It’s here… the only one-stop what’s on guide with the best of everything that’s happening over the next 10 days. From live music to walking tours, markets to comedy, dance music to theatre, we’ve got it all and it’s right on your doorstep.
Until Saturday 16 July 2022
Shopping: FiverFest
All over the town
£5
The FiverFest shop local campaign is back, and this year there are over 75 businesses taking part and offering something for just £5.
The event, organised by Helen Patterson of the Town Centre Champions, runs until 16 July.
Check out the map (by local illustrator, Katie Allen) to find your new favourite shop/cafe/restaurant/bar/business!
Friday 8 July 2022
Live music: Wrong Jovi
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Bedford Esquires welcome back Wrong Jovi, the world’s premier Bon Jovi tribute band. From greatest hits, to fan favourites, Wrong Jovi are the ultimate way to experience Bon Jovi.
Friday 8 July 2022
Live music: The Rose of Avalanche + Desperate Measures
Bedford Esquires @
Tickets:
For fans of: UK Subs, The Stooges, New York Dolls
Saturday 9 July 2022
Art and culture: Beds Urban Sketchers – Castle Road and Victorian Bedford
Meet outside the Gordon Arms @ 10.30am
Free to attend
Saturday 9 July 2022
Relax: Tea and Cake Cruise
John Bunyan Boat, Priory Marina, 2pm
Tickets: from £15
While away an afternoon with family and friends as you cruise along the River Great Ouse from Priory Marina to the Embankment and return. Your trip takes you through tranquil countryside and through Bedford town’s lock on to the Upper River where we will cruise along the Embankment before returning to Priory Marina.
Enjoy a delicious slice of locally made cake with endless tea or coffee. Selection includes victoria sponge(GF), chocolate and coffee & walnut cake.
Saturday 9 July 2022
Booktastic: Frostheart: The Rise of the World Eater by Jamie Littler
The Place Theatre @ 10am
Tickets: from £5
Age guidance: 9+
Saturday 9 July 2022
Booktastic: Agent Asha: Operation Cyber Chop by Sophie Deen
The Place Theatre @ 12noon
Tickets: from £5
Top secret Children’s Spy Agency’s newest recruit, Asha Joshi, is back with a new mission!
Asha is suspicious when evil teenage trillionaire Shelley Belly proposes to cut down all the trees in Asha’s favourite park to make way for CyberOaks – the new tech trees.
Asha is a top coder and super-spy, so she should be able to face robot security parrots, a suspicious internship and Shelley’s spy-base in Scotland to crack the case. Will Asha and her robo-hamster sidekick Tumbler be able to protect the park and save the day?
Age guidance:9+
Saturday 9 July 2022
Booktastic: Evil Emperor Penguin by Laura Anderson
The Place Theatre @ 1.30pm
Tickets: from £5
Far away in the icy wastes of Antarctica lives a warm and cuddly, kind-hearted penguin who only wants to do good in the world – NOT! This is no ordinary penguin. This is… EVIL EMPEROR PENGUIN! And he wants to take over the world!
Join author and illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson for a fun and exciting introduction to the world of her bestselling graphic series!
Age guidance: 7+
Saturday 9 July
Live music: Eddie & The Hot Rods live Bedford Esquires – Horseman Shakes & The Draymen reunion
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets:
Saturday 9 July 2022
Live music: Concerts at St. Andrew’s
St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12 / under 18s free entry
Joanna Reveley is an experienced flute recitalist whose programme will focus on some of the most beautiful flute works written by English composers.
The programme will have an English flavour. Charles Evans is a local composer know to many local singers and musicians and is intending to come along to the performance of his work.
Programme details as follows:
John Ranish Sonata in B minor
I. Adagio II. Allegro III. Giga
Albert Franz Doppler Fantaisie pastorale hongroise Op. 26
Edwin York Bowen Flute Sonata Op. 120
I. Allegro, non troppo II. Andante piacevole III. Allegro con fuoco
Philippe Gaubert Nocturne and Allegro Scherzando
Charles Evans Avoir la tete dans les nuages
Ian Clarke Spiral Lament
James Rae Sonatina for Flute and Piano: I. Aquarelle II. Nocturne III. Fire Dance
Saturday 9 July 2022
Choral music: Opus 18 Community Choir Summer Charity Concert
Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £8 (children £6)
This is Opus 18’s first live concert since before lockdown. As well as celebrating singing together again, the choir is also raising funds for Bedford Hospital’s new Paediatric A&E Dept and for Bedford Women’s Centre.
There will be refreshments and a raffle.
Tickets from evsutherlandmusic@hotmail.co.uk and 07974742552
Saturday 9 July 2022
Dance music: Lost in a Moment by Innervisions
Tofte Manor, Sharnbrook @ midday – 10pm
Tickets: £57.50
For the first time in three years, Lost In A Moment by Innervisions is back and takes over the stunning Tofte Manor in Sharnbrook.
Immerse yourself in a day of exploration at a 17th century manor house that combines the natural beauty of the UK countryside with the energy of a spiritual sanctuary. Guests will be able to fully immerse themselves and walk the sacred labyrinth on the day.
Innervisions founders Dixon and Âme will play b2b for the only time in the UK this year and it’s right on our doorstep!
Sunday 10 July 2022
Booktastic: I Spy Island & Supertato by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
The Place Theatre @ 10am
Tickets: from £5
From the creators of the epic series Supertato, Sue and Paul bring their latest picture book to Bedford! In the middle of the ocean, miles away from anywhere, is a happy little island that loves to play I spy… Join Island and friends Glove, Banana, Bird and Bottle as they investigate the curious case of what’s just washed up on Island’s chin…What can it be? And what adventures lie in store? Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet are the brilliant brains behind bestselling characters Supertato and Barry the Fish with Fingers.
Age guidance : 3+
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Sunday 10 July 2022
Booktastic: The Big Booktastic Poetry Picnic
The Place Theatre @ 1pm
Tickets: from £5
A snack-heavy celebration of music and poetry, with poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko. We’ll play fun (and quite silly) games to get to know each other and build your confidence and skill with words, then help you pen a poem with the power to send your picnic blanket skywards.
And we’ll play some Beatles meets the Beastie Boys style bangers of our own.
Sunday 10 July 2022
Market: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce market
St Paul’s Square @ 10am
Free
Grab a coffee from La Piazza and have a lazy Bedford Sunday at the Flea.
Sunday 10 July 2022
Guided walk: The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown
Meet at the gold letterbox in St Paul’s Square at 11am
Tickets: £3/£150
Join the knowledgeable Bedford Tour Guides for a fascinating insight into the history of Bedford Castle.
The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown is undoubtedly the River Great Ouse and its Embankment. Find out how the construction of this part of the town came about and hear about the many important features which stand on either side of the river and which can easily be overlooked.
Sunday 10 July 2022
Music: Music at the Mill
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre @ 6.45pm
Tickets: £20 (including a drinks reception)
For one night only, The Mill will be alive with the sound of music with a very special show in honour of Brian Woodrow.
Over the years, Brian, helped to raise over £10m for a number of charities, including The Mill and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.
To celebrate and to pay tribute to his life, a host of performers will come together to put on a spectacular show that will feature, music maestro Lincoln Noel, opera singer Tyler Clarke, the Sharnbrook Community Choir, Julie Futcher, and so many more.
A beautiful eclectic mix of music, from jazz, too classical, and songs from the shows, it really will be a night of entertainment for all.
Funds from this event will be shared between Sharnbrook Mill Theatre and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.
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Tuesday 12 July 2022
Live music: Lunchtime concerts
St Paul’s Church @ 1pm
Free entry with a retiring collection (suggested £5) in aid of church funds
This week’s lunchtime concert at St Paul’s church, Bedford features Six on Sax. Free with a retiring collection.
Wednesday 13 July 2022
Film: Persona (1966)
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £5
A young nurse, Alma, is put in charge of Elisabeth Vogler: an actress who is seemingly healthy in all respects, but will not talk.
As they spend time together, Alma speaks to Elisabeth constantly, never receiving any answer. The time they spend together only strengthens the crushing realization that one does not exist.
Thursday 14 July 2022
Eat: Thali Tandoor Curry Cruise
John Bunyan Boat, Priory Marina @ 6.30pm
Tickets £25
Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise as the sun goes down along The Embankment, past the 12th century Castle Mound, and under the historic town bridge – all whilst enjoying a traditional thali curry supper.
Thursday 14 July 2022
Comedy: Comedy in the Garden
Brewpoint, Bedford @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12 each / table for six £60
Castle Comedy returns to the Brewpoint garden with a combo of brilliant
comedy, craft beer and delicious food.
Jarlath Regan is a hugely talented comedian who has numerous TV credits,
awards and a hit podcast on his hands. His podcast ‘An Irishman Abroad’ has a
legion of loyal fans, millions of downloads and The Daily Telegraph went as far as
to forecast that it “could turn out to be one of the biggest podcasts since Ricky
Gervais picked up a microphone.”
Also on the bill is Paul McCaffrey (Live At The Apollo, Impractical Jokers, Russell Howard’s Good News and Stand Up Central) and Julian Deane (Russell Howard’s Hour, Comedy Central).
As ever, Castle Comedy’s Paul Revill hosts the show.
Thursday 14 July 2022
Theatre: In PurSuet
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: Pay What You Can from £8
Delusional Sue Perkins superfan, sent to therapist to deal with her drinking, relays her adventures pursuing Sue. Fleabag meets Miranda in this heartfelt new LGBT comedy/drama.
Thursday 14 July 2022
Quiz: Esquires Music Quiz
Bedford Esquires @ 8.30pm
Entry: £2
Esquires’ Monthly Music quiz featuring hits from the 50’s to the present day.
Teams of up to six people. £2 per person to enter. Cash prize for the winning team.
Friday 15 July 2022
Family fun: Summer Fayre
Kings Oak Primary School, Oak Road, Bedford, MK42 0HH @ 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Free entry
The Bedford community is invited to the Summer Fayre at Kings Oak Primary School.
Visitors will be able to see the animals from our school farm, have fun on the bouncy castle, get your face painted, browse and maybe purchase a range of wonderful food and crafts, enjoy an ice cream or even a mojito (non-alcoholic of course). Entry is free.
Friday 15 July 2022
Theatre: Houdini: A Magician Among the Spirits
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £10
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Friday 15 July 2022
Live music: The Blow Monkeys
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
Tickets: £20
With hits like Digging Your Scene and It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way, The Blow Monkeys epitomised the glamour of mid-80s pop at its most graceful and sophisticated.
The Blow Monkeys openly criticised the policies of the 1980’s Conservative government, railing against social injustices and adopting an openly left-of-centre stance on issues of the day.
From openly endorsing the gay community (Digging Your Scene) to an outright attack on Margaret Thatcher (Celebrate (The Day After You)) – a duet with the late, great Curtis Mayfield, The Blow Monkeys were always the thinking person’s pop group. In 1988 the band were at the forefront of club culture releasing the huge classics ‘Choice’, ‘Wait’ & ‘Slaves no More’ all huge tracks on the European dancefloor and showing another side of the band.
Saturday 16 July 2022
Workshop: Zoo Co Deaf Day Workshop
The Place Theatre @12 noon
Tickets: Pay What You Can
Suitable for ages 5-10 (parents must be present)
Saturday 16 July 2022
On the river: Fish and Chip Supper Cruise
John Bunyan Boat, Priory Marina @ 6pm
Tickets: from £21
Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise as the sun goes down along Bedford’s picturesque countryside and the Embankment.
Navigate the town lock and cruise past the 12th century mound of Bedford Castle before going under the historic Town Bridge as we make our way along to Queens Bridge, enjoying our Fish & Chip supper.
Saturday 16 July 2022
Film: Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
The Place Theatre @ 3pm
Tickets: £5
Peter Parker is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high stakes of being a superhero.
When he asks for help from Doctor Strange the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
Saturday 16 July 2022
Comedy: Gavin Lilley
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
This event is part of Access Bedford’s Deaf Celebratoin 2022.
Gavin’s talent as an actor means his ability to portray various people in different settings is absolutely spot on. He can imitate conversations and incidents between deaf and hearing people and describe deaf communities to the point where you’re howling in agreement.
Saturday 16 July 2022
Live music: The Cureheads
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
For this show The Cureheads will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the classic WISH album which was released in 1992 playing a selection of tracks from this album as well as a massive fan-pleasing mixture of the band’s material from all eras from the big original hits as well as classic album tracks and b-sides.
Saturday 16 July 2022
Live music: Weekend Recovery + Yur Mum + Warning Signal
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Leeds-based grunge rockers, Weekend Recovery, bring their exciting live show to Bedford Esquires for the first time. The bill also includes Yur Mum and Warning Signal.
Sunday 17 July 2022
Guided walk: Life and Times of John Bunyan
Meet at the gold letterbox in St Paul’s Square at 11am
Tickets: £3/£150
Join the knowledgable Bedford Tour Guides for a fascinating insight into the history of Bedford Caslte.
Bedford’s most famous son, John Bunyan, was born in Elstow parish but spent much of his life in Bedford and, in particular, in Bedford gaol. Visit the site of the cottage in which John and his family lived, the churches in which he worshipped and the site of the gaol in which he spent 12 long years and wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Sunday 17 July 2022
On the River: Sunday Afternoon Cruise
John Bunyan Boat, Priory Marina 1.30pm or Sovereigns Quay @ 2.30pm
Tickets: from £10
This cruise calls at Sovereign’s Quay to pick up additional passengers, before cruising upriver passing the Guru Nanak Gurdwara temple in Queens Park, Kempston Outdoor Centre and on towards Kempston Mill before returning.
Sunday 17 July 2022
Live music: Vintage Stuff play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm – 8pm
Free entry
The Bedford boy band who refuse to grow old return for a Sunday Afternoon Session in the bar at Esquires. Free entry.
Coming soon…
21 – 31 July 2022
Festival: Bedford Festival Fringe
The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s
Ticket prices vary
For the 15th year, the International Bedford Festiva Fringe – Bedfringe – will be back in the heart of the town this July, including a performance from actor, comedian and impressionist, Jon Culshaw.
Returning to the Quarry Theatre, Bedfringe will run from Thursday 21 – Sunday 31 July, bringing a programme of top-quality comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance, physical theatre, spoken word, poetry and children’s theatre to our doorstep.
The full programme of over 120 events is now live on their website.
“Expect to see 120+ events in 11 days across three venues,” said Bedfrdinge director, James Pharaoh.
“Hopefully there will be something for everyone.”
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July 2022
Festivals: Bedford River Festival
Everywhere!
Free entry
This year’s River Festival returns after a three-year hiatus and we are so ready for it.
There are lots of new additions this year, including Bands on the Bridge, the BBC Introducing Music stage, a vegan lounge as well as the One Hundred Motoring Exhbition along Bedford High Street and St Paul’s Square.
As ever, there will be lots of fun on the river, plus plenty to see and do, from live music to sports activities, historical renactments to food and drink.
Read:Everything you need to know about Bedford River Festival 2022
Find out more at the Explore Bedford website and also the Bedford River Festival official website.
Until January 2023
Exhibition: Edward Bawden: Artist Plantsman
Higgins Bedford
Free entry but timed tickets required
Every day, influential British artist and designer, Edward Bawden, would spend an hour in his garden at his home in Great Bardfield before starting work in his art studio. Plants and gardens were one of the most prominent and constant subjects of not only his work but also his life.
Drawn exclusively from the Edward Bawden archive, explore Bawden’s lifelong love of plants and gardens through a wide range of his work, including early wallpaper designs, well-known prints, advertising campaigns and private commissions.
From the grand gardens of Carthage and the botanical gardens at Kew, to Bawden’s own gardens at his parent’s home in Braintree and his beloved one-acre plot in Great Bardfield, discover Bawden’s passion for plants and gardens across decades of his work, featuring pieces that have never before been on public display.
Until October 2022
Exhibition: Body & Soul
The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
Edvard Munch (1863–1944), Woman with a Brooch (Madonna), 1903 © The Trustees of the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery
A new exhibition exploring how women have been represented in art over the past two centuries, opens at The Higgins Bedford on 2 April.
Read: Body & Soul: Higgins’ new exhibition explores the representation of women in art
Highlights in the Body & Soul exhibition – all drawn from the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection – include artworks by Edgar Degas, Edvard Munch, Dora Carrington, Stanley Spencer, Henri Matisse, Gwen John, Roy Litchenstein, Lucian Freud and Chila Burman.
Theatre highlights by Paula Walker
