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, 6 August 2025
Walking: “I Didn’t Know That” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
The most commonly heard phrase after the completion of a Guided Walk. This Walk encompasses all that information about Bedford and its many features that YOU never knew!
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, 6 August 2025
Walking: Bedford Mindful Embankment Walk
Meet outside the Bedford Swan Hotel @ 6.30pm
Free / just turn up
This month’s walk marks the one year anniversary of Bedfod Mindful Embankment Walks and to celebrate, walkers are invited to enjoy a drink at Albero Lounge after the walk.
As ever, the walk will begin with an introduction and wellbeing check as you head towards the Butterfly Bridge. From there you will be guided through a meditation practice before walking towards and finishing at the riverside bar in silence.
This is a safe space and community for everyone. Monthly walks all year round. Reclaim your peace and freedom with every step.
Thursday, 7 August 2025
Quiz night: Irish Folk Night
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 6pm
Free entry
Head to the Castle for some classic foot tapping Irish tunes and a great craic.
Thursday, 7 August 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, 7 August 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, 7 – Tuesday, 26 August 2025
Festival: Wild Canvas
Turvey House
Tickets: Day entry from £15/£5 / check website for camping availability and prices
Now in its sixth year, Wild Canvas is a one-of-a-kind camping experience blending nature, music, creative arts and wellness – right on our doorstep in the beautiful riverside grounds of Turvey House.
Guests can take part in a range of activities including bushcraft, circus skills, life drawing and kids craft sessions. Paddleboarding lessons are available, or campers can bring their own kayaks and SUPs to explore the River Great Ouse. Other activities include an outdoor games club, kids disco and talent show.
New for 2025, an intimate live music stage will feature small-scale jazz and folk performances on Saturday evenings.
Friday, 8 August 2025
Live music: Miles Hunt (The Wonder Stuff)
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.50
Miles Hunt’s live shows are peppered with classic Wonder Stuff tunes and Miles’ natural raconteur spirit, so expect funny anecdotes aplenty.
“Hup’fully” this will be even better than last years sell-out show. Guaranteed not to let us down (gently) at all.
Friday, 8 August 2025
Live Music: MoonDog & The SunCats
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
The Cellar Bar is excited to welcome the pioneering band of ‘schwafflepop’ – MoonDog & the SunCats. They are not just a band, but more of a fun experience in melodic storytelling.
Last time they rocked the house! Not to be missed.
Friday, 8 August 2025
Live music: Kerrank!
The Cellar Bar @ 11pm / 3am close
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, 9 August 2025
Shopping: Bedford Craft Market
Silver Square & Silver Street
From soap flower gifts to up-cycled jars and glasses, wax melts to handmade bags and clothes, hand-painted plant pots to knitwear, you will find high-quality and original produce that showcases local crafters’ passion and expertise.
There will be free workshops and performances in Silver Square too.
Saturday, 9 August 2025
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Sharnbrook, Parking at the Academy MK44 1JL @ 10am
Colmworth Golf Club, MK44 2AP @ 1.30pm
This weekend’s morning outing is a 13 mile walk to Poddington.
At 1.30pm, meet at Colmworth Golf Club for a 6.5-mile summer walk across the local countryside.
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, 9 August 2025
Walk: Brewpoint pub walk and talk
Location will be confirmed when booking is made
Tickets: £25 (includes a half pint/soft drink at each pub)
A walking tour of five of Wells & Co’s pubs and venues in Bedford in the company of Brewpoint’s pub expert.
You’ll discover the history of the company and how each pub ties in with that story. Expect lots of interesting facts and anectodes plus try Brewpoint beers and bask in the ambience of our regional brewing culture.
The tour is limited to 15 people, so booking is essential. You can make a booking here.
Saturday, 9 August 2025
Dance music: Good Times – K-Klass, DJ Swan-E, MC Magika, Dave Bergin & Gav James
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16
Good Times presents the history of House featuring K-klass, DJ Swan-E, MC Magika, Dave Bergin and Gav James. A star-studded line up of true legends taking you on an exhilarating, electrifying, ecstatic journey through dance music history of the 90s and beyond.
Saturday, 9 August 2025
Live music: Cameo playing all night
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens at 6pm / Happy Hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
Cellar Bar favourite Cameo is back for another solo performance, so expect a beautiful voice and some awesome party tunes. She’ll be singing classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and so much in between. Be ready for a cracking party night.
Sunday, 10 August 2025
Shopping: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market
Harpur Square @ 10am
Your one-stop shop for all things flea, art and local produce. Bedford Flea prides itslef on being the purveyors of quality with the emphasis on locally made, grown and sourced products, from some of the area’s most skilled small businesses and hobbyists.
Sunday, 10 August 2025
Walking: “Plaques and Plinths” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
Have you ever wondered about the stories behind some of the blue plaques that adorn several buildings around the town or wanted to know more about some of the statues and monuments that grace the town centre? This walk will reveal the stories behind the Plaques & Plinths and why such recognition is warranted.
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, 10 August 2025
Live music: Music in the Meadows featuring May Blossom Vintage Songbird
Mill Meadows @ 3pm – 5pm
Free to attend
Bedford’s much-loved Music in the Meadows bandstand concerts return this August, so bring the family, pack a picnic and enjoy two hours of traditional bandstand music.
Sunday, 10 August 2025
Dance music: Daytime Disco
The Cellar Bar @ 4pm – 11pm
Free entry
It’s back – and The Cellar Bar Daytime Disco is now going right through to 11pm. Not only can you dance and sing along to some of the greatest hits ever on a Sunday afternoon, you get to carry on partying well into the evening too. And it’s all free! No tickets required.
Indulge in an afternoon filled with nostalgic tunes, sing-alongs, and a great atmosphere. The glitterball will be up and the neon outfits on. Anyone dressing up will get a free shot from the bar. Free glow sticks and props.
Wednesday, 13 August 2025
Archaeology: Geology drop-in
The Higgins Bedford @ 11am – 1pm
Free entry but booking essential at thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk
Do you have geology specimens that you would like identified? Bring in your rock, fossil, mineral and crystal finds and Bev Fowlston from Bedfordshire Geology Group will help to answer your questions. To book your place, email thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk.
Wednesday, 13 August 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, 14 – Sunday, 17 August 2025
Family fun: Bedford Beach Week
Silver Square
Free
On Thursday, 14 – Sunday, 17 August, Bedford Beach Week returns to the town centre, at its new location in Silver Square (just by the Silver Faces).
Read: Hometown tourist: Holiday fun for kids in Bedford this summer
Children aged five to 12 can dig, build, and play in real sand, right in the heart of the town and all completely free of charge. Perfect for families looking to bring a little beachside joy to summer holidays!
Thursday, 14 August 2025
Walking: “A tour of St Paul’s Church” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
St. Paul’s church has been at the centre of Bedford’s life for over one thousand years and has many stories to tell. Join us on a tour of this beautiful church in the heart of Bedford as we tell 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.
Friday, 15 August 2025
Live music: Noasis
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Noasis is the definitive tribute band to Manchester’s five-piece super group Oasis. Since their formation in 2006 and with over 1,000 performances to date, Noasis has justly earned its reputation as the best tribute on the circuit, packing out venues up and down the UK
With the real OASIS back in the game, this reformation has sparked even more interest in the band and the Saturday show has already sold out. The perfect antidote to Oasis Live 25 FOMO.
Friday, 15 August 2025
Live music: Yaang + Lame + The Switch
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
It’s already been quite the year for YAANG. They were announced as part of the illustrious hype list ‘NME 100’ last month where they were heralded as “one of the most exciting bands to come from the North West.”
In addition, their growing list of BBC Radio 6Music supporters includes Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, Emily Pilbeam, Indie Forever, New Music Fix – via backing too from The Line of Best Fit, DIY, Radio X (John Kennedy) and Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon.
Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 August 2025
Dance music: Original Culture Festival
Priory Country Park @ 2pm
Tickets: From £35
This month, Original Culture Festival returns for its fourth edition, bringing music, unity and culture to Priory Country Park – and it’s set to be the biggest and best yet.
Read: The countdown is on to this year’s Original Culture Festival
This year, Saturday is strictly for the over 18s and features an explosive lineup including Scorcher & Friends, DJ Luck & MC Neat, London Garage Orchestra, DJ AG & Friends, Saxon Sound System, and a full cast of iconic UK names across garage, hip-hop, and reggae.
Sunday’s lineup features Lifford Shillingford, The Pride, Sophia Soul, DJ Covie, Kirsten Knight, and many more plus, there is a dedicated Children’s Area featuring inflatables, face painting, rides, crafts, games bus, and children’s entertainers.
And Garage fans are in for a nostalgia fest, as the “Give Me Garage” Arena brings back 30 years of old school garage classics from the pioneers of the scene.
Saturday, 16 August 2025
Live music: Wreckless Eric
Bedford Esquires @ 7:30pm
Tickets: £15
A bit about Eric? He needs little introduction, having written and recorded the classic Whole Wide World and had a hit with it back in 1977.
Since then, it’s been a hit for countless other artists, including The Monkees, Cage The Elephant and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, featured in the 2022 Expedia / Superbowl / Ewan MacGregor travel ad, and most recently in the podcast Smartless. Unmasked, unhinged and still alive – a survivor of Covid-19 (resulting in a near-fatal heart attack), Eric presents himself alone if not simply with electric and acoustic guitars, and electronics of his own making.
Saturday, 16 August 2025
Live music: Joe Cullen
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm / Bar opens @ 6pm / Happy Hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
Joe rocks the Cellar Bar every time he plays, so don’t miss out! He’ll be playing covers by Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Oasis, Harry Styles, The Killers, Coldplay and maybe some Irish folk mixed in!
Sunday, 17 August 2025
Walking: “Bedford’s Movers and Shakers” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
You will know of the ‘mugshot’, but did you know it was first introduced into the criminal justice system by Robert Evan Roberts, a reforming governor of Bedford Prison in Victorian times? Join us on this walk and meet Roberts and others who made a difference in Bedford and in the world; an astronomer, a polar explorer, the first woman county councillor and discover how some of the most attractive private dwellings in Bedford came to grace this area of town. N.B. Please note that this walk starts from St Loyes, opposite Bedford Prison
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, 17 August 2025
Live music: Music in the Meadows featuring Fynnius Fogg
Mill Meadows @ 2pm – 5pm
Free to attend
Bedford’s much-loved Music in the Meadows bandstand concerts return this August, so bring the family, pack a picnic and enjoy two hours of traditional bandstand music.
This week, music comes from the ever-popular Fynnius Fogg.
Sunday, 17 August 2025
Live music: U18’s Open Mic
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm – 7.00pm / bar opens at 3pm
Free entry
The Cellar Bar is throwing its doors open to the next generation of Bedford musicians, with a dedicated junior open mic session for under 18s.
Whether you sing, play guitar, drums, or any other musical instrument, or are a band already, you are welcome to take part. It’s a chance for you to perform on a stage in front of an audience with a full pa, drum kit, amps, lighting.
Hosted by none other than Mat Roberts, Mat 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, 17 August 2025
Live Music: Open Mic Night
The Cellar Bar @ 7.30pm
Free Entry
Join Mat Roberts for the Cellar Bar’s monthly Open Mic night; an opportunity for new and experienced performers to get up on stage and perform in front of a live audience.
So, whether you think you are the next Tom Grennan or just want a good night of entertainment, head to the Cellar Bar from 7.30pm.
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Cruising: Family Eye-Spy cruise
Departing from Suspension Bridge (Mill Meadows side) @ 1.30pm and 3pm
Tickets: £11/£8.50
Keep the kids entertained during the school holidays with the John Bunyan Boat’s Family EyeSpy cruise. Relax as you cruise by Bedford’s landmarks along the Embankment and spot wildlife on the Great River Ouse. How many of the landmarks you can spot?
*Departing from: Suspension Bridge (Mill Meadows side) at 1.30pm & 3.00pm for a 45 minute cruise along the embankment before returning to Suspension Bridge.
Friday, 22 – Monday, 25 August 2025
Vintage: Twinwood Festival
Twinwood Arena, Clapham
Tickets: from £72
Now in its 21st year, the beloved Twinwood Festival takes place at the Twinwood Arena in Clapham, just outside Bedford, on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Organisers promise a four-day celebration packed with more than 100 live performances across multiple stages, spanning genres including swing, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, Americana and soul. But it’s not just about the music; Twinwood Festival offers a fully immersive vintage experience.
There are free dance lessons, a Mr & Miss Vintage fashion competition, classic car displays, vintage markets, themed indoor bars, hair and beauty salons, children’s entertainment and cabaret and comedy into the last night.
Friday, 22 August 2025
Live music: BuBounce
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
Ska band, Bubounce, return to Bedford this summer, featuring Cellar Bar favourite Lord Baker on lead vocals. Expect an amazing, explosive performance of the best in classic Ska tunes.
Friday, 22 – Monday, 25 August 2025
Vintage: Twinwood Festival
Twinwood Arena, Clapham
Tickets: from £72
Now in its 21st year, the beloved Twinwood Festival takes place at the Twinwood Arena in Clapham, just outside Bedford, on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Organisers promise a four-day celebration packed with more than 100 live performances across multiple stages, spanning genres including swing, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, Americana and soul. But it’s not just about the music; Twinwood Festival offers a fully immersive vintage experience.
There are free dance lessons, a Mr & Miss Vintage fashion competition, classic car displays, vintage markets, themed indoor bars, hair and beauty salons, children’s entertainment and cabaret and comedy into the last night.
Saturday, 23 August 2025
Walking: “The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown is undoubtedly the River Great Ouse and its Embankment. This entertainig and informative circular walk takes you along the banks of the river, which has been described as one of the finest riverside settings in England. Learn the story of the Victorian Embankment development and enjoy a walk in the ornamental gardens.
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.
Saturday, 23 August 2025
Dance music: brat summer isn’t over club night
Bedford Esquires @ 9pm
Tickets: £5
I want this to last forever
brat summer isn’t over
sat 23 aug
please don’t let it be over
Sunday, 24 August 2024
Community: Ukrainian Independence Day
Harpur Square and Bedford Corn Exchange @ midday
Free to attend
Celebrations will be taking place in Harpur Square and at the Corn Exchange on Sunday, 24 August, to mark Ukrainian Independence Day in Bedford.
Read: Bedford celebrates Ukrainian Independence Day on 24 August
Organised by PBIC and Art School Tsymbal, the event will begin at midday at Harpur Square with the raising of the Ukrainian flag and the Ukrainian national anthem.
From there, attendees are invited to walk together to the Bedford Corn Exchange, where celebrations will continue until 4pm.
Sunday, 24 August 2025
Live music: Music in the Meadows featuring Mainline Big Band
Mill Meadows @ 3pm – 5pm
Free to attend
Bedford’s much-loved Music in the Meadows bandstand concerts return this August, so bring the family, pack a picnic and enjoy two hours of traditional bandstand music.
Sunday, 24 August 2025
Live music: Sambroso All Stars present Buena Vista Social Club
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
Is there a more iconic Cuban album than Buena Vista Social Club’s eponymous debut?
Doing this album any sort of justice is no easy task, but there isn’t anyone better than Sambroso Noda, the beating heart of London’s Cuban community and flourishing music scene. The seven-piece all-star band promises to mesmerise the crowd with their combination of Cuban Son, Latin Jazz and Rumba, from Cuba’s Golden era.
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Walking: “The Tour of St Peter’s Church” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
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.
Friday, 29 and Saturday, 30 August 2025
Live music: HMS Fest
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £17.50
The Heavy Metal Syndicate presents… HMS Festival 2025!!
Established in 2024, a local band brought together a group of bands and like-minded individuals to perform a day festival at Bedford Esquires. This year, the Heavy Metal Syndicate Festival returns bigger and better than before. Taking place over two days, HMS Festival brings together the best local rock and metal the area has to offer as well as some outside talent.
The Friday lineup features: Hereward, Skarlett Envy, Own Your Life, Lucid High
The Saturday lineup features: Fire Fall, The injester, Sypha, Uridium, Tempest Saint, Broken States, Of Concrete Gods, Invicta
Friday, 29 August 2025
Family & community: Bright Emotions’ Family Day
O’Meara Sports Complex, Fiona Way, Bedford, MK41 0FD @ 1pm – 5pm
Free entry
Find out more about Bright Emotions and other local organisations at this free family fun day. Get creative, get active and connect with the community.
Saturday, 30 August 2025
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Bromham, Park at the end of Molivers Lane MK43 8LD @ 1.30pm
At 1.30pm, join this seven-mile walk through Picts estate and then to Stevington.
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, 30 August 2025
Classical music: Supernova Spectacular
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 3.30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets: From £19
A groundbreaking live music performance that blends film scores, holographic wizardry, and virtuoso musicianship is coming to Bedford Corn Exchange this summer, thanks to three local musicians.
This spectacle is described as a kaleidoscopic blend of sci-fi and space-themed film scores, a mind-bending 3D holographic lightshow, alongside the virtuosic flair of the UK’s finest musicians, brought to life by the London Cinematic Orchestra.
Supernova Spectaculars will take audiences at Bedford Corn Exchange on an immersive journey through iconic soundtracks from cinematic blockbusters such as Star Wars, Interstellar, Minority Report, Star Trek, and Independence Day.
Far removed from traditional orchestral concerts, this new production is an eruption of special effects — flashing lights, pulsating strobes, and laser beams that dance through the air, creating a visual and auditory feast for the senses.
Saturday, 30 August 2025
Live music: Jane Weaver + The Grubby Mitts
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
One of the UK’s most innovative and evocative musical artists, over the past decade Jane has released a series of fantastically acclaimed albums that take in everything from acid folk, space rock, krautrock experimentalism and gorgeous pop melodies.
Dubbed ‘the high priestess of eccentric exploration’, her 2021 album ‘Flock’ saw her embrace disco with Kylie meets Goldfrapp hooks set against a psychedelic backing whilst 2024’s ‘Love in Constant Spectacle’ channelled bands like Stereolab and Broadcast and was named as one of the albums of the year by Rough Trade, Quietus and Mojo, amongst others.
With a career that has spanned over twenty years, during which time she has been sampled by Coldplay and worked with Gruff Rhys, The Jesus & Mary Chain and Doves, somehow Jane Weaver has never played Esquires before, so the team are over the moon to finally welcome her to Bedford for a special one off show following her headline performance at the Brighton Psych Festival.
Sunday, 31 August 2025
Walking: “Bedford’s South Bank Show” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)
The settlement south of the river is attributed in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle in 915 to King Edward the Elder. During the latter half of the 20th Century, the south of Bedford changed dramatically as modern development took place. This walk reveals the medieval past and the more recent lost industry, buildings, public houses and the importance of Bedford’s South Bank to the development of the town.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WALK CROSSES UNDER A LOW BRIDGE OF 4’ 9” HEIGHT TWICE ON ROUTE.
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, 31 August 2025
Live music: Music in the Meadows featuring The Freedom Jazz Orchestra
Mill Meadows @ 3pm – 5pm
Free to attend
Bedford’s much-loved Music in the Meadows bandstand concerts return this August, so bring the family, pack a picnic and enjoy two hours of traditional bandstand music.
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.
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.
Exhibition: The Panacea Society and the Second World War
The Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford MK40 3NX @ Thursday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Free entry
A new social history exhibition has opened at the Panacea Museum this month, exploring the unseen story of this remarkable society and World War II.
Read: New exhibition: The Panacea Society and the Second World War
The beautiful gardens surrounding the Museum are currently filled with blossoming trees, birds, butterflies and bees, and a stroll through the grounds is a highly recommended in addition to a visit to the museum.
Occasional Wednesdays (please check website)
Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz. Rolling cash jackpot of £150 plus £60 cash for the winning team and other prizes to winTo reserve your table –
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.
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!
Third Sunday of the month
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 to the Cellar Bar from 7.30pm.
Theatre highlights by Paula Walker
