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 Thursday and is the only guide you need to know what’s on and what’s happening across the Borough for the next 10 days.
Thursday 8 June 2023
Comedy: Castle Comedy June Special
The Quarry Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £15
BANDOMAN a.k.a Rob Broderick fuses comedy, improvisation, and hip hop to take an audience on a magical journey! He transforms their likes, loathes and daydreams into hit songs and captivating tales.
He has performed in the house band for Alan Carr’s Happy Hour on Channel 4 alongside Craig David, appeared in 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and stole the show on ITV1’s Christmas Comedy Club with Lost Voice Guy. He has also supported and toured with pop behemoth Ed Sheeran.
Friday 9 June 2023
Live music: Calling Planet Earth
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £26
A New Romantic Symphony that goes on a journey through one of the greatest musical Era’s of All Time – The Electrifying 80’s
Featuring songs from now legendary artists such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, The Human League, Ultravox, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, OMD, Japan, ABC, Soft Cell and many more…
Friday 9 June 2023
Theatre: A Room of One’s Own
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £13
The award-winning Dyad Productions return with a twenty-first-century take on Virginia Woolf’s celebrated pre-TED talk.
Take a wry, amusing, and incisive trip through the history of literature, feminism, and gender. Meet Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Aphra Behn, and Shakespeare’s sister – Judith!
Travel to the far-flung future of… 2028. But whatever you do, Keep Off the Grass.
Rebecca Vaughan (Female Gothic, Orlando, Christmas Gothic, Dalloway, Austen’s Women, Jane Eyre: An Autobiography) performs Woolf’s 1928 exploration of the impact of poverty and sexual inequality on intellectual freedom and creativity.
Friday 9 June 2023
Live music: Joe Cullen
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm.
Free entry
He rocked the place last time he played so Joe Cullen makes a welcome return to The Cellar Bar. Playing covers by Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Oasis, Harry Styles, The Killers, Coldplay plus more…
Friday 9 June 2023
Live music: Rozi Plain + Low Girl (solo)
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £13.50
This month Esquires is super excited to be hosting the brilliant Rozi Plain as part of her UK tour.
Over the course of four albums, Rozi Plain’s hypnotic, gently askew songs have steadily sauntered their way from her birthplace of Winchester, reverberated through the bustling Bristol DIY scene, to where they now emanate from London’s creative epicentre.
Acquiring a worldliness that’s reflected in her travels as a touring musician, each consecutive release has broached new sonic territory, whilst retaining a home-grown intimacy and a familial warmth of spirit. On Prize, her upcoming fifth long-player, due for release on Memphis Industries on 13 January 2023, Rozi’s unique, heart-felt approach continues to prevail, marking her as one of our most innovative and engaging songwriters.
Support is a solo set from local legend, Low Girl.
Friday 9 June 2023
Live music: My Life Story
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Britpop favourites My Life Story make a very welcome return to Bedford Esquires as part of their 2023 Uk Tour
Releasing three successful albums and six top forty singles in the 1990s combining playful, evocative lyrics with memorable melodies, My Life Story is best known as a flamboyant orchestral 11-piece with string and brass section.
Signed to Parlophone in 1996, the band released The Golden Mile which spawned the hit singles Sparkle, 12 Reasons Why I Love Her, The King of Kissingdom, Strumpet and Duchess, and re-released a remastered version of 1995 album Mornington Crescent.
Joined Up Talking followed on Mother Tongue Records in 2000, featuring the sixth hit single, It’s A Girl Thing.
After enjoying early dates headlining over Oasis, My Life Story went on to tour with Blur and Pulp, among many others, at the height of the Britpop era. My Life Story were firm favourites on the live scene and enjoyed particular success in France and Germany.
The My Life Story orchestra also collaborated with acts such as Morrissey, Marc Almond and The Wonderstuff. The band’s current quintet line-up is led by frontman and songwriter Jake Shillingford, with a distinct rockier sound.
Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 June 2023
Environment: Great Big Green Week events
Borough-wide
Once again, organisations, individuals and communities are joining together to take part in The Great Big Green Week – the UK’s biggest call for action on climate change.
This year’s event takes place on 10 – 18 June 2023 and there will be a wide range of events to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change while also making a connection with these issues in our community. Full details in the coming week…
Saturday 10 June 2023
Great Big Green Week: Flower Flash
Bedford Embankment (north side) by the Suspension Bridge @ 9am – 4pm
A group of Bedfordshire flower farmers and independent local florists will be creating another ‘Flower Flash’ on Saturday to mark the start of the Great Big Green Week in Bedford.
Jane and Pete of Hay Lane Flowers have come up with a design to reflect – quite literally, as it includes reflection pools – the beauty of our river. There will be a selfie station, giveaways and of course a chance to sit and enjoy the Star regatta which is also taking place on Saturday.’
Saturday 10 June 2023
Live music: Organ recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ noon
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Organ recital by Ian Runnells (Director of Music, St Paul’s, Bedford)
Saturday 10 June 2023
Classical music: Bedford Choral Society present ‘Across the Pond’
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Ticket Price £16 / £13 / Students £6 / children under 18 with accompanying adult £5
Across the Pond is an evening of music with an American connection including Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Agnus Dei by Samuel Barber, Five Negrol Spirituals by Michael Tippet and Five Herbrew Love Songs by Eric Whitacre.
Saturday 10 June 2023
Live music: Meg Sentance
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
The wonderful Meg Sentance heads to the Cellar Bar for a night of musical entertainment. Meg is an incredibly versatile singer, we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Sunday 11 June 2023
Games Workshop: RPG Youth Club
The Place Theatre @ 10am
Tickets: from £4
Aged 10-18? Love games, fantasy, stories and play? Want to be the hero (or villain) you’ve always imagined? Want to meet people who share your interests?
A great opportunity for young people to engage in creative problem-solving in a fun, welcoming supervised space. Great for developing speaking and listening skills, team building and developing storytelling and creativity.
Dungeons & Dragons, and other Table Top Role Playing Games (TTRPGs) are a great alternative to videogames, challenging young people to work together, teaching English and Maths skills, and helping young people socialise with like-minded young people.
A great low-cost hobby, where all necessary equipment will be provided and young people will get hands on learning in how to play these entertaining, player-led, story-based games.No prior experience necessary.
Sunday 11 June 2023
Markets: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce Market
St Paul’s Square @ 10am
Bedford Flea fans are in luck – Bedford’s most vibrant market is back and striding into the summer months with their third instalment of 2023.
Alongside the fabulous flea traders, foodies can take their pick from the ever-popular Fold Me Close pizzas and the team from Wabadub Grub, who’ll be bringing you an extensive menu of delicious Mexican food.
The Local Produce section will also have the best of Bedford and beyond; locally grown flowers, fresh bread, scotch eggs, chutneys & jams, sauces & marinades, cakes & bakes, artisan food and drink including vegan fudge, local cider, gin and rum, plus body care, candles & home fragrance!
The Affordable Art section will be filled with 12 different artists, from painters to illustrators, photographers to printmakers. And the Flea section is FULL with the best antiques, vintage, collectables, clothing, vinyl and all the treasures you never knew you needed.
Entertainment in the sunshine will be provided by the ‘Seeing Eye Music Stage’ where you can enjoy free live music whilst you browse. Be sure to stop by their music sponsor’s stall – Seeing Eye Rum – to sample some of their delicious spiced blend.
Sunday 11 June 2023
Great Big Green Week: International Yoga Day
Bedford Park @ 10am – 7pm
Free
Bedford Park is once again set to welcome yoga enthusiasts of all ages and abilities as Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park returns for its fifth year on Sunday 11 June. The event is free to everyone with a range of sessions and no need to book in advance, it runs from 10am – 7pm.
This year’s event is bigger than ever with eighteen different types of yoga on offer. This means that anyone attending can try a range of styles and discover which ones work best for them. All people will need to do is to register when they arrive, complete a disclaimer and collect a wristband to take part in the sessions.
Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park has been running for four years and usually coincides with International Yoga Day on 21 June. This year the event has been moved forward as part of the Great Big Green Week and it’s hoped it can inspire people to find a local yoga group and celebrate the day with them.
A limited number of yoga mats will be available on the day and people are asked to bring their own if possible. Further information about the day and a full list of sessions available is available at bedford.gov.uk/yogaday.
Sunday 11 June 2023
Walking: “Bedford in World War II” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £3/£1.50
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 our walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £3.00 per adult or £1.50 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.
Sunday 11 June 2023
Big Green Week: Black Tom Jumble Trail
Prime Ministers/Black Tom area
Free
The Black Tom Jumble Trail is BACK!
A jumble trail is a car boot sale – but on your street. Communities co-ordinate to set up stalls outside their houses to sell bric-a-brac, toys, vintage stuff, art, cakes, the list is endless! Find the map here. Because this event is part of Great Big Green Week, and to keep stalls free, there will be no printed maps or leaflets (although there will be plenty of signage up on the day!) it’s a great opportunity to have a clear out or source second-hand items – and keep stuff out of landfill!
Sunday 11 June 2023
Lyrics and Poetry Workshop: Yvonne Hercules
The Place Theatre @ 1pm
Tickets: Free
Join Yvonne Hercules for a creative lyric writing & poetry workshop. The workshop will be based on creating lyrical work that references identity, background and the nuances surrounding the experiences of minority individuals.
There is no prerequisite for any previous experience within lyric writing or poetry as Yvonne will be guiding you through the process using visual and/or audio to support your creative process. There will also be space for discussion both during and after the workshop.
Yvonne Hercules is a singer-songwriter/artist & performer based in Cambridge UK. Her music has received nods from publications including Clash Magazine, The Line of Best Fit, Afropunk, and others and she has received support from PRS Foundation, Arts Council England towards her work.
Inspired by Folk, Blues, Rock & Soul, her songs are a culmination of these genres underpinned by honest, thought-provoking lyrics. She also draws on inspiration from visual mediums outside of music including art & film, with visual concepts often coinciding alongside her songs.
Sunday 11 June 2023
Choral music: ByrdSong
St Mary’s Church, Carlton @ 3pm
Tickets £10 / £8 on the door. All proceeds to St Mary’s Church
Cantamus Chamber Choir celebrate 400th anniversary of the deaths of William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes with a selection of period music and lighter songs from across the ages with a bird them.
Sunday 11 June 2023
Shopping: Preloved maternity, baby and childrenswear sale
Elstow Playing Field @ noon – 3pm
Entry: £1
Elstow Playing Field Association are hosting a Preloved sale. All proceeds of the table hire and refreshments go to the Hall charity for improvements and to help host more events.
Monday 12 June 2023
Great Big Green Week: Bedford Climate Change Forum presents: Bedford’s Great Ouse hydropower under the spotlight
Online @ 7.30pm
Tickets: Free to attend but must register on Eventbrite here
The Archimedes Screws, which generate energy on Bedford’s River Great Ouse are the subject of a talk by local physicist Dr Will Rawes.
The two screws, well known to locals, are located between Mill Meadows weir and the Butterfly Bridge, on what was a former boatslide. A council infrastructure project, they are approaching their 11th anniversary this month. The initial plans for the hydropower project were controversial and some local critics voiced concerns that the energy scheme was not a sound financial decision in terms of ‘payback’ or that it was not in the right place.
Dr Will Rawes, hosted by Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum, will explain the science behind the project, the energy generated and the potential of hydropower. How does the scheme measure up? Has it been a success? Will and BCCF welcome questions from attendees at the end. Will also teaches courses on carbon and on renewable energy at the Rothsay Education Centre.
Tuesday 13 June 2023
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Recital by Elizaveta Saul (violin) and Ana Manastireanu (Piano)
Wednesday 14 June 2023
Film: Cinema @ 3 St Peter’s presents – The Big Chill
3 St Peter’s Street @ 7pm
Tickets: £12/£10.50/£9/£6
The Big Chill is a 1983 American comedy-drama film directed by Lawrence Kasdan.
The movie follows a group of seven college friends who reunite after 15 years to attend the funeral of their friend who has committed suicide. The group spends a weekend together in a South Carolina house, where they confront their personal issues and reminisce about old times while reconnecting with each other.
The movie features a stellar ensemble cast, including Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, and JoBeth Williams.
Wednesday 14 June 2023
Live music: Bloodywood + guests
Bedford Esquires @
Tickets:
Hot off the back of a sold-out UK/EU tour Indian folk metallers BLOODYWOOD land at Esquires.
Thursday 15 June 2023
Folk Music: That’s All Folk: Yvonne Hercules
The Place Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £12
Join Yvonne Hercules for a musical journey through Black Femininity and its nuances referencing alternative folk, alternative soul, jazz and rock genres, as she showcases songs from her EP entitled ‘Olive’.
‘Olive’ is partly inspired by the life & work of feminist activist Olive Morris and is released on 9 June 2023 on Trapped Animal Records.
Yvonne will be joined by her band and will be performing the EP in full alongside interpretations of songs by prominent and unknown minority female artists + support performances from invited special guests. This project is supported by Arts Council England.
Thursday 15 June 2023
NTLive: Fleabag
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £15
Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) and directed by Vicky Jones, Fleabag is a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life.
Following a box-office record-breaking run in cinemas in 2019, the one-woman show returns to the big screen this summer.
Fleabag may seem oversexed, emotionally unfiltered and self-obsessed, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig café struggling to keep afloat, Fleabag suddenly finds herself with nothing to lose.
The hilarious, award-winning play that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag,was filmed live on stage in London’s West End in 2019.
Thursday 15 June 2023
Live music: The Tom Robinson Band + guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets:£23
Born in Cambridge in 1950, Tom Robinson first became known in the late 1970s as a musician and LGBT activist with the Tom Robinson Band (TRB) who were early supporters of Rock Against Racism and Amnesty International. In 1977 their Top 5 debut release 2-4-6-8 Motorway became one of the landmark singles of the UK punk era. Other hits included Glad To Be Gay, Up Against The Wall and the band’s debut album Power In The Darkness which went gold in the UK and Japan.
As a solo artist Tom had further solo hits in 1983 with War Baby and Atmospherics: Listen To The Radio, and co-wrote songs with Peter Gabriel, Elton John and Dan Hartman.
As a radio broadcaster, Tom hosts two shows a week on BBC Radio 6 Music. He has won two Sony Radio Academy awards and served as a member of the Ivor Novello Awards committee for 15 years. In 2016 he was awarded a fellowship of LIPA for his support of new music through hosting BBC Music’s Introducing Mixtape podcast and his Fresh On The Net music blog.
Friday 16 June 2023
Live music: Don’t Stop Believing – the End of the Night Anthems show
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £25
The End-of-Night Anthems Show
Jump aboard the midnight train – heaven is a place on Earth called Bedford as the greatest end-of-the-night anthems spectacular roars into town.
Non-stop, singalong favourites – Summer of ’69, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, Eye of the Tiger, Livin’ on a Prayer, Sweet Child O’ Mine, China in Your Hand – 30 anthems brought to life by a sizzling cast, fantastic costumes and amazing light show.
Friday 16 June 2023
Live music: Megapint
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm.
Free entry
Megapint head to The Cellar Bar for their debut performance.
Covering Everything from Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers to David Bowie and The Beatles, featuring versions of well-loved classics from contemporary rock to new wave grunge.
Saturday 17 June 2023
Family crafts: Dad you rock! Father’s Day pebble painting workshop
Harpur Centre
Free event
Create a truly unique gift for Father’s Day at the Harpur Centre Kid’s Club’s pebble painting workshop.
Harpur – the mascot – will be hosting the ‘Dad You Rock’ event which will give children the chance to put their creativity to the test and design bespoke handmade gifts to take home for Dad this Father’s Day. Harpur will also be giving away balloons and posing with shoppers for selfies. If you’re not already signed up to the Kid’s Club, you can sign up on the day or head to the Centre’s website beforehand and sign up.
Saturday 17 June 2023
Walk: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Lidlington Railway Station MK43 0XP @ 1.30pm
Six mile walk. Muddy if wet, steep slope at start.
Saturday 17 June 2023
Live music: Fire Fall
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £8
Fire Fall return to Bedford Esquires for a night of headbanging, moshing & heavy metal music. After a successful EP Launch earlier this year to a nearly sold-out crowd this is a show not to be missed.
Saturday 17 June 2023
Live music: Five Five Six
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
We’re excited to welcome back Five Five Six to the Cellar Bar, get ready for a great night of legendary rock tunes! The Cellar Bar literally rocks when these guys play!
Saturday 17 June 2023
Live music: A Tribute to The Carpenters
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £28
Time to get over that rainbow and make the smallest of dreams come true. A brand-new showvfeaturing Gordy Marshall’s British Carpenters and starring Sally Creedon plus musicians from London’s West End.
Features stone-cold Carpenters classics including Close to You, Top of the World, Rainy Days and Mondays, Please Mr Postman, Goodbye to Love and many more.
Saturday 17 June 2023
Dance music: Mr C
Herd, St Cuthbert’s Street @ 8pm
Tickets: £10/£15
Mr C aka Richard West is probably best known for MCing with The Shamen on their singles Move Any Mountain, Phorever People and the verrry naughty no.1 single Ebeneezer Goode where he channelled a Victorian Cockney raver (who hasn’t? – Ed).
Read: Interview: Mr C chats music, food and The End
But he’s also run very successful clubs in London as well as running various labels including Superfreq, recording, mixing and performing live. After relocating to Los Angeles he has recently moved back to London.
Bedford’s own Herd has the pleasure of hosting Mr C on Saturday, 17 June. Expect House, Acid and Techno with a twist.
Saturday 17 June 2023
Live music: The Dekkertones + Dr Ska
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
The Dekkertones return to Esquires for a high summer show following their annual Christmas sell-out gig in 2022.
The DekkerTones are a nine-piece ska/reggae/rocksteady/2tone covers band playing authentic ska and reggae from the late 60’s Trojan and Bluebeat scene right through to the 2tone era.
Packing out venues around the region this mighty warhorse of Ska and Reggae plays a set of over two hours getting the party started in the room every time.
Secure your skanking spot now!
Sunday 18 June 2023
Walking: “The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £3/£1.50
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 our walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £3.00 per adult or £1.50 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.
Sunday 18 June 2023
Father’s Day: Jazz Brunch
3 St Peter’s Bedford @ 11am
Tickets: £2.50 plus cost of food & drink ** Available to non-members. **
Order from 3 St Peter’s delicious brunch menu and make a relaxing start to your Father’s Day listening to beautiful Jazz sung by Natalie Adusei in a relaxed and refined location.
Sunday 18 June 2023
Theatre: Twitchers
The Place Theatre @ 2pm
Tickets: from £13
Springwatch is coming to RSPB Shrikewing nature reserve. Jess, the Reserve Warden, can’t wait to show the world this special place, with its amazing wildlife and incredible birds, but Shrikewing is not an island.
From pollution and vandals to an overzealous mayor, Jess is starting to feel that protecting birds from human interference might just be impossible. As we meet raucous rooks, booming bitterns and plenty of tits we realise the birds of Shrikewing are its real stars.
Can Jess take inspiration from the RSPB’s tenacious female founders and draw on its history of campaigning to save them? Can she find her own voice to raise a rallying cry for nature? Nest(le) down with Mikron in this flight through birdwatching history, feathered with
birdsong and laughter. You’ll be giggling from heron in and you won’t ‘egret coming!
Sunday 18 June 2023
Family fun: Pop Princesses
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 3pm
Tickets: £18
This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous fairy tale princesses who just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix.
Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, and internet sensation, JoJo Siwa, plus songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals.
Come and join the fun!
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.
Until 2024
Exhibition: We Are Ten
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane
Free entry
The Higgins begins its 10th birthday celebrations with an exhibition featuring old favourites and rarely seen works from the collection, all chosen by organisations, groups and individuals who have worked with the museum and gallery over the last decade.
The exhibition runs for the next year, with special events planned next month to mark the exact date the museum reopened in 2013. Watch this space for more information.
Until 2024
Exhibition: Edward Bawden – Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The Higgins Bedford @ Tues – Sat: 11am – 5pm/Sun: 2pm – 5pm/Closed Mondays
Free entry
Let Edward Bawden transport you in this exhibition celebrating all things travel.
Drawn exclusively from the Higgins Bedford’s Edward Bawden archive, see large linocuts of London’s iconic stations and an array of wonderful vehicles from hot air balloons to jumbo jets and tall ships to cruise liners.
Read: New Edward Bawden ‘trains, planes and automobiles’ exhibition to open this weekend
Theatre highlights by Paula Walker
