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.
Until Saturday, 1 August 2026
Exhibition: Bedford 10
Basement @ Bunyan @ 11am – 4pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
Free entry
An exhibition to celebrate 10 years of the Basement at Bunyan, with work submitted by local artists.
“The stories behind the artwork are really interesting,” said curator, Anne Marie Abbate. “Thanks to everyone, especially Fiona Wilson, for making it such a special celebration.”
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Walking: “A Tour of St Peter’s Church” 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)
St. Peter’s church is one of the oldest Saxon churches in Bedfordshire. It has withstood attacks by the Vikings and the Normans and two world wars and has played an important part in the history and development of Bedford. Join our guides on a tour of this historic church and discover its story.
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, 29 July 2026
Summer workshops: Felt Portraits with Anne-Marie Abbate
The Higgins Bedford @ 11.15am – 12.15pm, 12.45 – 1.45 pm and 2.15 – 3.15pm
Tickets: £6.05 per child, suitable for ages five – 12
Have great fun watching wool turn into felt and create a self-portrait using the wet felting process.
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Live music: Wednesday Night Jazz
The Castle, Newham Street @ 8pm
Free
Live jazz in the pub on the last Wednesday of the month throughout the summer.
Thursday, 30 July 2026
Summer workshops: Pressing & Printing with Katie Allen
The Higgins Bedford @ 12.45pm – 1.45 pm and 2.15pm – 3.15pm
Tickets: £6.05 per child, suitable for five – 12 years old
Have a go at plasticine printing. Be guided by artist Katie Allen to press plasticine into a range of textured surfaces like shells, leaves, Lego bricks and then make a series of prints.
Thursday, 30 July 2026
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Venue/where to meet: Mowsbury Park, MK41 8AH @ 7pm
Starting from Mowsbury Park, this is a five-mile evening walk to Ravensden and Renold.
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.
Friday, 31 July 2026
Live music: Tragedy: All Metal Tribute to the Bee Gees & Beyond
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50
Tragedy takes disco, soft-rock and pop classics, and completely reimagines them as glorious, red-hot heavy metal. They’re sure to get your head bangin’, your booty shakin’ – and put a smile on your face and your fist in the air.
Tragedy’s concept, while subversive and humorous, goes beyond what many have done in satirical music – they celebrate the soul of the original song, even while turning the soundscape on its head. The amps are cranked to eleven, but the emotion is not lost.
You discover new meaning in songs that have been a part of your life for as long as you can remember. You laugh and cry. Dance and mosh. And feel newly connected to the disco-metal that was inside you all along.
Tragedy does not lazily rely on the concept or “the joke”. The band plunges deep – blazing musicianship, tantalising riffs and stunning vocals. All except for Lance the towelboy. He’s just an idiot.
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Creative community: Artists’ Social @ 10.30am – midday
Albero Lounge – Upstairs, or outside if the weather permits
Free
Enjoy a coffee and chat with other artists to meet friends, share experiences and hear about creative projects happening in Bedford.
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Creativity: Kiln Pottery workshop
The Higgins Bedford @ 12pm – 3.30pm
Free, drop-in
As part of the national Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology, take part in this workshop making tiles with clay and handling some of the pottery artefacts from the kiln excavations.
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Walking: North Beds Ramblers
Meeting place: Northill Church, Ickwell Road, Northill SG18 9AA @ 10am and 1.30pm
Tickets: Free / all welcome
Discover the scenic countryside surrounding Northill on this leisurely 5-mile morning ramble hosted by the North Beds Ramblers. Taking in charming village paths and countryside trails, it offers a gentle pace perfect for taking in the rural scenery.
If you fancy a slightly longer trek, there is also a moderate 6.7-mile afternoon option setting off from the same location at 1.30pm.
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Live music: SABBOTAGE – Black Sabbath Tribute
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £14
With well over two and a half hours of Ozzy-era Sabbath in the band’s repertoire, Sabbotage never fail to entertain and are the closest you can get to the Godfathers of Heavy Rock in their heyday.
For those that missed Black Sabbath in their first incarnation, this is definitely the closest you are likely to get to the real thing.
Sunday, 2 August 2026
Community Workshop: Wellbeing Fair
The Place Theatre, Bradbourne Road, Bedford MK40 2AV @ 10am
Tickets: Free entry but £2/workshop
The Place returns with a full-day Wellbeing Fair featuring both indoor and outdoor activities. This local community gathering is designed to help you relax, discover local health and wellness practitioners, and explore holistic therapies.
Browse local stalls, take part in interactive sessions and workshops, meet makers, and enjoy a day entirely dedicated to mindfulness and self-care in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Sunday, 2 August 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.
Sunday, 2 August 2026
Live music: Music in the Meadows featuring Bedford Town Band
Mill Meadows bandstand @ 3pm – 5pm
Free
Free live music concerts are back every Sunday throughout August at the beautiful bandstand in Mill Meadows.
Bring the family, a picnic and some seating, and enjoy an afternoon of live traditional bandstand music, from jazz to brass ensembles.
Portable toilets and a limited number of deckchairs will be available on-site at each event.
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Family fun: Summer Reading Challenge 2026 – ‘The Jungle Jam’ songwriting adventure
Kempston Library, Halsey Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8AU @ midday
Tickets: Free entry
Kick off this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with a wild musical workshop at Kempston Library.
Young participants will get the opportunity to jump into a creative songwriting adventure entitled ‘The Jungle Jam’.
Children will explore rhythm, lyrics, and storytelling while collaborating with others to create their very own catchy jungle-inspired tune. It is a fantastic free holiday activity to boost creativity and literacy skills.
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Family fun: Nature Mandalas’ free, drop-in art workshop
Kempston Library, MK42 8AT @ midday – 3pm
Free drop-in
In this Nature Mandalas workshop at Kempston Library, you can create mandala patterns using foliage from Kempston. Age five years and up.
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Gardening: Open Garden & Homemade Cakes
Kathy Brown’s Garden, The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QB @ 10:30 – 1pm & 2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets: £11/£5.50 | Booking required
Explore the acclaimed gardens of Stevington Manor, lovingly designed and cultivated by owner Kathy Brown and her husband, Simon.
Enjoy a short introductory talk on the lawn, enjoy the beautiful gardens and then treat yourself to a slice of Kathy’s famous homemade cakes served throughout the day.
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Children’s workshop: Meet the Egyptians with Helen Ohlsson
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD @ 11.15am, 12.45pm & 2.15pm
Tickets: £3.90 per child (suitable for ages seven –12)
Uncover fascinating facts about the ancient Egyptians, their gods, and the mystery of the pyramids in this hands-on workshop led by Helen Ohlsson.
Young historians will get creative by making their very own miniature sarcophagus for a mummy alongside a range of other Egyptian-inspired crafts to take home.
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Family fun: Drop in craft session
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD @ 14:00
Tickets: Free / all welcome
Pop into The Higgins for a free afternoon of creative crafting suitable for the whole family.
Activities include crafting your own traditional Victorian toy, creating bug-inspired artwork, and personalising a keepsake bookmark using Arabic fusion calligraphy.
Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Guided walk: Bedford Tour Guides – Bedford’s South Bank Show
Bedford Town Centre (Meeting point at What’s On Hub in Silver Square) @ 11am
Tickets: £4 adults / £2 children (Use promo code HIGGINS30 to waive fee)
Trace the history of Bedford south of the River Great Ouse, dating back to King Edward the Elder in 915. While modern development reshaped the area in the late 20th century, this fascinating guided walk brings its medieval past, lost industries, and historic public houses back to life.
Led by the Association of Bedford Tour Guides, this 90-minute stroll reveals the significance of the South Bank to the town’s development.
Please note that this route passes under a low bridge of 4’ 9” height twice along the path.
Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Children’s science workshop: Rocket launch with Little Science Labs
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD @ 11.15am, 12.45pm & 2.15pm
Tickets: £6.05 per child (suitable for ages five – 12)
Inspired by the Artemis space missions, young space enthusiasts can design and build their very own rocket under the guidance of Little Science Labs.
Children will learn key science concepts on how to optimise flight performance before heading outside to launch their rockets high into the sky.
Wednesday, 5 August
Family fun: ‘Fantastic Fishes’ free, drop-in art workshop
Wednesday 5th August 2026, 2pm – 4pm
Free drop-in
Help make a shoal of beautiful fish in this Fantastic Fishes workshop at Kempston Library. No booking required. Age five years and up.
Thursday, 6 August 2026
Family Fun: Crafty Thursdays – Summer Holiday Fun
John Bunyan Museum & Library, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU @ 11am
Tickets: £2 per child (Drop-in)
Crafty Thursdays are back for the summer holidays at the John Bunyan Museum, offering creative activities suitable for the entire family.
Drop in anytime between 11am and 3pm to get involved in sea-themed crafts, tube art, clay building, and animal magic. No advance booking required.
Thursday, 6 August 2026
Children’s workshop: Covent Garden Circus Skills
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD @ 11.15am, 12.45pm & 2.15pm
Tickets: £6.05 per child (suitable for ages 5–12)
Former Covent Garden street performer Tabatha brings over 25 years of entertainment experience to Bedford for an exciting circus skills workshop.
Children and parents can try their hand at juggling, balancing, and a wide variety of fun circus tricks in an interactive, encouraging environment.
Thursday, 6 August – Saturday, 5 September 2026
Exhibition: Howard 300 – celebrating the life of the pioneering prison reformer
Basement @ Bunyan, Mill Street @ Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm
Free
The museum’s summer exhibition celebrates the 300th anniversary of the birth of John Howard, exploring the life, work, and lasting legacy of the Bedfordian prison reformer. It will feature historic artefacts alongside creative writing produced by individuals from HMP Bedford.
Friday, 7 August 2026
Family fun: Puggle Club Creative activities for Early Years (age 5 and under)
The Higgins Bedford @ 10.30am – noon and 1pm – 2.30pm
Free, drop-in
A chance to get creative, have fun, and socialise! It’s a free drop-in activity, so no need to book. Just pop in any time between 10:30am and 12pm and stay for as long as you like. Please be aware some activities might not be suitable for children under 36 months. Children must be accompanied by an adult, come and join in the fun.
All activities are subject to availability, if the room is getting a bit full, we might ask you to wait until there is space.
Friday, 7 August 2026
Live music: Buzzcocks
Bedford Esquires, 60A Bromham Rd, Bedford MK40 2QG @ 7:30pm
Tickets: £30
Punk rock royalty arrives in Bedford as Buzzcocks take to the stage at Esquires. Formed in 1976, few bands have sustained such incredible creative energy over four decades, delivering an iconic back catalogue of timeless pop-punk anthems.
Expect classic hits like Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve) alongside dynamic newer tracks. Given the band’s legendary status and Esquires’ intimate room, early booking is strongly recommended.
Friday, 7 August 2026
Live music: Beats + Strings: Soul Renaissance
The Place Theatre, Bradbourne Road, Bedford MK40 2AV @ 7:30pm
Tickets: From £18
Enjoy an intimate evening of R&B and soul performed live by a top trio from Kansas City.
Beats + Strings creates a sultry nightclub vibe featuring dynamic soul favourites re-imagined with acoustic strings, electronic vibes, and percussive beats.
Leave your worries at the door and settle in for a rich, atmospheric musical performance that blends classical textures with contemporary grooves.
Saturday, 8 August 2026
Walking: North Beds Ramblers – Turvey Three Cranes Walk
Meeting point: The Three Cranes, High St, Turvey, Bedford MK43 8EP @ 1.30pm
Tickets: Free / all welcome
Enjoy an afternoon trek in the historic village of Turvey. Starting near the landmark Three Cranes pub, this 6.5-mile moderate walk takes in local countryside trails and scenic field routes.
It is an ideal option for anyone looking for a wholesome Saturday afternoon walk with a friendly local group.
Saturday, 8 August 2026
Live music: Italian Spectacular 2026 – Giorgio Serci Trio Azzurro feat. Hetty Loxston
The Quarry Theatre, 26 St Peter’s St, Bedford MK40 2NN @ 7pm
Tickets: From £20 (includes food)
Treat yourself to a fantastic evening of Italian music and food in aid of the Bedford MS Therapy Centre. The Giorgio Serci Trio Azzurro and vocalist Hetty Loxston take audiences on a journey through iconic Italian melodies, reimagined with a sophisticated jazz twist.
Enjoy live arrangements of classic film scores including Cinema Paradiso by Ennio Morricone and The Godfather by Nino Rota, celebrating the spirit of La Dolce Vita.
Saturday, 8 August 2026
Live music: Mantra – A Tribute to Bring Me The Horizon
Bedford Esquires, 60A Bromham Rd, Bedford MK40 2QG @ 7:30pm
Tickets: £13
Mantra deliver the ultimate tribute performance to Sheffield modern rock titans Bring Me The Horizon.
Capturing the soaring choruses, heavy breakdowns, and explosive energy of BMTH’s live shows, this set spans their evolution from deathcore origins to chart-topping rock anthems.
Expect a high-octane atmosphere full of massive riffs and relentless energy in Esquires’ main room.
Sunday, 9 August 2026
Shop local: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market
Harpur Square @ 10am – 3pm
Free
The perfect way to spend a chilled-out summer Sunday. Browse the stalls, chat to the traders, grab some food and enjoy the music. In August, head to Harpur Square for the Remedy Collective Takeover Special.
See you there!
Sunday, 9 August 2026
Guided Walk: Bedford Tour Guides – “I Never Knew That”
Bedford Town Centre (Meeting point at What’s On Hub in Silver Square) @ 11am
Tickets: £4 adults / £2 children (Use promo code HIGGINS30 to waive fee)
Hear the stories behind the most commonly spoken phrase on a local walk! This entertaining guided stroll through Bedford town centre covers obscure facts, hidden details, and historical secrets you almost certainly never knew about the town.
Led by the Association of Bedford Tour Guides, this accessible walk covers one to two miles and is suitable for all ages.
Sunday, 9 August 2026
Live music: Music in the Meadows – May Blossom Vintage Songbird
The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, Bedford MK42 9EL @ 15:00
Tickets: Free / all welcome
Spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon by the Embankment with live traditional bandstand music at Mill Meadows. Pack a picnic blanket or deckchair and bring family and friends along to enjoy vintage classics performed live by May Blossom.
On-site amenities include portable toilets and limited available deckchairs, making it a perfect free summer outing by the river.
At the Higgins Bedford
Until 4 October
Exhibition: Children’s Art Competition and Exhibition
Sir William Harpur Gallery at the Higgins Bedford
The Children’s Art Competition features more than 100 pieces of artwork created by pupils from schools across Bedford Borough. The children aged 4 to 18 have created their artwork at workshops with professional artists visiting their schools.
The theme for the 2026 exhibition is ‘Aspire: Nurturing Potential’, based on their aspirations, goals, dreams, hopes and what they want to be or do in life.
Read: Young Bedford artists showcase big ambitions in ‘Aspire’ exhibition
The competition and exhibition are a collaboration between The Harpur Trust and The Higgins Bedford.
Until April 2027
Display: A Brewery in Bedford: Celebrating 150 Years of Wells & Co.
Somewhere in England Foyer, First Floor
Free entry
Founded in 1876 by Charles Wells, the business began at Horne Lane Brewery, brewing beers and growing a thriving pub estate.
Read: 150 years of Bedford’s brewing heritage on display at The Higgins
In 2019, it moved to Brewpoint and rebranded as Wells & Co., marking an exciting new chapter. Find out more about their 150 year journey.
Until 2 September
Exhibition: Noel Carrington: Nothing Need Be Ugly
The Higgins Bedford @ extended
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.
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.
