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.
With thanks to the Cellar Bar, Bedford for sponsoring our What’s On Guide.
Wednesday 8 – Friday 10 November 2023
Folk music: That’s All Folk presents – Gilmore and Roberts
The Place Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £14
Contemporary folk/acoustic duo Gilmore & Roberts combine award-winning songwriting with astounding musicianship and their trademark harmonies to create a powerful wall of sound.
Nominated three times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Katriona Gilmore (fiddle, mandolin) and Jamie Roberts (guitar) met while studying at Leeds College of Music and released their debut album in 2008.
Since then, the duo have toured Canada and mainland Europe, played some of the UK’s biggest acoustic festivals, toured with folk rock legends Fairport Convention and won countless accolades for their genre-spanning work.
Thursday 9 – Saturday 18 November 2023
Festval: Being Human Festival
The Panacea Musuem, Newnham Road
Free entry
Each November, Being Human Festival presents hundreds of free events across the UK and beyond. Festival events aim to celebrate and demonstrate the ways in which the humanities inspire and enrich our everyday lives, help us to understand ourselves, our relationships with others, and the challenges we face in a changing world.
Each year the festival invites researchers at universities and other research organisations to collaborate with local community and cultural partners to create exciting and engaging events and projects for all to enjoy. Being Human is a national festival by virtue of being local, with events taking place everywhere from Dundee to Devon.
As part of this year’s festival there will be two talks at the Panacea Musuem, orgabised by CenSAMM.org.
9 November – The Second Coming (free entry but booking is essential)
16 November – When Adam Delved and Eve Span (free entry but booking is essential)
Thursday 9 November 2023
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Django’s Tiger
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm
Ticket price: £12
Suitable for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. Cashless bar, plenty of seating (night club set up) seating and dance floor.
Come along at 7.15pm for a 45-minute dance class in Balboa – (additional payment) – one of the original swing dances. Book in advance for the dance class . Just turn up for the main event (cash at reception) and have fun!
Thursday 9 November 2023
Theatre: The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12.50
Wes Anderson meets Hitchcock meets Spaghetti Western in this multi-award-winning, intercontinental, inter-genre, cinematic caper of accusations, accidents, and accents.
Roger, a Frenchman in 1960’s New York, has spent years following the same predictable routine, until a minor delay saves him from an explosion. Throwing his ordered world into chaos, Roger chases his would-be assassins around the globe.
Raucously funny and endlessly inventive, this Lecoq-trained theatre company delights and stuns with live, original music and virtuosic acrobatics in this fast-paced, OFFIE-nominated whodunnit.
Thursday 9 November 2023
Live music: Gaz Brookfield
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
No stranger to Bedford Esquires, Gaz Brookfield returns this autumn following the release of his ninth studio album ”Morning Walking Club”.
Gaz returns to the venue playing songs from the new record plus loads of old favourites.
Friday 10 November 2023
Live music: Big Girls Don’t Cry
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £28
Come out tonight as we take you to a place where the moon shines bright and we dance the night away, taking you back in time with Big Girls Don’t Cry, celebrating the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
This non-stop hit machine, authentically recreated by the phenomenal cast and live band will transport you back in time to 1963 and beyond for a magical evening enjoying all your favourites.
During the sixties and seventies number one hits Sherry, December 1963 (Oh What a Night), Walk Like a Man, Rag Doll and Big Girls Don’t Cry helped propel the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli to super stardom.
After selling an incredible 100 million records worldwide, there’s a Four Seasons song that shares a special place in everyone’s heart. This internationally acclaimed show authentically revives the sublime harmonies of New Jersey’s finest.
It showcases Frankie’s incredible falsetto, and features his solo hits like Grease, Let’s Hang On, Working My Way Back to You, Beggin’, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, and Who Loves You.
So it’s time to hang on to what we got and celebrate one of the world’s treasures in two hours of non-stop hits with Big Girls Don’t Cry!
Oh what a night it will be! It’s the time, it’s the place, it’s the motion.
This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.
Friday 10 November 2023
Live Music: Matt Bedford & Newstalgia
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
Matt and his band “Newstalgia” are back bringing you the coolest clean funky guitars and finest fat sounding synths with a flavour of the 80’s and 90’s fused with the feel of 2023.
Fresh off Newstalgia’s successful UK tour, they’re back in town playing Matt’s own music along with some funky renditions of your favourite hits from over the years. As well as being a valued member of The Cellar Bar team, Matt also has links to Minneapolis Funk, the home of Prince!
Friday 10 November 2023
Live music: The David Tattersall Group (The Wave Pictures, Allo Darlin’) + Frenzy
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
The David Tattersall Group is a new project from David Tattersall of The Wave Pictures, once described by Marc Riley of 6Music as ‘the greatest guitarist of his generation’.
With a band featuring soulful harmonica, violin and keys, played by members of Allo’ Darlin’ and The Surfin’ Magazines, The David Tattersall Group are ‘a little bit Country, a little bit Western’ – think Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Dylan and The Band.
Their self-titled debut album was released on Bella Union Records on 6 October and is preceded by gorgeous debut single ‘My Lovely’.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk – Milbrook to Cranfield
St Peter & St Paul’s Church in Cranfield @ 9.30am
Approx 10-mile walk from Millbrook to Cranfield as part of the Bunyan Trail.
Walkers are to meet at St Peter & St Paul’s Church in Cranfield at 9.30am. There is street parking near the Church in Court Road. Organisers will then take a number of cars to Millbrook from where the walk will start at 10am.
There are no particular hazards on the walk, although parts may be muddy if there has been rain.
Please bring a drink, snack or lunch as there’s always a break during the walk. For more information contact Margaret Sawyer 07780 933729 or check out North Beds Ramblers on social media or on their excellent website.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Armistice Day: Commemoration and two-minute silence
Riverside Square @ 11am (please arrive by 10.40am)
Armistice Day commemorates the agreement to end the fighting of the First World War, as a prelude to peace negotiations, and began at 11am on 11 November 1918.
There will be an Armistice Day Commemoration and two-minute silence at 11am in Riverside Square (What3Wordslocation: w3w.co/event.noted.copper).
After the silence, the Standards will be inspected by the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant, after which the Standards are dismissed.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Live music: Saturday organ recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Organ recital by John Wearmouth, director of music, All Saints’ Church, Leighton Buzzard. Free with a retiring collection.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Theatre: A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £12.50
In a kitchen, in a theatre, two storytellers and their audience find something remarkable — a very old man with enormous wings. After consulting with the neighbour – who’s an expert on all things magic – the couple decide to shelter him in the chicken coop and feed him with food scraps. A wise woman says he’s an angel.
The priest says he’s an imposter. Pilgrims flock to see him. Inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s darkly comic tale, the show taps into both the best and worst of mankind, wryly examining the human response to those who are weak, dependent, and different.
Using a combination of music, puppetry and live video projection this magic-realist gem is brought to the stage with beautiful, strange, emotional richness.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Classical music: Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: Vary
Conductor: Uwe Radok
Horn soloist: Daniel Curzon
Programme:
- Berlioz –– Overture Les Francs-Juges
- Glière –– Horn Concerto
- Vaughan Williams –– Symphony No. 2 (A London Symphony)
Saturday 11 November 2023
Classical music: Kitty Whately and Joseph Middleton
St. Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12 (accompanied under 18s free)
Distinguished mezzo-soprano, Kitty Whately (the daughter of Kevin Whately) is joined by Joseph Middleton, an internationally renowned pianist who has been praised for his imaginative programmes.
Saturday 11 November 2023
Live Music: Double header featruing Cameo + Last Laugh Lane
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Bar opens at 6.00pm / Happy Hour until 9.00pm
Free entry
Cellar Bar favourite Cameo is back for another solo performance. Expect a beautiful voice and some cracking party tunes from classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and so much in between.
Last Laugh Lane make a welcome return to the Cellar Bar with classic throwback indie anthems of the 2000’s including The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Kings of Leon and much more. Each time they play at the Cellar Bar, the place literally rocks, not to be missed!
Saturday 11 November 2023
Live music: Wrong Jovi
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Described as ‘the best Bon Jovi Tribute Band in the World’, Wrong Jovi features some of the UKs finest professional musicians. With a set list crammed full of sing-along anthems, live favourites and rarities, audiences are guaranteed the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute show.
Featuring Ally as Jon Bon Jovi (X Factor, The Singer Takes It All and Britains Got Talent) aka Jon Wrong Jovi on vocals, Wrong Jovi have one of the UKs most talented front men leading the band through some of rock n rolls most legendary songs. Ally is backed by some of the UK’s most highly respected musicians.
Founding member Mark provides Richie Sambora’s fiery guitar lines, backing vocals and even lead vocals on occasion. Jon (David Bryan) on keyboards and Backing vocals, Jim (Hugh McDonald) on bass and Backing vocals and Alex (Tico Torres) on drums complete the lineup.
Sunday 12 November 2023
Markets: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce Market
St Paul’s Square @ 10am
Free entry
It’s the Flea’s festive warm up, and their last market of the season on St. Paul’s Square before they launch the ‘A Very Merry Bedford Christmas Market Weekender’ on Riverside and Harpur Square on the 2 and 3 December.
12 November also happens to be Remembrance Sunday, so they will be holding a two minute silence on the square.
This month the XL Local Produce section will have extra gifting treats such as ceramics, bespoke wooden boards and event glass Christmas decorations. All alongside their regular selection of locally grown flowers (mostly dried this month), fresh bread, chutneys and jams, hot sauces, cakes & bakes, artisan food and drink, including gin and rum, plus body care, candles & home fragrance.
The Affordable Art section will be filled with 12 different artists, from painters to illustrators with opportunities to commission your own artwork too.
The Flea section is bursting at the seams with the best antiques, vintage, collectables, clothing, records and all the treasures you never knew you needed!
The mouth-watering FEAST are returning just in time in their converted horse trailer with a juicy menu that will want to come back for seconds. AND, you can follow up your lunch with a portion of ‘Poffertjes’, fluffy, pockets of pancake joy from Little Dutch Bites.
On the ‘Seeing Eye Music Stage’ there will be vintage music from the 1940s and beyond alongside some festive tunes. Be sure to stop by their music sponsor’s stall – Seeing Eye Rum – to sample some of their delicious spiced blend.
Sunday 12 November 2023
Remembrance Day: Wreath laying ceremony
War Memorial, Bedford Embankment @ 11am
Remembrance Day unites people across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth. The day also pays tribute to the special contribution of families and of the emergency services and acknowledges the innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.
The traditional wreath-laying ceremony, Service and march-past will be held at the War Memorial, Bedford Embankment at 11am, (What3Words location: w3w.co/leave.river.fans).
Once the parade is formed up at the memorial, the Service begins, during which Civic Leaders, the Armed Forces, Veterans’ Associations, Civil and community organisations are invited to lay wreaths in memory of those who gave their lives in conflict around the world. Whilst the Service is on-going at the Memorial, Bedford Town Band will lead the silence in Harpur Square.
After the Service, the parade, made up of the Bedford Pipe Band, Standards, Veterans, Armed Forces contingents, Civic Uniformed Services, Cadet Forces and Community Youth Organisations will march down the Embankment, across the High Street and St. Paul’s Square, finishing in Harpur Square.
Sunday 12 November 2023
Live music: Vintage Stuff play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A welcome return to the Bedford-based rock and blues band that refuse to grow old.
Tuesday 14 November 2023
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Tuesday lunchtime concert featuring a piano recital by Yoko Sakakura. Free with a retiring collection.
Wednesday 15 November 2023
Children: Jackastory
The place Theatre @ 10.30am
Tickets: Pay What You Can / £10
Jackastory sessions run fortnightly, and every week during school holidays. Listen to members of The Place team read their chosen children’s stories and discover some new favourites of your own. Each session runs for forty-five minutes to an hour, with a break for refreshments.
This will be a very relaxed event with young, and old, being invited to join the readers in an intimate and friendly atmosphere, on a mound of comfortable cushions! Aimed at 2- to 5-year-olds, but all ages welcome.
Wednesday 15 November 2023
Drag: Fanny’oke, Boozy Bingo with Fanny Burns
The Cellar Bar @ 8.00pm/bar opens at 7.00pm
Free entry
FANNY’OKE at The Cellar Bar – she’s back and ready to entertain and even has a new game, Fanny’s Flaps and a rolling cash jackpot of £121 to be won. Guaranteed to be a very funny evening with Fanny Burns, her spiritual home at The Cellar bar.
Drag queen Fanny Burns brings her own spin on karaoke and bingo for a night of hilarity and good fun. The bingo cash jackpot has been well over £100 and it’s just £2 per card of six tickets, meaning six chances of winning. Raffle tickets for Fanny’s Flaps game are just £1.
The Cellar Bar is a safe, inclusive, environment for all of its customers. Free entry, just turn up.
This show contains adult humour and swearing and is strictly an over 18’s event.
Thursday 16 November 2023
Youth Theatre Workshop: BRAVE taster sessions
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: Free
The Place team are looking for young people in school years 7, 8 and 9 to join BRAVE – the Youth Theatre offer from The Place Bedford
If you are considering doing drama for GCSEs – This is the PERFECT opportunity for you.
Leave your parents at home and get out for one evening a week! Regular sessions will then start in the new year.
Thursday 16 November 2023
Live music: Inspiral Carpets + Greenhouse
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £28
Inspiral Carpets will be calling into Bedford Esquires this week for a very special warm-up show for their headliner slot at the ‘Shiiine On’ Festival later this month.
A vital component of the infamous ‘Madchester’ movement, Inspiral Carpets formed in Oldham in 1980. Known for hit singles such as ‘This Is How It Feels’, ‘Saturn 5’ and ‘She Comes in the Fall’, they remain much-loved not only in Manchester but across the UK.
Following the tragic loss of their close friend and drummer, Craig Gill the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2015 but returned earlier this year to an outpouring of love from fans up and down the UK with a sell-out tour all around the UK.
On the reformation, the band are keen to emphasise the celebratory nature of the forthcoming live shows, giving fans a chance to sing along to their favourite hits and commemorate the life of Craig.
“We know this will be an emotional journey for a lot of people, not least Craig’s family. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate some of the music we created, which has brought so much joy to people over the last 34 years.”
With the recent venues on the tour ranging from 750 to 3,000 people, this is the smallest venue the band have played in many years so we expect a high demand for this show.
Thursday 16 November 2023
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Minnie & The Moochers
Location and time: The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, MK42 6EA @ 8pm
Tickets: £12
Suitable for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. Come along at 7.15pm for a 45-minute dance class in Balboa – (additional payment) – one of the original swing dances.
Book in advance for the dance class, the main event is just turn up – pay cash at reception – have fun, no booking needed.
Thursday 16 November 2023
Bike chat: Bikes and Banter
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7pm
Tickets: £25/VIP £30
100 and Counting, a look back at 100 TT starts with John McGuinness and James Whitham.
In the first half, John McGuinness is interviewed about his 100 TT starts and 23 TT wins. Part two is a lap of the TT with on board commentary by John with input from James, followed by audience Q&A. A must-see for bike fans.
Friday 17 November 2023
Live music: Tom A Smith + Wax-Tree-Cast + Tom Abisgold
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Having already played a ton of gigs throughout the last two years, including supporting Courteeners, Miles Kane, Martha Hill, Vistas, Blondes, The Pale White, Eliza and The Bear, Gang of Youths, and Sunset Sons, as well as shows at The Great Escape and Neighbourhood Weekender, Tom A. Smith looks set to continue his busy live schedule throughout 2023 as well.
Friday 17 November 2023
Live music: Joe Cullen
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm, until late
Free entry
He rocked the Cellar Bar the last time he played so they’re delighted to welcome Joe back, playing covers by Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Oasis, Harry Styles, The Killers, Coldplay plus more…
Don’t miss this one folks, he’s a real star.
Friday 17 November 2023
Live music: Diamond Country Dance Club – EP launch
Bedford Esquires @ 7pm
Tickets: £6 – £8
Head to Esquires for the release party of Diamond Country Dance Club’s long-awaited EP ‘What, and that’s good is it?’.
Having been described as ‘better than I was expecting’ and ‘quite good actually’, this eagerly awaited release is expected to blow some socks off.
The St Neots-based band will be performing their brand new EP in full, including songs such as ‘Didn’t tell Jonny’ and ‘I Wanna Work in a Supermarket’. Some brand new songs will also be making an appearance for the first time live so be sure not to miss it.
They will be supported by some special guests (to be announced) who are sure to make this a fantastic night of up-and-coming indie music.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Harrold Country Park, MK44 7DS @ 1pm
Walking from Harrold Odell Country Park this 6.5 mile route will follow the river Great Ouse to Odell and then cross the bridge and head south towards Pavenham but circle back and head back into Harrold with wonderful views from the hill at the Chellington Centre.
Please bring a drink, snack or lunch as there’s always a break during the walk. For more information contact Margaret Sawyer 07780 933729 or check out North Beds Ramblers on social media or on their excellent website.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Festive fun: Christmas craft fayre
Kempston Hammers, MK42 7BN @ 1pm-4pm
Free entry
Saturday 18 November 2023
Classical music: Bedford Choral Society Concert: Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17 & £14, Students £5 and one accompanying adult £5. Order online, by emailing tickets@bedfordchoralsociety.org.uk or from the Corn Exchange Box Office
Brahms’ German Requiem is described by some as a ‘choral symphony’, a beautiful and humanistic expression of comfort for those who grieve.
A requiem for the living. What could be more appropriate in these times?
The conductor is Ian Smith, the orchestra is Bedford Sinfonia and the soloists are Rebecca Bottone and Daniel Barrett.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Live music: Mad Mods and Englishmen
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
Tickets: £10
Following a packed-out show earlier in 2023 it’s time to ‘save the date’ as we welcome Mad Mods back for another show at Esquires
.
Anyone who has seen the ‘Mad Mods’ live will tell you that they are no traditional covers band. Their energetic performances have built them a massive following and they have a reputation for packing every venue they play at, and then bringing the house down!
Their repertoire includes hits from The Who, Small Faces, The Kinks, Rolling Stones, Spencer Davis, Yardbirds, The Jam and many more, and yes, they’ve even been known to smash the odd guitar up on stage!
“These guys are as good a feel-good band as you’ll experience. Just make sure you do experience them”
Chris Hawkins – BBC 6 Music.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Live Music: Double Header – Chris Hepworth & Five Five Six
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm/happy hour until 9pm
Free Entry. Bar opens at 6.00pm, Happy Hour until 9.00pm. 3.00am close.
Chris Hepworth makes a welcome return to The Cellar Bar to kick off their double header. He will be playing a set of Rock and Indie covers, alongside some surprising classics, promising an evening of singalong classics and foot-to-the-floor rock tunes.
Then, Five Five Six are back at the Cellar Bar, so get ready for a rocking night of legendary tunes.
Saturday 18 November 2023
Live music: SNUFF (acoustic)
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
For the first time in many moons, UK punks, SNUFF will be gracing the Esquires stage as part of an intimate, acoustic tour.
Sunday 19 November 2023
Book festival: BookTastic Family Festival
Bedford Academy, Mile Road, Bedford MK42 9TR and 11am
Tickets: £12 (1 adult and 1 child) or £16 (family pass for 4 – minimum 1 adult)
Once again, BookTastic Family Festival is bringing the biggest names in children’s books to Bedford. Featuring their book Adventure Mice on the Ice, Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve will be taking the stage at Bedford Academy, followed by a book signing session.
BookTastic is an annual children’s book festival with a mission to instil a love of reading in ALL children, regardless of background. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024, BookTastic is the only book festival in the UK that specifically focuses on engaging new readers and their families.
Sunday 19 November 2023
Live music: Junior Open Mic
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm – 7pm/bar opens at 4.30pm
Free entry
This Sunday sees the Cellar Bar’s dedicated junior open mic session for any musicians, bands and singers under 18 years old.
Whether you sing, play guitar, drums, or any other musical instrument, or are a band already, you are welcome. 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, Mat will be on hand to offer support and advice, as well as doing a few jam sessions of his own.
Come and support these young musicians. Under 18’s are welcome in the bar from 5pm until 9pm on Sundays.
Please remember that the Cellar Bar is a public space and that anyone can just come in and have a drink while these free events are happening.
Sunday 19 November 2023
Live music: Dead Shady play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A welcome return to Esquires Sunday afternoon session for Dead Shady playing 2 sets of Post Punk and New Wave covers.
Sunday 19 November 2023
Music: StringFEST presents Ustad Kiranpal Singh Deoora
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £15
StringFEST: Festival of Bowed, Plucked & Hammered Instruments. Kiranpal Singh Deoora is the UK’s leading Santoor Maestro, having learnt his musical art in the traditional way in the UK (tabla & vocal) and Bombay, India. (Santoor)
Kiranpal’s inspiration and first teachers were his parents. He is accompanied by Dhanraj Persaud on tabla. Dhanraj began his training at the
age of 14 under the tutelage of Pandit Rajkumar Misra.
Every Thursday
Drag: Drag Race UK Viewing Party
The Barley Mow @ 8pm
Free Entry
Start your engine hunnies because the Barley Mow is screening every episode of Drag Race UK Season 5 LIVE!
Every Thursday and hosted by the one and only Eddie OK Adams, it’s free entry and there’s free pizza.
So sashay your way down, pull up a chair and watch the best drag queen win!
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 7 January 2024
Exhibition: Quilla Constance – Teasing Out Contingencies
The Higgins Bedford until January 2024
Free entry
Don’t miss your chance to see eight new large-scale paintings and a costume installation by Bedford artist Quilla Constance (also known as QC) at The Higgins Bedford until 7 January 2024.
As British society becomes increasingly polarised, this exhibition seeks to cross social borders, confront stereotyping, and challenge gender, racial and class inequalities.
QC states “Teasing Out Contingencies seeks to create exciting new narratives to explore: what is British society now and where are we going?” – These are timely questions as we emerge from the Covid 19 pandemic, and as we re-examine our relationship with the British monarchy in the wake of the Queen’s passing and the Coronation of King Charles III.
Read more here: Don’t miss the Teasing Out Contingencies exhibition at The Higgins Bedford
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
