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 Bedford.
Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Live music: Snapped Ankles + Guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
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
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
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
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.
Thursday, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 (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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Tuesday, 11 – Saturday, 15 March 2025
Community Theatre: Hangmen
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12
Harry Wade is a hangman who likes to keep his counsel, until the momentous day when hanging is finally abolished in the UK and Harry is asked to give an interview to the local paper. Surrounded by his acolytes and family, his vanity gets the better of him and he agrees to speak his mind. At the same time, a stranger walks into Harry’s pub who will set off a chain of events that will eventually spiral out of even Harry’s tight control.
Martin McDonagh is one of the most exciting, original and singular playwrights of recent years. Hangmen stands proudly among his other famous works, including The Banshees of Inisherin, In Bruges, The Pillowman and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri.
Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
A recital by Fumi Otsuki (Violin) and Natalie Bleicher (Piano)
Free with a retiring collection.
Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Live music: Quiz night
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
It’s quiz night at the Castle, and the winner gets the pot, plus the chance to win a bonus rollover too.
Maximum teams of six and £2 per person entry. To book a table call 01234 353295.
Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Film: Bedford Film Society presents 20 Days in Mariupol
The University of Bedford, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: members free / £5/day guest
As the Russian invasion begins, a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting the war’s atrocities.
Tuesday, 11 March 2025
The Friends of the Higgins lecture: Many Mansions, the architectural records of Sir Albert Richardson
St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Rd, Bedford, MK402PF @ 7.30pm
Bedford Borough Council’s county archivist, Pamela Birch, gives a talk on the architectural records of Sir Albert Richardson. This event is generously sponsored by David Fletcher.
Wednesday, 12 March 2025
Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm / bar opens at 7.00pm.
£3pp to enter the quiz
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.
Wednesday, 12 March 2025
Comedy: Harry Hill – New bits and greatest hits
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £30
The Badger Parade is back on! Join Harry on his Diamond Jubilee lap of honour as he celebrates 60 Glorious Years of fun, laughter and low-level disruption.
Marvel as he offers new insights into the hot topics of the day such as the demise of the SCART lead, The Culture Wars, the differences between crab sticks and rhubarb and the origins of Tirimisu.
Cough awkwardly as Gary (Harry’s son from his first marriage) attempts to take over the business again.
Plus one lucky audience member will get to join me in a double act! So, get on board the laughter train!
Thursday, 13 March 2025
Live streaming: Gladiator IIl
Stevington Cinema Club, Stevington Village Hall, MK443 7QT @ 7.15pm
Tickets: £6
Ridley Scott’s epic award-winning sequel to Gladiator, starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington.
Thursday, 13 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.
Thursday, 13 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
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.
Thursday, 13 March 2025
Comedy: Alex Mitchell: Tics Towards Perfection
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50
Britain’s Got Talent 2024 finalist Alex Mitchell is an autistic comic with functional neurological disorder (FND). He uses self-deprecating humour – laughing at himself, his neurodivergence, disability and sexuality – to reflect on some of the most difficult subjects within his own life and wider society.
His debut show, Tics Towards Puffection, tackles his desperate obsession for perfection and being “the best version” of himself. He explores how and if he’ll ever achieve this, and how this has impacted and continues to impact his life.Reflecting on society’s perception of queer, disabled, and neurodiverse communities, as well as his own perception of himself, Mitchell creates a heartwarming, emotional but always hilarious show.
Thursday, 13 March 2025
Live music: Tony Wright (Terrorvision) + Guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Tony Wright is best known as the singer for Bradford rock band Terrorvision. However, when he’s not touring with Terrorvision, he writes, records and tours under his own name with a setlist made up of songs he has written on his acoustic guitar – some upbeat, some melancholic, but all thought-provoking.
Tony always looks to pick up inspiration anywhere he can find it as he is always thinking about writing new material. Be sure to catch him on the road because you never know – you might just end up being the subject of one of his songs.
Friday, 14 March 2025
Shopping: Swish Clothes Swap Event
Lavender Moss, 5b The Arcade Bedford, MK40 @ 7pm
£12 standard ticket or £15 golden ticket (choose your first two items in priority order)
You are invited to bring those old clothes, accessories and shoes which are sitting in your wardrobe and for some reason you just don’t wear…. and you can swap with others on the night at Lavender Moss’s inaugural swishing event.
General admission is £12.00, or upgrade to a golden tickets at £15.00, allowing you to pick two items before anyone else has a chance to grab.
The doors open at 6pm which allows people to have a drink and look around and try on items before the swish starts at 7pm.
Tickets can be purchased here. Once bought, you will be notified about drop off points and will receive more detailed information about the rules.
Friday, 14 March 2025
Sport: An evening with Paul Merson
Bedford Corn Exchange @
Tickets: £29 / VIP £70
Join us for An Evening with Paul Merson, as the football star discusses his illustrious career with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and England. He’ll talk about games, dressing room/training ground stories, managers, fall outs and everything you wanted to know about playing for a successful football club.
Merson will open up about his experiences both on and off the pitch, his addictions, his media career and so much more. Paul’s wit and charisma makes an entertaining night and engaging evening for all football fans.
Talksport and ex Arsenal team mate Perry Groves will host an evening and a Q&A with a chance to pose your questions to Paul.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available, affording the opportunity for a meet and greet with the legendary players and a photograph opportunity before the show.
Friday, 14 March 2025
Theatre: Is That a Whip in Your Hand?
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £13.50
Following performances in USA, UK and recently, Australia, Gavin Robertson focuses his attention on the fortune-hunter movie phenomenon encompassing everything from ‘Indiana Jones’ to ‘National Treasure’ via ‘Romancing The Stone’ – in his latest physical cartoon style adventure – spoofing the characters adored by millions, and exploding every cliché… solo!
Featuring the usual mix of clues, maps, travel and tricky situations, it’s minimum props, maximum effect as our hero searches for treasure via Columbia and Greece, evading trouble at every turn.
Friday, 14 March 2025
Live Music: Double Header – Katherine Sefton & Tie One On
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm Bar opens at 6.00pm, Happy Hour until 9.00pm. 3.00am close
Free entry
After some incredible performances at The Cellar Bar, Tie One On will be rocking the venue once again.
They are a rock/ blues band with a vast amount of live experience, from large festivals or pubs and clubs. They are down-to-earth, honest, hard-working musicians with a knack for lighting up a night of Blues Rock Mayhem.
With Katherine Sefton supporting, it’s sure to be a great night of fantastic music.
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Education: Saturday workshops
Rothsay Education Centre, 6 Rothsay Gardens MK40 3QB
Find out more about one of Bedford’s ‘best-kept secrets’ at this month’s Saturday Workshops at the REC.
Choose from sessions in Humanology, Shakespeare and Marriage, Winter into Spring Birdwatching Day, Start Drawing, From Carta to Charter and English Rebels with a Cause. No membership is required to join a workshop.
Book online at recbedford.co.uk
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Family fun: Science Labs
The Higgins Bedford @ 11am onwards
Free entry
As part of British Science Week, head to the Higgins Bedford to be inspired by Alison Goodyear’s Light and Colour Community Project installation and be guided by the artist to create virtual artwork together. Artist, Graham Fudger embarks on a Curious Adventure in Colour and Light as he brings together ten light-themed activities for a hands-on workshop to explore scientific principles of colour, light, and the science of seeing. Both of these workshops have limited places so booking is essential.
Geologists from the Bedfordshire Geology Group will be on hand to answer questions on all aspects of geology and the current Mary Anning exhibition. A selection of fossils and minerals will be on display, and feel free to bring along your own samples to find out more about them. Plus, follow the Timeline and see how our use of materials has changed through history.
All activities are free. Please visit the Higgins website to book your place.
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Afternoon walk: Harrold/Odell Country Park, MK43 7DS @ 1.30pm
After meeting at Harrold/Odell Country Park, a 6.5mile walk to Pavenham.
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.
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Community arts: Kempston Light Walk
Approx MK42 7FB to MK42 8RX @ 4.30pm
Free entry
Join Bedford Creative Arts on Saturday, 15 March for a magical illuminated light walk along the riverbank and see Kempston like never before.
As dusk falls, artistic installations will be revealed along the Kempston Riverside Path between Kempston Mill and Sanders Close/Hillgrounds Road as part of the Kemspton Light Walk.
Read: Join the Kempston Light Walk to see the riverside like never before
This family-friendly event invites you to discover Kempston’s nighttime wildlife, enjoy the natural beauty of the riverside, and immerse yourself in the work of talented local artists.
Live acoustic music will provide the perfect soundtrack as you explore, and hot drinks and snacks will be available from vendors along the route.
The event is free, but booking is required. You can secure your spot here.
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Live music: St Patrick’s Celebrations featuring The Black and Gold
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
The Black and Gold band were formed for the Cellar Bar’s St Patrick’s Celebrations last year and the Irish supergroup is still going strong.
Samantha Hughes (banjo/vocals), Rich Taylor (guitar/lead vocals, Mary Wilcockson (fiddle), James Lewin (drums), Dan McGrath (harmonica), will be playing songs by The Pogues, The Dubliners, American-Irish and upbeat trad tunes to get you in the St Paddy’s Day party mood.
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Live music: ABDOUJAPAROV (Ex Carter USM)
Bedford Esquires @ 7:30pm
Tickets: £12
Formed by Les Carter (aka Fruitbat) in 1998 after the breakup of Carter USM, Abdoujaparov are named after a former Tour De France cyclist. The band’s musical foundations are the joyous and shambolic influences of 1977 Punk Rock & New Wave, but there is so much more than that under the covers. Eight EPs, four singles and six albums have been released on Spinach Records.
2025 is going to be a busy one. Both a Spring and Autumn tour are booked and we have some sweet festivals spots coming up in the summer.
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Live music: The Ultimate Mod Revue
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
The Goldhawks deliver a blistering, high-voltage, feel-good show featuring the very best of singalong Mod hits from the 60s through to the 80s performed by some of the UK’s finest musicians and singers.
Produced by the team that brought you Quadrophenia, the album, LIVE! in 2019, the performance is backed by a huge screen projection of bespoke film and takes you on a journey of the Mod subculture favourites from 60s onward with The Who, The Jam, Small Faces, Ocean Colour Scene, The Kinks and more…
Bring your lungs; this is a must-see, sing-along show for all music lovers, not just Mods.
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Comedy: Matt Bragg Has Nothing Wrong With Him
The Quarry Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £16.50
Recently described by Chortle as a mix between Jack Dee and Frank Skinner wrapped in a Mod’s fashion sense, Matt is taking his debut show on tour.
A selection of his best bits from seven years on the comedy circuit which have taken him all over Europe – from basements to theatres and arenas supporting the likes of Ricky Gervais, John Bishop, Suzi Ruffell and Jason Manford.
Sunday, 16 March 2025
Family fun: Toby’s Tall Tales
The Higgins Bedford @ 2.30pm
Free
Join trained actor and teacher Toby in the art gallery on a creative exploration of stories.
Sunday, 16 March 2025
Live music: The Workshop Boys play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Formed by former members of Los Marbles and Cutting Out, The Workshop Boys have fast become one of Bedford’s most loved bar bands and make a welcome return to the Esquires Sunday Afternoon Session.
At the Higgins Bedford
Exhibition: Colour and Light
The Higgins Bedford until 2 November 2025
Free entry
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.
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
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.
