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.
Thursday, 10 July 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.
Two for £12 on handmade cocktails all night.
Thursday, 10 July 2025
TKMaxx Summer Sessions Presents: The Human League, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Blancmange
Bedford Park
Tickets: £55.45
The Human League, one of Britain’s most influential synth-pop pioneers, are set to light up Bedford Park this summer as part of the 2025 Bedford Summer Sessions concert series.
The show will feature a line-up that also includes Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and Blancmange, promising an evening of 80s electro-pop nostalgia and live energy.
Read: Synths, hits and a summer night: The Human League prepare for Bedford Summer Sessions
Friday, 11 July 2025
Theatre: BRAVEFEST presents – The Boys on the Island & Macbeth
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: pay what you can
“I think if we had stayed, he’d have killed us all.” A group of stranded students, one island, no food, no way of getting home.
Loosely based on the tale of Lord of the Flies, The Boys on the Island tells the survival story of students who cannot find an escape from a remote island.
Friday, 11 July 2025
TKMaxx Summer Sessions Presents: Café Mambo Ibiza with Melanie C, Jax Jones, Fedde Le Grand, Chlo, FivePast5
Bedford Park
Tickets: £47.60
The chart-topping DJ and producer Jax Jones and Dutch house music icon, Fedde Le Grand, will bring the Ibiza vibe to Bedford Park as part of the ever-popular Cafe Mambo night. Also on the line-up is former Spice Girl, Melanie C and FivePast5.
After sold-out shows in 2019, 2021, and 2022, Café Mambo Ibiza in the Park has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the local dance music scene.
This year, the event returns to deliver the essence of Ibiza, containing Balearic beats, dazzling light displays, and a lineup of world-class DJs, all set to create an unmissable party under the stars.
Read: Cafe Mambo Ibiza back in Bedford as latest Summer Sessions headline announced
Friday, 11 July 2025
Live music: Kyri
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm
Free entry. Bar opens at 6.00pm
Kyri Lillington will be back at The Cellar Bar as a solo performer, playing pop and rock classics.
Friday, 11 July 2025
Live music: Velvetine + Mary + Speakeasy
Bedford Esquires @
Tickets:
Velvetine are an alternative rock band. Through shifting around of rooms and short sublets in London the band formed towards the end of the pandemic through their shared interests in poetry, film, visual art and bonded over artists such as Nick Cave, Slowdive and David Lynch.
Musically, they blend influences of post-punk, shoegaze, goth art-rock and the soundscapes of the cinema they love. Their live shows continue to entice audiences, stirring up a ‘magnetic’ and ‘bewitching’ atmosphere through their immense wall of sound. Their songwriting has been compared to that Siouxsie and The Banshees, Mazzy Star and Sonic Youth.
Friday, 11 July 2025
Live Music: The Krakens
The Cellar Bar @ 11pm
Free entry
The Krakens are back at the Cellar Bar, covering a variety of rock songs through the ages featuring songs from: Elton John, Queen, Nirvana, Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day and many more.
Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 July 2025
Family fun: Eid in Bedford
Addison Howard Park @ 1pm – 8pm (Saturday & Sunday) / 11am – 1pm SEND community only
Free entry
Everyone is invited to celebrate Bedford Eid Festival’s 10th year anniversary – bigger and better than ever!
The Bedford Eid Festival is the only festival that has an allocated time on Sunday, from 11.00am to 1.00pm for the SEND Community, during this time only, all rides will be free.
To mark its 10th anniversary, the ‘open-air souk in the heart of Bedford’ will have 54 retail stalls, 10 artisan stalls, horse riding, performances, free raffle, prize giveaways, and free children’s activities (Saturday only).
The World Food Court promises a culinary adventure with dishes to dazzle every palate, whether you are craving sizzling street food, sweet delicacies, or bold new flavours, you will be spoilt for choice.
Henna artist, florists, jewellery, Arabian Oud, and many more stalls.
More than just a festival, it is a celebration of community spirit and unity, celebrating the rich diversity of Bedford. A family-friendly event open to all, whether you are there to savour delicious food, shop unique finds, or simply soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone, so don’t miss out!
Saturday, 12 July 2025
Theatre: BRAVEFEST presents – The Girls in the Woods & The Boys on the Island
The Place Theatre @ 2.30pm
Tickets: pay what you can
An accusation that shakes the entire school from a student hellbent on getting her way – how far will Abi go? A tale of witchcraft and conspiracies, The Girls in the Woods explores the disastrous repercussions of a lie and how it affects both students and teachers alike.
Saturday, 12 July 2025
Shopping: Bedford Craft Market
Silver Square & Silver Street @ 10am
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, 12 July 2025
Local history: Festival Open Day
St Paul’s Church @ 10am – 5pm
An open day at St Paul’s featuring events and tours of the church and tower to give a flavour of Bedford’s town centre church and civic county church.
There will be displays of church furnishings, children’s activities, and you can even try your hand at bell-ringing – all in aid of the St Paul’s Tower, Clocks and Bells Appeal. For more information, check out their Facebook page or phone 01234 340163
Try bell-ringing by booking at thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Book_Online.
Saturday, 12 July 2025
History: Remembering Srebrenica Memorial Day
The Higgins Bedford @ 11.30am – 12.30pm
Free entry / booking essential
11 July 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide in which over 8,372 Muslim men and boys were murdered in the space of 72 hours. The date has been marked by the United Nations as an International Day of Remembrance and Reflection.
The date is marked by events at the Higgins with talks by Sue Beaumont and Paul Salver to mark this important moment of commemoration.
To book your place, please email thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk.
Saturday, 12 – Saturday, 19 July 2025
Exhibition: Where Earth Meets Sky
Eagle Gallery, St Peter’s Street
Free entry
Where Earth Meets Sky is a new exhibition at Eagle Gallery featuring work by Romanian-born artist, Greta Andreica. It brings together a series of landscape, seascape, and floral paintings by Greta Andreica, each one an intimate reflection of the natural world’s shifting moods and quiet power.
Come Meet the Artist: Greta Andreica will be present in the gallery every day of the show, from 2pm to 5pm so don’t miss the chance to hear more about her process, inspirations, and artistic journey.
Saturday, 12 July 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, 12 July 2025
Cruising: Fish and Chip Supper Cruise – Priory Marina round trip
Departing from Priory Marina @ 6pm
Tickets: £32.85/£18.55
Have a relaxing evening cruise as the sun goes down along Bedford’s picturesque river, enjoying our Fish and Chip supper.
Saturday, 12 July 2025
TKMaxx Summer Sessions Presents: Supergrass, The Coral, Willie J Healey
Bedford Park
Tickets: £55.45
In a joint gig between Live Nation, national promoters Cuffe & Taylor and Bedford-based promoters The Pad Presents, Supergrass are coming to Bedford to headline at this year’s Summer Sessions 2025.
Known for their blend of humour, energy, and eclectic influences – spanning rock, mod, glam, and punk – Supergrass created a distinctly British sound and this summer they are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their iconic debut album, I Should Coco.
Supporting Supergrass is The Coral, bringing their signature mix of ’60s garage rock, psychedelic pop, and folk-rock.
Also joining the lineup is Willie J Healey, a favourite of some of the biggest names in music, including Alex Turner, Joe Talbot of IDLES, Jamie T, Florence Welch, and Orlando Weeks.
Read: Supergrass to headline at Summer Sessions 2025 as part of debut album’s 30th anniversary
Saturday, 12 July 2025
Live Music: Danny Barton
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / bar opens at 6pm / Happy Hour until 9pm / 3am close
Free entry
The wonderful Danny Barton returns to The Cellar Bar, playing a mix of acoustic rock and pop crowd pleasers and new material. Always guaranteed to get the party started!
Saturday, 12 July 2025
Dance music: After the Park – Supergrass Aftershow Party
Bedford Esquires @ £10
Tickets: £5 / four for £15
It may be ‘Late In The Day’, but we’ll have the tunes ‘Pumping on our Stereo’ for a bit of an ‘Alright’ party that will keep you ‘Moving’… (sorry…)
The Pad Presents is bringing Supergrass, The Coral and Willie J Healey to Bedford Park this summer, alongside Bedford Summer Sessions and they’re carrying on the party afterwards back on the dancefloor.
Their Common People club night takes in 90s Indie, 00s bangers, Britpop, Madchester and Baggy Sounds across two rooms.
Saturday, 12 July 2025
Live Music: Helen Lester
The Cellar Bar @ 11pm / 3am close
Free entry
Helen Lester is back at the Cellar Bar, and is sure to make an impact.
Performing a wide range of material from across the decades, Helen will blow you away with her powerful vocals and upbeat style. Expect a bit of everything from Motown, pop, disco, soul and more.
Sunday, 13 July 2025
Shopping: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market
Harpur Square @ 10am
Your one-stop shop for all things flea, art and local produce is back – and while St Paul’s still gets some lovin’, they are in their home from home on Harpur Square.
Get ready to enjoy the antiques, artwork, local produce, street food, refreshments & live music in some sunshine (hopefully).
Bedford Flea prides itself 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, 13 July 2025
Walking: “The Life and Times of John Bunyan” 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)
Discover the story of Bedford’s most famous son who was imprisoned for his non-conformist preaching. 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 began to write one of the best selling books in history, The Pilgrim’s Progress.
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, 13 July 2025
Dance music: 80s Daytime disco for Grown-Ups
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm
Free entry
It’s back! The Sunday afternoon Cellar Bar Daytime Disco. Dance and sing along to some of the greatest hits ever with agreat excuse to get out on a Sunday afternoon. Why wait for the evening to have fun? And it’s all free! No tickets required.
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 for all!
From 3pm until 7pm, you can be home before you’d usually be going out. What a result!
Sunday, 13 July 2025
TKMaxx Summer Sessions Presents: McFly, Twin Atlantic, Devon
Bedford Park
Tickets: £55.45
McFly will celebrate their 21-year career by bringing their high-powered energy to Bedford Park this summer. From their breakout hit, “Five Colours In Her Hair”, McFly evolved into one of the UK’s most successful acts.
The foursome enjoyed seven UK number-one singles, including “All About You” and “Star Girl,” alongside seven Top 10 albums and over 10 million sales, McFly have earned multiple Platinum certifications and a BRIT Award for Best British Pop.
Fresh from celebrating their 21st anniversary with two sold-out O2 Arena shows, McFly will deliver a set that reflects on their impressive career while showcasing tracks from their latest album, ‘Power to Play’.
Read: McFly and The Human League are latest Bedford Summer Sessions headliners to be announced
Sunday, 13 July 2025
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.
Monday, 14 July 2025
Quiz night: Open Mic Night
The Castle, 17 Newnham Street @ 7.30pm
Free entry
Open mic night at The Castle pub.
Tuesday, 15 July 2025
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
Piano recital featuring Sandro Russo. Free with a retiring collection.
Wednesday, 16 July 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, 17 July 2025
Walking: “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.
Thursday, 17 July 2025
Bedford Skeptics: The Case for Dark Matter with Dr Matthew Bothwell
The North End Social Club, 60 Roff Avenue MK41 7TW @ 7pm
Donations appreciated
Over the past 50 years, astronomers have become increasingly certain that most of the Universe is made up of a mysterious invisible substance that we do not properly understand.
In this special talk, Dr Matthew Bothwell lays out the observational evidence that has led scientists to believe something which — on the surface — seems so incredibly bizarre. Matt is an astrophysicist, science communicator and author, and the current Public Astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge.
Thursday, 17 July 2025
Cruising: Fish and Chip Supper Cruise – Priory Marina round trip
Departing from Priory Marina @ 6pm
Tickets: £32.85/£18.55
Have a relaxing evening cruise as the sun goes down along Bedford’s picturesque river, enjoying our Fish and Chip supper.
Thursday, 17 July 2025
Theatre: HandleBards present – Much Ado About Nothing
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: from £3.50
Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors bringing Shakespeare to venues across the UK.
Join the troupe at The Quarry Theatre for a pedal-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. Expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter.
Friday, 18 July 2025
Live Music: The Polaroidz
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / doors open at 6pm until late / Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry
The Polaroidz, made up of members of Jam69 and Popscene, two of the area’s most well-established and regarded covers bands, are back at The Cellar Bar.
The Polaroidz play Post Punk, Indie, New Wave and Synth-Pop and you’ll want to wear your dancing shoes!
Bands covered range from Simple Minds to The Smiths, The Cure to The Cult, Echo and the Bunnymen to Adam and The Ants, Big Country to The Pretenders, The Police to U2, Tears for Fears to The Teardrop Explodes, Duran Duran to Depeche Mode, plus New Order, Siouxsie and The Banshees, Blondie, Kraftwerk, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Gary Numan, OMD, Human League, The Thompson Twins, Soft Cell, Talking Heads, Joy Division, The Eurythmics, A-Ha, Blancmange, Altered Images and many more.
Saturday, 19 – Sunday, 20 July 2025
Festival: BearFest
The Bear, Bedford High Street @ midday – 11pm
Free entry
One of Bedford’s best-loved pubs is hosting a two-day extravaganza to raise money for a much-needed defibrillator.
Over 20 bands have offered up their time free of charge to help with the task. Danny Barton is hosting the whole weekend and there will be live music, a raffle and face painting. Families welcome until 8pm each day.
Saturday, 19 July 2025
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Riseley Fox and Hounds MK44 1DT @ 9.30am for 10am
Wootton Upper School, MK43 9HT @ 1.30pm
A seven-mile walk towards Keysoe and the Woodland burial ground, followed by lunch at the Fox and Hounds.
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, 19 July 2025
Art: Summer Exhibition
Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre, Ampthill Road @ 10.30am – 4pm
Free entry
An exhibition showcasing the work of Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre’s talented students and tutors. Exhibits will include ceramics, bookmaking and restoration, silver jewellery, upholstery, watercolours, stained glass, sewing, dressmaking, lacemaking and portrait painting. Some of the pieces on display will be for sale.
Saturday, 19 July 2025
Children’s Theatre: Fungi Frida and the Myco Heroes
The Place Theatre @ 1pm
Tickets: from £8
Here we are in Plasticland…there’s rubbish everywhere, and that’s no good! Join Fungi Frida as she travels along the Wood Wide Web to meet a host of mycological superheroes and find the perfect mushroom ally to help us clean up the plastic – she can’t do it without you!
Saturday, 19 July 2025
Live music: Canned Pineapple + The Class + The Greensands
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets:
Canned Pineapple are a five-piece scuzz pop outfit based in the UK. The quintet consists of songwriters Seán Drury and Oakley Gardiner alongside guitarchitect prodigy Gabe Rice, sex cymbal Charlie Pringle and sub surfer Sam Cullen [couldn’t have put it better myself – Ed].
A band of brothers waggin’ out; Canned Pineapple is the result of interplanetary telekinesis between the great beyond and the great norm.
Canned Pineapple’s music found its way onto the airwaves with frequent plays on BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio X and BBC Sussex and Surrey, with praise from magazines such as Dork, So Young, and Clash.
BBC Introducing have claimed their fan engagement to be “off the scale”. Check them out!
Saturday, 19 July 2025
Comedy: Jokes and Laffs
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
An evening filled with laughter and more, showcasing the very best of established and new comedy talents – both homegrown and international, while also making sure to cater for comedy lovers of all backgrounds.
Featuring Athena Kugblenu, Charmain Hughes, Glazz Campbell and President Obonjo of Lafta Republic.
Saturday, 19 July 2025
Dance music: Brat Club Night
Bedford Esquires @ 9pm
Tickets: £7.52
Everything is Romantic at Bedford Esquires as they bring you Bedford’s first Brat Night.
The night will feature Brat club classics from Charli XCX, Lorde, Troy Sivan, Shygirl, Doechii, SOPHIE, COBRAH, Kesha, The Dare, Addison Rae and so much more.
Bring your Brats, your Babes and get sweat marks all over your clothes because I wanna dance with Charli’s angels.
Saturday, 19 July 2025
Live music: World On Fire
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry
World On Fire are back at The Cellar Bar, playing all your favourite rock covers with a few of their own thrown in too. If you like a dance and a drink, then don’t miss it.
Saturday, 19 July – 28 September 2025
Exhibition: Bedford Camera Club – Camera in the Community
Higgins Bedford
Free entry
This new exhibition shares the story of Bedford Camera Club, founded in 1906, showcasing highlights of their community projects. Come and enjoy a rich selection of photographs capturing our local communities, including Bedford street photography, Indian Nritham dancers, Ampthill Festival, rush farming and cottage industry and members artwork past to present.
Saturday, 19 July – April 2026
Exhibition: A History of Bedfordshire Police
The Higgins Bedford
Free entry
Discover the history of our local Bedfordshire Police forces curated by the Bedfordshire Police Historical and Museum Society.
The society is run by volunteers who carry out research and maintain a display at Bedfordshire Police HQ. The display at The Higgins will highlight objects and their stories collected over the decades.
Sunday, 20 July 2025
Walking: “Tour of St Paul’s church” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at St Loyes opposite Bedford Prison
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, 20 July 2025
Family fun: Toby’s Tall Tales
The Higgins Bedford @ 2.30pm
Free, no need to book
Join trained actor and teacher Toby in the art gallery on a creative exploration of stories. Toby will engage children with immersive story reading and help children create their own stories using puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery.
Ideal for ages up to seven. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware, space in the gallery is limited and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sunday, 20 July 2025
Classical music: Seven Swans
The Place Theatre @ 2pm
Tickets: from £8
A mystical journey inspired by the themes of Seven Ravens and Snow White, infused with the ethereal beauty of Swan Lake melodies arranged by Magic Violin and commissioned by the Royal Opera House.
This story, crafted by Pomme, transports listeners to a world of magic and wonder. Meet the nettle witch, seven swans, and the bold heroine who sets them free, all accompanied by the soulful strains of Tschaikovsky’s Swan Lake themes as well as Eastern European and Balkan music.
Sunday, 20 July 2025
Cruising: Cream Tea Cruise Priory Marina round trip
Departing from Priory Marina @ 2pm
Tickets: £29.68/£21.20
Treat yourself to a leisurely two-hour cruise with a cream tea served to your table and experience a different view of Bedford’s tranquil countryside.
While away an afternoon with family and friends as you cruise along the River Great Ouse from Priory Marina to Castle Mill Lock and return. Your trip takes you through tranquil countryside as kingfishers, swans and herons pass by.
Enjoy a delicious cream tea with a locally produced scone and jam, plus clotted cream and endless tea or coffee. Discover abundant wildlife and see our green spaces from a whole new angle, low down by the water, through large picture windows or standing out in the airy bow.
Sunday, 20 July 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.
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!
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 to the Cellar Bar from 7.30pm.
Theatre highlights by Paula Walker
