating tribute show unlike any other.
Allow yourself to be transported back to 1978 when Kate released Wuthering Heights and the musical landscape changed forever. This show will take you on a journey from The Kick Inside, through Lionheart and Never for Ever.
A stunning piano & vocal performance with a few surprises along the way, which will win the hearts of life-long fans and those who have only recently discovered her magical talent.
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Live music: Originals Night
The Bear, Bedford High Street @ 8pm
Free entry
Danny Barton presents The Bear Originals Night supporting local musicians in the heart of Bedford. This month’s acts include Dois Padres (pictured), Tooth Marks and Blake Baker.
Sunday, 1 February 2026
Children’s Theatre: A Winter’s Tail
The Place Theatre @ 1pm
Tickets: from £8
A Winter’s Tail is an interactive original musical production that is SEN and Neurodivergent inclusive and written for three to 10-year-olds.
Dottie Dormouse has invited Hettie Hedgehog over for a sleepover, and both are super excited. The trouble is that Hettie is finding it harder than normal to fall asleep this year.
Luckily for them, Holly Berry Fae, the resident Wobbly Wood faerie, is on hand to help them navigate their first experiences of winter.
Sunday, 1 February 2026
Community: Imbolc Celebration
Priory Country Park @ 2pm
Free to attend
Join the Bedfordshire Pagans for a celebration of the coming of the light.
Sunday, 1 February 2026
Live music: The Black and Gold play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A five piece Irish band hailing from Bedford, playing the Sunday afternoon session for the first time.
Sunday, 1 February 2026
Community: Black Tom Bingo
The Kent Arms, Salisbury Street
£10 for a five-page book
Get ready for a night of laughs, prizes, and proper community vibes at the Kent Arms’ monthly bingo night.
As well as the bingo, there will be a raffle in the break and if you book online you’ll get a free dabber. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just in it for the banter – this night’s for you.
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Classical music: Lunchtime recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free with retiring collection
Step into the beautiful surroundings of St Paul’s church to enjoy a free lunchtime performance. This week’s recital is by Emily Rose Clark, Philharmonia Instrumental Fellow (viola).
Tuesday, 3 February 2025
Film: Bedford Film Society presents All of Us Strangers
University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue
Tickets: Annual membership £70 / day member £5
A screenwriter drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with his downstairs neighbour while discovering a mysterious new way to heal from losing his parents 30 years ago.
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Poetry: Ouse Muse featuring Julia Webb + open mic
Eagle Bookshop, St Peter’s Street @ 7.45pm
Free entry
Ouse Muse returns for 2026 with guest Julia Webb, a Norwich-based poet with four collections, including Bird Sisters (2016),Threat (2019), The Telling (2022) and Grey Time (2025).
Julia is one of the founding editors of Lighthouse (a journal for new writing), teaches poetry courses, runs the Norwich Stanza and also works for Cafe Writers. The evening will conclude with an open mic session as usual.
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Mental health: Bedford Mindful Embankment Walk
Meet outside the front of the Swan Hotel @ 6.15pm
Free / Just turn up
Join Rachel and the group for a mindful walk based on the teachings of meditation and mindfulness techniques. The walk starts with a well-being check-in, as the group walks to the Butterfly Bridge.
At the bridge, Rachel will guide the group through the meditation practice before walking towards and finishing at the Swan Hotel’s riverside bar.
This is a safe space and community for everyone. Monthly walks all year round.
Thursday, 5 February 2026
Heritage and culture: Panacea Museum re-opens for 2026
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Road MK40 3NX @ Thursday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Free entry
After its seasonal closure, the Panacea Museum is reopening for 2026, telling the story of the Panacea Society – a Christian group formed in the early twentieth century that created its own ‘Garden of Eden’ in the centre of Bedford.
Located across several Victorian buildings that formed the community’s headquarters, the museum is a fascinating look behind the scenes at this secretive society. Highly recommended.
Thursday, 5 February 2026
Exhibition: The Garden Press
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd @ Thursday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Free entry
As it reopens for 2026, The Panacea Museum presents a new exhibition about the Society’s publishing company, The Garden Press, which printed leaflets, posters, books and magazines, sharing their Healing offer and encouraging people to support the opening of Joanna Southcott’s Box of Prophecies.
Thursday, 5 – Saturday, 7 February 2026
Theatre: Yes, Prime Minister
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm each night
Tickets: from £15
From the writers of the original television series Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister comes the equally sharply satirical stage version.
Thursday, 5 February 2026
Live music: Irish Folk Night
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry
A lively evening in the Castle featuring some amazing musicians playing foot-tapping Irish tunes.
Friday, 6 February 2026
Comedy: The Noise Next Door
The Quarry theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17
Funny stuff, made up on the spot by this super-talented, award-winning, Edinburgh-Fringe-selling-out improv group.
No gimmicks, no tricks – just the quickest, wittiest improvisers in the UK putting on a show to make you laugh like nobody’s business.
Friday, 6 February 2026
Live music: Blender – The Future Sessions
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £8
The blender Future Sessions return to Esquires next February, showcasing the finest in new, local talent and featuring Baby Step, Lorea (formerly WKTD), The Deities and Somehting 2000.
Friday, 6 February 2026
Live music: Marquee Square Heroes
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16
The celebrated Fish-era Marillion tribute band, Marquee Square Heroes, are coming to Bedford for the first time this month. The band perform a full-length show featuring carefully selected tracks from the Misplaced Childhood, Script for a Jester’s Tear, Fugazi, and Clutching at Straws eras.
Marquee Square Heroes comprise musicians who have played in bands such as Twelfth Night, Credo, and Jump, all of whom share a deep connection to the Marillion and Fish legacy. Their performances aim to deliver both faithful and passionate interpretations of this influential material.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Collectables: CardMania
John Bunyan Sports and Fitness Centre @ 10am
Tickets: from £9.60
CardMania creates experiences for every kind of trading card fan — whether you’re into Pokémon, sports cards, TCGs, or simply love collecting. With dozens of dedicated sellers and specialists in attendance, you’ll step into a vibrant marketplace filled with cards, collectibles, accessories and endless opportunities to buy, sell and trade.
Explore the latest releases, hunt down vintage gems, connect with fellow collectors and enjoy a full day celebrating all things trading cards.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Creative community: Bedford Artists’ Social
Albero Lounge (upstairs), Riverside Square @ 10.30am – midday
Free
A regular informal gathering of like-minded visual artists to network, share aspirations and chat.
There will be information on the community art gallery project, too and how you can get involved.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Wilstead, MK45 3DB @ 10am (Morning ramble – shorter/slower pace)
Wilstead, MK45 3DB @ 1pm
This weekend’s morning walk is a leisurely ramble (4.5 miles) around the Wilstead countryside,
The afternoon walk is part of the North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ 50th birthday celebrations. It will begin at the same point, but take a different route around the Wilstead countryside up onto Greensand Ridge (6 miles).
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Live music: The Boo Radleys + Freya Bear
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £5 – £18
Sonic adventurers who influenced the likes of Radiohead and Interpol, in the nineties The Boo Radleys released a succession of albums on Creation Records that encompassed Shoegaze (Everythings Alright Forever), Britpop (the Number 1 album Wake Up), feverish experimentalism (C’mon Kids) and absolutely everything in-between (‘Giant Steps’ – voted both Select Magazines & NME readers Album of the Year).
‘One of those rare treasures you find yourself putting on to shake off a bad day when normally only Pet Sounds or Revolver or even Bandwagonesque will do’ – NME
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Classical music: Bedford Charity Concert featuring Bedford Great Ouse Orchestra and Choir
St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £14 / under 18s free
Bedford Great Ouse Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Christoper Ridley, perform works by Sibelius, Whittall, Elgar, Rautavaara’s Cantus Articus and feauring North Bedfordshire Youth Chamber Orchestra.
In support of Emmaus Village Carlton.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Live music: Music in the church featuring My Girl the River and Serious Child
St Mary’s Church, Buckden, PE19 5TL @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £13.55
We know it’s out of the Borough, but it’s just up the A1 and the perfect opportunity to support the wonderful Bedford-based artist, My Girl the River. This will be an unforgettable night of live music in an intimate and atmospheric setting
Two brilliant artists from the worlds of Americana and British folk-pop join forces with double bassist Joe Hughes in a celebration of what brings us together.
Sunday, 8 February 2026
Live music: Devil’s Mojo play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A Sunday afternoon set from Devil’s Mojo, an energetic, eclectic , contemporary and rock/pop covers band.
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Noel Carrington: Nothing Need Be Ugly
The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
Curated by writer and publisher Joe Pearson, this exhibition tells the story of publishing’s unsung hero Noel Carrington (1895–1989). Schooled in Bedford with his sister Dora, Noel Carrington became one of the most influential figures in 20 th century design. Through the Puffin Picture Books and Country Life he commissioned, edited and published some of Britian’s most loved children’s picture books.
Read: Celebrating Bedford’s unsung publishing hero: Noel Carrington and Puffin Picture Books
He saw the genius in artists such as Kathleen Hale, publishing books about Orlando the Marmalade Cat and championed emerging artists such as Hilary Stebbing. With Eric Ravilious, Edward Bawden and Mervyn Peake he commissioned books such as ‘High Street’, ‘Life in an English Village’ and ‘Captain Slaughterboard’.
Through beloved children’s books, forgotten gems and original artwork this exhibition will take Noel Carrington out of the footnotes and into the spotlight.
Exhibition: Edward Bawden – Printmaker
The Higgins Bedford until 26 April
Free entry
Take a trip to the Higgins Bedford to explore the Edward Bawden Printmaker exhibition, which celebrates Bawden’s remarkable legacy as ‘The Master of the Linocut’ and offers visitors a chance to delve into his innovative techniques and artistic achievements.
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, no fee – just turn up. All you need to do is buy a coffee to support the venue. Any standard, from complete novice to Grand Master, welcome.
