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 November 2025
Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz
Quiz nights will never be the same again as SpeedQuizzing comes to Bedford town centre. Get your team of up to six players together and enjoy a fun, interactive night of entertainment hosted by Owen.
There’s a £60 bar tab to the winners and there is a rolling jackpot each week. Walk-ins are allowed on the night until the venue is full. Reserve your table online and get a 20 point head start.
Opens Thursday, 6 November 2025
Exhibition: Stanny’s Stus: Images of Bedford Physical Training College
Sir William Harpur Gallery, The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
In 1903, Margaret Stansfeld founded the Bedford Physical Training College, an all-female institution located on Lansdowne Road. Locally, its students and staff were affectionately known as ‘Stanny’s Stus.’ Many of them were enthusiastic photographers who captured their everyday experiences, documenting aspects of sport, leisure, and teaching in Bedfordshire.
These photographs offer valuable insights into the social and sporting lives of women in the early 20th century, exhibited publicly for the first time outside of their home at the University of Bedfordshire.
Thursday, 6 – Saturday, 15 November 2025
Festivals: Being Human Festival
The Higgins Bedford and The Panacea Museum
Free entry
Being Human is the UK’s national festival of the humanities and aims to connect researchers in the humanities to produce events with local communities to share ideas and knowledge.
The theme for 2025 is Between the Lines, a space of hidden histories, shifting borders and unspoken meanings. In partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, The Higgins Bedford and the Panacea Museum will be offering a wide range of events, including creative workshops and talks.
Thursday, 6 November 2025
Lunchtime talk: In Her Own Words
The Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, MK40 3NX @ 1pm – 2pm
Free entry
Professor James Crossley from the University of Cambridge will be discussing the women writers of the Panacea Society, and delving into their reading habits.panaceamuseum.org/events
Thursday, 6 November 2025
Christmas crafts: Make your own candles with The Ampthill Alchemist
The Arc, Howard Street (under Lurke St car park) @ 6pm – 9pm
Tickets: £49
Whether you’re crafting a thoughtful gift or simply embracing the season’s spirit, these workshops offer a joyful, hands-on experience with a touch of festive magic. You’ll leave with two bespoke candles, a new skill, and a lovely memory of time well spent.
Thursday, 6 November 2025
Comedy: Kerry Godliman – Bandwidth
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20/£18
While parenting teenagers, bogged down with knicker admin and considering dealing HRT on the black market, Kerry’s lost her mum bag but can’t remember what was in it as she’s outsourced her memory to her phone. The life of a middle aged woman who hasn’t got the bandwidth for any of this.
Kerry Godliman, comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and broadcaster, returns to the stage with her straight-talking charm and quick wit on a brand new stand-up show. As seen on Afterlife, Whitstable Pearl, Taskmaster, Trigger Point, Live At The Apollo and more. As heard on Radio 4 and Jon Richardson’s Absolute Radio Show.
Very few tickets remaining, so snap them up while you can.
Thursday, 6 November 2025
Karaoke: Karaoke
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm / doors open 6pm / Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
Sarah and Cameo host the only place for karaoke on a Thursday night on Bedford High Street. Choose from over 60,000 songs and sing like a pro with the Cellar Bar’s professional lighting, sound and stage.
Sing with your friends using multiple microphones and it’s two for £12 on cocktails all night.
Thursday, 6 November 2025
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.
Thursday, 6 November 2025
Live music: Irish Folk Night
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry
Head to The Castle for some more classic Irish tunes to get your feet tapping and the craic flowing.
Friday, 7 November 2025
Family fun: Puggle Club – creative activities for Early Years (age 5 and under)
The Higgins Bedford @ 10.30am – 12pm / 1pm – 2.30pm
Free
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 and stay for as long as you like. Please be aware that 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 November 2025
Bonfire Night: Fireworks display & funfair
Bedford Blues ground, Goldington Road @ 6pm
Tickets: £8.50, under 6s free
Bedford’s biggest and brightest night is back! The much-loved Fireworks at the Blues returns to Goldington Road for an unforgettable evening of sparkling displays, family fun and festive atmosphere.
Gates open at 6pm with the funfair, food stalls and bars ready to keep everyone entertained. The children’s display lights up the sky at 7pm, followed by the spectacular main show at 8pm from Firemagic, guaranteed to dazzle with rockets, Catherine wheels and colour galore.
Enjoy hot food, music, London Scottish V Blues on TV screens and all the family fun you could want at Bedford’s favourite annual fireworks night.
Hospitality packages with premium views and dinner are also available in the Dovecot and Burrow at the Blues. Book tickets online here for discounted entry.
Friday, 7 November 2025
Live music: The Birthday Massacre + Lesbian Death Bed
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £22
The Birthday Massacre is a Canadian synth-rock band formed in 1999, originally called Imagica. Their music is a dark and atmospheric fusion of electronic, goth, and new wave, incorporating elements of 80s synth-pop, industrial, and darkwave, often creating a unique “post-retro” sound.
Their songs are known for blending distorted guitars with melodic vocals and synths, and their themes frequently draw from fantasy and children’s fiction.
Friday, 7 November 2025
Live Music: The Krakens
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / doors open at 6pm until late / Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm / Late close
Free entry
The Krakens are back! This four-piece band will be covering a variety of rock songs through the ages, including classics from Elton John, Queen, Nirvana and more…
Friday, 7 November 2025
Live music: Ferocious Dog + Voodoo Radio
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £23
Ferocious Dog are a six-piece band who deal in a vibrant vein of Celtic-folk infused punk rock, comfortably slotting in between Billy Bragg and The Levellers.
However, like The Levellers and New Model Army (also listed as an influence), Ferocious Dog have a broad spectrum of influences, tied together by the band’s left-leaning convictions and a shared desire to communicate through music.
Saturday, 8 November 2025
Christmas Crafts: Wreath making
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, MK40 3NX @ 11am – 1pm
Tickets: £8/person
Join local artist Anne-Marie Abbate for Christmas wreath making, using foliage from the Museum Gardens. Limited to 10 people – please note everyone attending needs a ticket, and extra people who have not booked can’t be admitted on the day.
Booking @ tickettailor.com/events/panaceamuseum/1890809
Saturday, 8 November 2025
Christmas Crafts: Lanterns drop-in
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford, MK40 3NX @ 1pm – 2.30pm
Free drop-in event
Join local artist Anne-Marie Abbate to make festive lanterns.
Saturday, 8 November 2025
Creative writing: Mental Health and Wellbeing Fiction Writing Workshop
The Higgins Bedford @ 2pm – 4pm
Free event, booking essential
Join writer and researcher Lydia Parker for a creative workshop focusing on stories of mental health and how storytelling can help us understand ourselves and others.
You’ll have an opportunity to create storyboards through writing, drawing and collage. Please note that due to the content of the workshop, this event is for young people and adults aged 18 and over.
Saturday, 8 November 2025
Dance music: The 2pm Club – 80s, 90s and 00s
Bedford Esquires @ 2pm – 5pm
Tickets: £11
The ultimate Daytime Disco is back, bigger, brighter, and cheekier than ever. Four hours of wall-to-wall bangers, a full club atmosphere, and all the guilty pleasures you’re not meant to admit you love — but we absolutely demand you lose your voice to…
Saturday, 8 November 2025
Comedy: Mark Watson – Before It Overtakes Us
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.50
20 years in stand-up for the ‘Taskmaster’ cheeky texts icon, multi-award-winner, YouTube cult figure, Radio 4 favourite and recently ‘Baby Reindeer’ actor: Watson returns after seasons at the Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Edinburgh comedy festivals.
A recent encounter with a stranger caused Mark to spend some time pondering the uncertain future facing humanity. He explores this – along with equally pressing matters like the worst word he has ever said in public, the current state of the UK sausage industry, and much more – in a typically frantic and fun-packed new show.
Saturday, 8 November 2025
Live music: GONG
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
Tickets: £20
The ever-metamorphosing entity that is GONG began in a French commune in 1967 and has endured through the Virgin Records years, mismanagement, court cases, break-ups and re-joinings, deaths and rebirths.
Gong’s musically diverse world includes shades of psychedelia, space rock, jazz, avant-garde, krautrock and surreal soundscapes.
Saturday, 8 November 2025
Live Music: Double Header – Katherine G Sefton & Tie One On
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
After some incredible performances previously 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, whether it is large festivals or pubs/ clubs. With Katherine G Sefton supporting, it’s sure to be a great night of fantastic music.
Saturday, 8 November 2025
Live music: Elton John – a tribute
Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50
Live music returns to the Addison Centre when the amazing Rocket Max performs the greatest hits of one of Britain’s most loved entertainers – the one and only Elton John.
Rocket Max is a live, internationally touring stage show featuring Max Anthony on piano/vocals with Alex Scheuerer on guitar/vocals, Craig Ferguson on bass/vocals and Paul Townsend on drums/vocals. Expect to hear such favourites as ‘Your Song’, ‘Crocodile Rock’, ‘I’m Still Standing’ and of course ‘Rocket Man’.
Sunday, 9 November 2025
Shopping: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market
St Paul’s Square, Bedford @ 10am till 3pm
Free
Bedford Flea is finally back in its spiritual home, just in time to kick off your Christmas shopping. Head to St Paul’s Square for the Flea combo of antiques, vintage and collectables, plus affordable art and some delicious local produce. Live music sponsored by The Cellar Bar.
Arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Sunday, 9 November 2025
Creative writing: Everyday Icons – Poetry Workshop
The Higgins Bedford @ 2.15pm – 4.15pm
Free workshop, booking essential (age 18+)
In this workshop, poet Katie Allen will help participants consider the idols each of us has, hidden in plain sight. You’ll think about the people who lead us in subtle, unnamed ways every day, often slipping past recognition; people we look to as our personal superheroes, who are not super-human – who are imperfectly, endearingly, inescapably, miraculously human.
We will spend time reading and discussing source poems together and writing freely in response. The aims of this workshop are reflection, exploration, expression and connection. There will be no obligation to share your writing.
Sunday, 9 November 2025
Dance music: 80’s Daytime disco for Grown-Ups
The Cellar Bar @ 4pm – 11pm / Doors open @ 4pm
Free entry
It’s back! Sunday afternoon, and The Cellar Bar Daytime Disco is now going right through to 11pm, so you can dance and sing along to some of the greatest hits ever – and its all free.
The daytime disco is the perfect excuse to get out on a Sunday afternoon, and if you want to carry on partying well into the evening, you now can.
Indulge in an afternoon filled with nostalgic tunes, sing-alongs, and a great atmosphere. The glitterball will be up and the neon outfits on.
Sunday, 9 November 2025
Live music: The Soho Dukes play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
World-renowned, critically-acclaimed, electrically-powered, rascally rock ‘n’ roll.
Sunday, 9 November 2025
Live music: Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.50
Returning to the venue for the first time since their sold out show back in 2019, Pigs x 7 are guaranteed to bring the noise.
I’ve always liked the quote: “Sleep, those little slices of death – how I loathe them.” So reckons Matt Baty of Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, vocalist and lyricist of a band as comfortable wading through the darker quarters of their subconscious as they are punishing ampstacks.
Whether dwelling in the realm of dreams or nightmares, the primordial drive of the Newcastle, UK based band is more powerful than ever. 2023’s ‘Land Of Sleeper’, their fourth record in a decade of riot and rancour, is testimony to this: the sound of a band not so much reinvigorated as channelling a furious energy, which only appears to gather momentum as the band’s surroundings spin on their axis.
The better to unite slumber and waking, ‘Land Of Sleeper’ is no less than an act of transcendence for Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – new anthems to elucidate a world sleepwalking to oblivion.
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Talk: A Queer Inheritance – Alternative Histories in the National Trust by Michael Hall
The Higgins Bedford @ 12.30pm
Free, booking essential
Michael Hall, the former Architectural Editor of Country Life, will be talking about his new book ‘A Queer Inheritance – Alternative Histories in the National Trust’. National Trust houses and landscapes might seem to embody conventional family values, but for generations, some very different stories were hidden away.
To book either call the Box Office on 01234 718044 or visit the Higgins’ website here.
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
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 concert. This week’s performance is a recital by Emily Rose Clark, Philharmonia Instrumental Fellow.
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Film: Bedford Film Society presents Rebel Without A Cause
University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: Annual membership £70 / day member £5
After moving to a new town, troublemaking teen Jim Stark (James Dean) is supposed to have a clean slate. He falls for local girl Judy (Natalie Wood), who is the girlfriend of neighbourhood tough, Buzz (Corey Allen).
When Buzz violently confronts Jim and challenges him to a drag race, the new kid’s real troubles begin.
Wednesday, 12 – Monday, 17 November 2025
Live music: Stewartby Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society presents The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár
Stewartby Village Hall, Stewartby MK43 9LU @ 7.30pm (2.30pm matinee on Saturday, 15 November)
Tickets: £17 Adults / £10 Under 18s
The award-winning community theatre group, Stewartby Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, performs Franz Lehàr’s comic opera, sung in English with live orchestra. Directed by Gordon Hodges, and featuring local soprano Elizabeth Bottone as Musical Director.
Immerse yourself in lavish 19th-century Paris for this light-hearted story of infidelity, bankruptcy, misunderstandings, and will-they-won’t-they romance, with music you’ll be humming all the way home.
Licensed bar, refreshments & raffle and fully accessible venue. Book tickets on the website, by contacting boxoffice@saods.org.uk, or by calling 07557670703.
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Live music: Beans On Toast + Nuala
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17
A travelling troubadour for the ages, Beans is an entertainer, singer, songwriter, storyteller, and a master of his art. Expect crowd favourites from years gone by, alongside fresh new songs about the state of the world.
Wednesday 12 November 2025
Theatre: Father JC’s Holy Show
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
Father JC – the Irish Drag Priest with mass appeal is taking a divine pilgrimage across the nation, bringing his big mass to the masses.
‘Father JC’s Holy Show’ is life-changing, iconic, epic, glamorous and just fabulous! But there’s one small catch…he hasn’t written it yet. With the help of an amateur DJ (Michelle Pittoni – Soho Theatre, Clean Break), he will amp up the sacrament with the big hymns, the bops, the beats and anthems! What could possibly go wrong?
Written and performed by multi-award-nominated artist Laura Wyatt O’Keeffe, this drag comedy extravaganza blends rituals and raves, faith and fun, in a divine hour of chaos and celebration on the dancefloor. With direction by Grace Duggan (National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse), expect big laughs, bigger performances, and the kind of soul-searching you won’t find in any pew.
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz
Quiz nights will never be the same again as SpeedQuizzing comes to Bedford town centre. Get your team of up to six players together and enjoy a fun, interactive night of entertainment hosted by Owen.
There’s a £60 bar tab to the winners and there is a rolling jackpot each week. Walk-ins are allowed on the night until the venue is full. Reserve your table online and get a 20 point head start.
Thursday, 13 November 2025
Talk: Literary Lives – Mabel Barltrop and Rachel Fox
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford @ 1pm – 2pm
Free entry
Dr Nicola Darwood from the University of Bedfordshire will bring an academic perspective to the writings and reading habits of Panaceans Mabel/Octavia and Rachel.
Thursday, 13 November 2025
Theatre: Journey to the Centre of the Earth
The Place Theatrev@ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £16
Take a break Rick Wakeman, back to your trailer Brendan Fraser, watch and learn Jules Verne, Lamphouse Theatre Company are going on a journey all the way to the centre of the Earth! Two intrepid explorers, one impossible mission (featuring at least one joke about a big hole), and no special effects budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?
From the makers of War of the Worlds (On a Budget) and Frankenstein (On a Budget) this new comedy take on Jules Verne’s classic novel will be one epic night out, full of belly laughs, brand new music and really impressive* dinosaurs.
Featuring Tom Fox and Becky Owen-Fisher, the familiar faces behind the On a Budget series, Journey to the Centre of the Earth will be another fan favourite. Expect silly jokes, catchy tunes, ridiculous costumes and lots and lots of cardboard.
*not actually that impressive
Thursday, 13 November 2025
Karaoke: Karaoke and cocktails
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm / doors open 6pm / Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
Sarah and Cameo host the only place for karaoke on a Thursday night on Bedford High Street. Choose from over 60,000 songs and sing like a pro with the Cellar Bar’s professional lighting, sound and stage.
Sing with your friends using multiple microphones and it’s two for £12 on cocktails all night.
Friday, 14 November 2025
Theatre Workshop: Shakespeare’s Battle of the Sexes
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £15
Step into the tension, passion, and power struggles that define Shakespeare’s greatest clashes between men and women. From the fiery flirtations of Much Ado About Nothing and The Taming of the Shrew, to the darker, more dangerous games of ambition in Macbeth, we’ll explore how Shakespeare turned love, rivalry, and desire into high drama.
Through theatre games and scene work, you’ll get a taste of both the comedy and the danger in these timeless duels. No experience required—just bring your curiosity and a bold spirit to take on the wit, the words, and the fire!
Workshop Leader, Rhodri, with over twenty years’ experience as both actor and drama teacher, combines stage know-how with a gift for inspiring others.
He’s performed everything from Shakespeare to contemporary plays and has guided students of all ages to find confidence, creativity, and joy in performance. Known for his energy and warmth, Rhodri makes every workshop and rehearsal a place where everyone can enjoy the magic of theatre.
Friday, 14 November 2025
Live music: The Style Councillors
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £20
Enjoy the iconic back catalogue of The Style Council, thanks to the tribute act, The Style Councillors.
Friday, 14 November 2025
Live music: Wildfire
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
Acoustic trio from Bedford, playing folk-rock and Americana covers.
Friday, 14 November 2025
Live music: Kerrank
The Cellar Bar @ 9pm
Free entry
KERRANK! is the ultimate Live KERRANG! tribute bringing the anthems, attitude, and sweat-soaked sound of the 90s – 00s to the stage.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
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.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Festive fun: Handmade Christmas Market
King’s House, 245 Ampthill Road MK42 9AZ @ 10am – 2pm
Free entry
This weekend is the perfect opportunity to kick off the festive season, with the King’s House 14th annual Handmade Christmas Market.
This year, there are 20 talented stall holders, each bringing their own beautiful hand-crafted gifts, decorations and festive treats. It’s the perfect chance to start your Christmas shopping, support local makers and enjoy a joyful community atmosphere.
Ground Floor Coffee shop will be open and there’ll be delicious refreshments, festive music and plenty of Christmas cheer — so, bring your friends and family along.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Teens: Writing For Wellbeing
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, MK40 3NX @ 10.30am – midday
Free entry
Led by local poet Katie O’Pray, the session will include writing prompts and inspiration from the Panacea Archives, including books and documents written by and belonging to the Members.
Aimed at teenagers, and a 12+ audience. Limited to 12 people – please note everyone attending needs a ticket, and extra people who have not booked can’t be admitted on the day.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Workshops: A celebration of Jane Austen
Rothsay Education Centre, Rothsay Gardens @ 10am onwards
See website for prices
Rothsay Education CentreThis month, the Rothsay Education Centre is hosting an array of workshops celebrating history, literature, and creativity, with a special focus on Jane Austen.
These workshops are open to all non-members to come and discover a place to learn. You can find out more and book online at recbedford.co.uk.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Classical music: Organ recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ midday
Free with retiring collection
Step into the beautiful surroundings of St Paul’s church to enjoy a free lunchtime organ recital. This week’s performance is by St Paul’s organist, Adam Wright.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers weekly walks
Meet at: MK43 8SQ / what3words: sunroof.dancer.tramps @ 1pm
To take part in this week’s walk, park and meet by the Church in Stagsden.
The route includes walking along the side of fields and past How Wood and towards Mount Pleasent Farm. There may be livestock in the fields.
Check out their website for full details of each walk.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Exhibition & workshops: A Pete McKee Celebration – ‘The Boy With A Leg Named Brian’
Bedford Esquires @ from 11am – 4pm / Q&A @ 6pm – 7pm
Free entry
Artist Pete McKee invites you to attend a special event hosted at one of the UK’s best-loved independent music venues. For the first time, Pete is bringing his two greatest passions together with his latest exhibition on display at Esquires during the day and a performance with his band on stage in the evening.
Read: A Pete McKee Celebration: music and art at Esquires
Throughout the day, Esquires will showcase the exhibition, ‘The Boy With A Leg Named Brian’, which takes visitors on a journey through Pete’s childhood in the 70s and 80s.
It starts with his upbringing on a working-class council estate and explores how he came to define his own identity through music and fashion. Although this is the story of Pete’s life, his memories and tales of everyday life and pop culture, are relatable experiences shared by many across the UK.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy the exhibition for free and take part in a family-friendly cartoon workshop. This will be a unique opportunity as, beyond its unusual setting, Esquires have allowed Pete to use parts of the venue – including the dressing rooms – that you wouldn’t normally get to see as a visitor.
From 6pm, Pete will host a Q&A about his life and career.
The exhibition, cartoon workshops and Q&A take place throughout the day and entry is free for all ages. No booking required.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Live music: The Everley Pregnant Brothers + The Ouse Valley Singles Club
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
After a day of celebrating the art of Pete McKee, Esquires by night will host a ticketed live show from The Everly Pregnant Brothers; the comedic ukulele band who are well known for their parodies of popular songs.
For those unfamiliar, Pete was one of the founding members of the band and after a summer of playing festivals, including Tramlines and Rock N Roll Circus, they are excited to be bringing songs from their latest album ‘Never Mind The Ukes, Here’s The Brothers’ to the main stage at Esquires.
The live show is supported by Bedford legends, The Ouse Valley Singles Club.
You can win tickets to the gig (and a McKee goody bag) at our giveaway. Find out how to enter here.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Classical music: Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: prices vary
Join Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra for a programme of well-loved classics including Mussorgsky Night on Bald Mountain, Mendelssohn Overture and incidental music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Dvořák Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Live Music: New Harmony
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
The guys need no introduction. Making a return to The Cellar Bar, New Harmony are the ultimate crowd pleasers, bringing you the very best in Reggae, Motown and classic soul songs.
Sunday, 16 November 2025
Live music: Benefits + Dan Le Sac
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm (matinee show)
Tickets: £14
Forming in 2019 and consisting of Kingsley Hall on vocals and Robbie Major on synths, beats and noise, Benefits quickly evolved into a group that aims to merge noise, house, hip hop, industrial rock, electronica, and an angry social media feed to get its point across.
A resolutely DIY outfit, they have managed to gain fans as diverse as Sleaford Mods, Steve Albini, Black Francis, Garbage, Jehnny Beth and Elijah Wood, as well as getting significant features in the NME, Rolling Stone, the Guardian, and the Quietus.
In 2023, they released their debut album “NAILS” on Invada Records, which garnered significant critical acclaim and numerous ‘album of the year’ nods, most significantly from Louder Than War magazine and BBC6music.
Sunday, 16 November 2025
Live music: Cheap Thrill$ play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Featuring Bob Peters on keys and Markos on drums, expect rock, rhythm and blues covers including classics from Tom Petty, Janis Joplin, Led Zep, Santana, Fleetwood Mac, Rollin Stones and more.
Sunday, 16 September 2025
Live music: U18’s Open Mic
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm – 7pm / Doors open @ 4pm
Free entry
If you’re under 18 and sing, play guitar, drums, or any other musical instrument, or are already in a band, the Cellar Bar is the place to be. It’s a chance for you to perform on a stage in front of an audience with a full PA, drum kit, amps, and lighting.
Hosted by none other than Mat Roberts, a legend of the Bedford music scene, he will be on hand to offer support and advice, as well as doing a few jam sessions of his own.
Under 18’s are welcome in the bar from 5pm until 9pm on Sundays for Junior Open Mic.
Sunday, 16 November 2025
Live music: Open Mic
The Cellar Bar @ 7.30pm / doors open at 4pm
Free entry
Immerse yourself in a full jam and band experience at The Cellar Bar on Open Mic nights, hosted by Mat Roberts.
The Cellar Bar was made for nights like this, 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, the Cellar Bar is the place to be. They have a full PA, full backline, drums and even have their own in-house bass and guitar.
At the Higgins Bedford
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, 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.
Until 29 November
Exhibition: The Panacea Society – Unravelling the Past: In Her Own Words
The Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford MK40 3NX @ Thursday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Free entry
This temporary exhibition showcases the poetry and prose written, edited and published by the Panacea Society, and reflecting on the authors and poets who influenced them.
The history and legacy of the Panacea Society focused through their own written works and personal book collections.
Including many documents, books and items never before displayed in the Museum.
This is part of a broader project, led by the University of Bedfordshire and in partnership with The Higgins Bedford.
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.
Theatre listings by Paula Walker
