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, 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 2026
Quiz: Esquires’ Monthly Music Quiz
Bedford Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, MK40 2QG @ 8pm
Tickets: £2 per person (maximum of six per team)
Gather your biggest-brained music-loving friends for the popular monthly music quiz at Esquires. Running on the first Thursday of every month.
Questions cover everything from 1950s rock classics to current chart toppers, with a cash prize up for grabs for the winning team.
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.
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Family Fun: Bedford Beach Week
Silver Square, MK40 1TY @ 10am – 4pm
Free / all welcome
Bedford Borough Council brings seaside fun to the heart of town with the launch of Bedford Beach Week.
Families can enjoy giant sand pits, deckchairs, traditional seaside games, and entertainment right in Silver Square. Running throughout the week, it offers a great day out for children during the summer holidays.
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Summer workshops: Teaching Talons
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 11.30am, 1pm and 2.15pm
Tickets: £6.05 per child (suitable for ages 5–12)
Meet animal ambassadors up close as the popular Teaching Talons team returns to The Higgins. Find out fascinating facts about wildlife while interacting with friendly creatures, discovering how animals adapt to their environments in this safe and educational session.
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Summer workshops: Stone Age session with Helen Ohlsson
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm
Rickets: £3.90 per child (suitable for ages 7–12)
Step back in time to explore prehistory beyond simple stone tools with hands-on activities led by Helen Ohlsson.
Young historians can try crafting authentic cave art, fashioning flint axes, and grinding wheat to uncover how early humans lived, worked, and survived thousands of years ago.
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Festival of Archaeology: Geology Drop In
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 2pm – 4pm
Tickets: Free entry (booking essential)
Bring along your favourite rock, fossil, mineral, and crystal finds to have them identified by resident geology expert Bev.
As part of the CBA Festival of Archaeology, this free session gives curious collectors of all ages a chance to learn more about the geological history hidden in their own backyards.
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Summer Workshops: Shaving Foam Marble Cards with Lisa Tilley
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 12.45pm and 2.15pm
Tickets: £6.05 per child (suitable for ages 5–12)
Try out colourful paper marbling techniques using an unexpected everyday material: shaving foam.
Bedford-based artist Lisa Tilley guides children through creating vivid, swirling patterns to take home on custom marbled cards in a fun and tactile workshop suitable for all skill levels.
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Live Music: Hugh Cornwell
Bedford Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, MK40 2QG @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
Hugh Cornwell, the original frontman and principal songwriter of The Stranglers, comes to Bedford for an intimate solo live performance.
Expect a compelling mix of timeless classics alongside stand-out material from his expansive solo career, delivered with signature sharp songwriting and iconic guitar work.
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Summer Holiday Fun: Crafty Thursdays
John Bunyan Museum & Library, Mill Street, MK40 3EU @ 11am – 3pm
Tickets: £2 per child (drop-in)
Keep the holiday entertainment going with another edition of Crafty Thursdays at the Bunyan Museum.
Families can pop in between 11am and 3pm to enjoy hands-on crafting projects designed to unleash children’s imaginations without needing to book ahead.
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Summer Workshops: Clay Keepsake Holders with Anne-Marie Abbate
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm
Tickets: £6.05 per child (suitable for ages 5–12)
Construct a unique three-dimensional clay niche to display treasured objects and small keepsakes.
Children will learn basic clay shaping and sculpting techniques, adding detailed imprints and custom patterns to create a decorative holder to display proudly at home.
Friday, 14 August 2026
Live Music: Noasis
Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, MK40 2QG @ 7.30pm
Tickets: SOLD OUT
The definitive Oasis tribute band delivers the full stadium experience in the close-up setting of Esquires.
Recreating the swagger, sound, and iconic nineties anthems of Manchester’s finest, Noasis brings all the crowd-pleasing singalongs to life.
Friday, 14 August 2026
Live Music: The Zipheads & The Speedways
Bedford Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, MK40 2QG @ 8pm
Tickets: £10
Enjoy a double dose of high-octane rock, power pop, and psychobilly as The Zipheads team up with London power-pop outfit The Speedways for a co-headline night.
Expect fast tempos, hook-heavy choruses, and non-stop energy throughout the evening.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Festival: Original Culture Festival 2026
Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, MK41 9DJ @ 11am – 7pm
Tickets: See website for tier options
Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Original Culture Festival will be bringing the party to town this month, with a return to Priory Country Park.
The festival, created in memory of its founder, DJ Rhino Selektor, is a celebration of music, culture and community, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Priory Country Park.
The two-day event promises live music, DJs, street food, family entertainment and plenty of feel-good summer fun.
Read: Original Culture Festival returns to Priory Country Park with a full day of family-friendly fun
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Crafts: Aragon Lace demonstrations
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 11am – 2pm
Tickets: Free entry
Discover the traditional local craft of bobbin lacemaking with live demonstrations by the Aragon Lacemakers.
Visitors can watch experienced lacemakers create intricate lace patterns and try their own hand at using a special ‘have a go pillow’ set up for beginners.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Crafts: Young lacemakers workshops
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD @ 2pm – 4pm
Tickets: £2 per child (ages 6–16, booking essential)
Designed specifically for children and teenagers, this session teaches the fundamentals of traditional bobbin lacemaking in a supportive, friendly environment.
All equipment is provided, and tutors tailor lessons to each child’s pace, making it an ideal entry point into a classic heritage craft.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Gardens: Music in the Garden with Dan Evans
Kathy Brown’s Garden, The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington, MK43 7QB @ 2pm
Tickets: £11 / £5.50 (booking required)
Take in the beautiful surroundings of Kathy Brown’s Garden while enjoying live instrumental music from dulcimer and guitar player Dan Evans.
The performance features relaxing folk airs and nature-inspired original compositions in an informal outdoor garden setting.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Place Theatre, Bradbourne Road, MK41 9SB @ 7pm
Tickets: From £16
Enter a world where fairies meddle, and lovers quarrel in Folksy Theatre’s open-air performance of Shakespeare’s popular comedy.
Packed with live music, humour, and enchantment, this family-friendly production brings the beloved story to life outdoors on a summer evening.
Sunday, 16 August 2026
Walking: “The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle” 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 Norman Conquest of Britain witnessed the introduction of castles to the landscape, and in Bedford, a major castle was built in the 12th century.
Walk through the old castle grounds, see the mound on which it once stood and hear the story of the castle and its demise in the siege of 1224. This year witnesses the 800th anniversary of the Great Siege of Bedford Castle in 1224.
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, 16 August 2026
Live Music: Original Family Festival 2026
Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, MK41 9DJ @ 11am – 7pm
Tickets: See website for tier options
Priory Country Park hosts a full day of family entertainment, live music, and outdoor activities at the Original Family Festival.
Featuring three stages of live music including tributes to Bob Marley, ABBA, and Taylor Swift alongside artisan stalls, street food, and family games, it offers non-stop entertainment for all ages.
Sunday, 16 August 2026
Live Music: Music in the Meadows featuring Fynnius Fog
The Bandstand, Mill Meadows, MK40 1AS @ 2pm – 5pm
Tickets: Free / all welcome
The Music in the Meadows series continues with an extended afternoon concert by local favourites Fynnius Fog.
Pack your picnic blankets and deckchairs for an enjoyable afternoon of live folk and acoustic tunes right by the River Great Ouse.
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.
