January 2026
bedfordindependent.co.uk
CONTENTS MANIFESTO | 4
THEATRE | 8
FILM | 13
Our commitment to Bedford
The best of this month’s theatre
Grab the popcorn
ROLL YOUR OWN... | 5
LIVE MUSIC | 10
HOMETOWN TOURIST | 14
A decade of dancing thanks to Roll Your Own Records
Bring the noise
North Beds Ramblers celebrate 50 years
WHAT’S ON | 6
| 12
Diaries at the ready
Don’t forget, there’s a chance to win £50!
Introduction Happy New Year! Thank you for picking up the January issue of the Bedford Clanger - your guide to the best of Bedford’s art, culture, live music, theatre, shopping, heritage and more as we welcome in the new year. This month, we’re revisiting our New Year’s Revolution manifesto, calling on our readers to join our movement to talk up the town, shop local and make a difference. If you spend any time on social media, it’s easy to get bogged
MEET THE TEAM
GREAT BEDFORDIAN | 15 Eddie Adams, A.K.A. ‘Big Gay Ed’
down in negativity, so this year, lets make a commitment to getting out in the real world, being present and being part of the solution, rather than the problem. Our revolutionary front cover has been created by designer Todd Robinson and features a Bedford Clanger coin, signifying 15 years of this magazine. Little did I realise in May 2011 that we’d still be here in 2026, but we’re very grateful to all our advertisers and readers for keeping us going. Team Clanger
Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson (Image: Two-D Photography)
Even more events are included in our weekly What’s On Guide, published every Wednesday on our website at bedfordindependent.co.uk
Editor: Erica Roffe / clanger@bedfordindependent.co.uk Commercial Director: Julia Course / julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk Design: Ben Graham / ben@twenty-sixstudios.co.uk Cover design: Todd Robinson / @toddr.illustration Theatre: Paula Walker Food & Drink: Paul Hutchinson / paul@bedfordindependent.co.uk Website: bedfordindependent.co.uk The Bedford Clanger is published by Progress Publishing
The Bedford Clanger / January 2026
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MANIFESTO
Back in the mists of time, the Bedford Clanger launched its New Year’s Revolution, a manifesto for supporting our town. This January, we are revisiting our commitment to Bedford, and we’d love you to join the movement. It’s about positivity, community, creativity and curiosity. It’s about knowing that Bedford isn’t sh*t and making a difference. It’s about pride in our town.
Shop local
Visit a museum
By making a conscious effort to shop local, you will be helping to contribute millions to the local economy. Visiting the town centre increases footfall and encourages new businesses to open here. Check out our Bedford Indies map to find your new favourites.
Bedford’s Cultural Quarter boasts three incredible museums, just a stone’s throw away from one another and all free to enter. Check out world-class art at The Higgins Bedford, learn about Bedford’s most famous son at the John Bunyan Museum and discover the Bedford secretive religious cult at the Panacea Museum.
Talk up the town Bedford isn’t sh*t, and the more we talk about the good stuff, the more good stuff there will be.
Use the libraries Bedford’s libraries are sacred spaces, used by people of all ages and offering everything from books to DVDs, magazines to audiobooks and home to the Library of Things. Make the most of them while we’ve still got them.
Watch live music From Esquires to the Corn Exchange, The Bear to the Quarry Theatre, Bedford has a wealth of venues hosting live music performances and punches above its weight on the live music circuit. Feed your soul with some live music in 2026.
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Support your local theatre Bedford’s theatres host comedy, film, community theatre and professional touring shows, meaning there really is something for everyone. Check out our weekly What’s On Guide* and theatre pages to find the show for you. *bedfordindependent.co.uk
Be a sports fan From rugby to football, hockey to athletics, rowing to cycling, Bedford has an abundance of sports clubs to join or support.
Make a difference We all have the power to make a difference to where we live. From organising a litter pick or a street party to running an event or creating a charity fundraiser, Bedford is a great place to make things happen. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
What’s a spider’s New Year’s resolution? To spend less time on the web.
ROLL YOUR OWN RECORDS A decade of dancing thanks to RYOR..
Roll Your Own,” said Andy. “When I got back to Bedford I knew there weren’t enough D&B people locally to make it work, but then Herd opened up on St Cuthbert’s Street and it was just the perfect place to start something different.” Since 2015, the RYOR community has grown and Dave and Andy are unanimous in agreeing that they have had the privilege of meeting amazing people with incredible record collections. From nights at Herd to street parties, Record Stord Day events at Beerfly to FoodDrunk at Esquires, the RYOR team can be relied upon to bring the party vibes and an eclectic mix of music. “Over the years we’ve built up a brilliant roster of DJs we can handpick from, as well as encouraging new people to get involved,” said Dave.
Andy Yearly and Dave Wright of Roll Your Own / Image: RYOR
A stalwart of Bedford’s music scene reached a milestone in 2025, as Roll Your Own Records (RYOR) celebrated its 10th birthday in December.
“It’s organically grown over the last 10 years and is a fun side project alongside our full-time jobs,” said Andy. “We’ve got to work with some amazing people and venues and our birthday party at Herd in December was a great celebration of the RYOR community.”
Run by Dave Wright and Andy Yearly, RYOR run events that give anyone the opportunity to pitch for a DJ slot, no matter your level of expertise or genre of music.
To celebrate their birthday, RYOR have collaborated with Jess at Boyd’s Printworks to create a run of t-shirts and all profits will be reinvested into equipment for their events.
The idea for RYOR began when Andy was travelling in Australia. “I used to go to a great drum and bass event in Syndey called
To find out more, get a t-shirt and to get involved in one of their 2026 events, check out their website rollyourownrecords.co.uk
The Bedford Clanger / January 2026
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WHAT’S ON At the Rothsay Education Centre this month… Rothsay Gardens, 6 Rothsay Gardens MK40 3QB
Do you fancy learning Spanish? The REC’s Absolute Beginners classes focus on learning through basic every day useful conversation scenarios. Starting 6 January @ 5pm - 6pm
Curated by the Circus of Illustration, check out this new exhibition of work by the human hand, in rejection of the rise of AI in the creative industries.
Bedford Skeptics: Rachel Matthews from the Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue
Thursday 15th January The North End Club, Roff Avenue @ 7.30pm / Donations welcome
In a five-week portrait painting course, students will learn a systematic approach to drawing the portrait including the basic structure and facial planes. Starting 6 January @ 6pm - 7.45pm. Find out about all courses at recbedford.co.uk
Book Sale: The Big Bumper Book Sale Weekend Saturday, 10 & Sunday, 11 January 2026 The Place Theatre @ 10am - 3pm Tickets: Free
Image: Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue
Rachel and Dominic started Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue in the summer of 2021 after years of observing hedgehogs in their village and garden, and the realisation that there was no rescue facility in the local area. Rachel will talk about the importance of hedgehogs to the natural environment, the challenges of setting up a Rescue Centre and how we can help to ensure hedgehog health.
Bedford National Trust Association: Dr Chris Bates on “The USAAF 379th Bombardment Group”
Book Sale / Image: Pixabay
Tuesday, 20 January The Addison Centre @ 2.15pm / Small charge for admission
The first Book Sale of 2026 takes place at The Place Theatre his month, and this time they are making a weekend of it. Browse a huge selection of fiction and non-fiction books, have a coffee and some cake and relax in the theatre space. This welcoming venue will be open for you to explore and find out more about all the events The Place has coming up in 2026.
Exhibition: Made By Humans
12 January - 12 February Bedford School Bell Room, De Parys Avenue @ Mon -Fri 9.30am-4pm / Sat 9am-12.15pm / Free entry
Image: Circus of Illustration
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After many years of research and exploring the airfield, Dr Chris Bates will give a talk about the history of the American 379th Bomb Group based at Kimbolton in 1943-45. It is a story of grand strategy, aircraft, local history, individual sacrifice and heroism.
Friends of the Higgins talk: On Jasper Maskelyne, the illusionist who hid Tempsford Airfield Tuesday, 20 January Streamed via Zoom @ 7.30pm
Designed by illusionist Jasper Maskelyne, RAF Tempsford was constructed to give overflying enemy aircraft the impression it was disused. Nothing could be further from the truth - just after dusk on moonlit nights either side of the full moon, planes from the 138 and 161 Squadrons would take off on top-secret missions to the heart of the war-torn Continent. Despite the attention of Churchill and George VI, the airfield’s secrets have long remained an untold chapter in the story of the war. Based on over a decade’s extensive research, RAF Tempsford: Churchill’s Most Secret Airfield is filled with intrigue, suspense, heartbreak, and humour. It is a fascinating account of a deadly serious business. friendsofthehiggins.org.uk
Why do you need a jeweler on New Year’s Eve? To ring in the new year.
Holocaust Memorial Day Exhibition: Bridging Generations Friday, 23 January - 1 February The Higgins Bedford / Free entry
something for the community, then your museum needs you! The John Bunyan Museum, in the heart of Bedford’s Cultural Quarter, is opening its doors to anyone interested in becoming a volunteer in 2026. Meet and chat with some of the stewards, have a tour around the site, and find out what the museum volunteers do and how you might get involved. bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
Drink and Draw: Redesign classic book covers
Tuesday, 27 January The Park Pub, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm / pay what you can
Image: Holocaust Memorial Day
Come and learn more about the history and heritage of the local Bedford Jewish community, the impact of the Holocaust and survivors’ stories, as well as their legacy in the museum’s entrance foyer display. thehigginsbedford.org.uk
Volunteer Recruitment morning
Saturday, 24 January The John Bunyan Museum @ 10.30am / Free entry If you are looking for a new challenge, a chance to meet new people, a way to improve or learn new skills, or a chance to do
The Bedford Clanger / January 2026
Image: The Circus of Illustration
At this month’s drink and draw, you are invited to redesign classic book covers! All materials provided at this laid-back, social event for all creative grown ups. Pay what you can to keep events running.
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THEATRE The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.
National Theatre Live: Mrs Warren’s Profession Friday, 9 & Sunday, 11 January 2026 The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm (Friday) 2pm (Sunday) Tickets: £15.50
After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.
Theatre: Jack the Ripper
Friday, 23 January 2023 The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16
Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton joins forces with her real-life daughter Bessie Carter for the very first time, playing mother and daughter in George Bernard Shaw’s incendiary moral classic. Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs Warren a fortune – but at what cost?
Dance: Colours of a Woman’s Love
Saturday, 17 January 2026 The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16 Colours of a Woman’s Love reimagines the ancient archetypes of the Ashta Nayikas – eight heroines of classical Indian dance – through a contemporary lens. Led by Debbie GanguliPatel, with additional mentorship on choreography by Divya Kasturi and original music created in collaboration with Prathap Ramachandra and Vijay Venkat, the work explores the emotional landscapes of modern women navigating love, identity, and societal change.
In this theatrical shocker, award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin plays different characters as we explore the murders and the myths of the infamous Jack the Ripper. Even to this day, the identity of the serial killer remains unknown. Although theories abound as to who he might have been and what his motives were, it seems unlikely that the truth shall ever be known.
Theatre: The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged Saturday, 24 January 2026 The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16
National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step
Saturday, 17 & Sunday, 18 January 2026 The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm (Saturday) 2pm (Sunday) / Tickets: from £10
One newbie and two self-professed Janeites, through almost all means imaginable, tackle the entire canon of Jane Austen’s works – in just 90 minutes.
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, 8
Come along for a fun, funny, and fast-paced romp through the masterpieces of Jane Austen with The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged. It is a truth universally acknowledged that an audience in possession of high spirits must be in want of a ticket to this big-hearted comedy that will delight Janeites and newcomers alike. What does a field grow on January, 1? New Year’s hay.
Community Theatre: BDC Radio Plays
Sunday, 25 January 2026 The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £12
Get ready for an epic adventure with a comic twist. That’s right, it’s time for Bedford Drama Company’s ‘Play in a Day’ Radio Play. This year’s play is ‘Legends of the Round Table’ written by Samuel Burridge, and you will be transported to the court of King Arthur, where you will meet many well-known characters, as well as a few new ones, as their adventures take you through the events of three legendary stories. You’ll witness three separate casts performing script in hand and producing live sound effects. Yes, that’s right, there will be plenty of coconut shell horses!
Comedy: Hal Cruttenden - Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It Saturday, 31 January 2026 The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £20
Hal is back with a brand-new tour and a show that promises to stick it to ‘The Man’, as long as ‘The Man’ doesn’t stick it back to him. He will be hilariously pontificating on subjects like middleaged dating, social media, the insanity of modern politics and the fact that his daughters love him but don’t respect him. He believes that, after you’ve seen the show, you’ll feel exactly the same way.
Free, drop in, art & craft activities for children aged 2-5 years at The Higgins Bedford on: 9 January, 6 February, 6 March, 10 April, 1 May, 5 June, 3 July, 7 August Pop in anytime between 10:30am-12pm or 1-2:30pm. Scan QR code for more details. The Higgins Art Gallery and Museum Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3XD
CELEBRATING BEDFORD’S UNSUNG CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING HERO
NOEL CARRINGTON NOTHING NEED BE UGLY 15 NOVEMBER 2025 – 28 JUNE 2026 THE HIGGINS ART GALLERY & MUSEUM, BEDFORD C A S T L E L A N E , B E D F O R D, M K4 0 3X D T 0123 4 718 618 E T H E H I G G I N S @ B E D F O R D.G OV.U K W W W.T H E H I G G I N S B E D F O R D.O RG .U K Detail from ‘Orlando – His Silver Wedding’ by Kathleen Hale
The Bedford Clanger / January 2026
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LIVE MUSIC
Happy new year, happy new sponsor! This new year, we are delighted to welcome Bedford Esquires as our sponsor of the weekly online What’s On Guide. Published every Wednesday, the guide is your one-stop shop to find out the best of Bedford’s live music, theatre, film, comedy, art and culture, and who better to partner with than Bedford’s award-winning live music venue. Our aim at the Bedford Clanger has always been to demonstrate how often our little town punches above its weight, and Bedford Esquires is the perfect example of that fighting spirit.
Image: Bedford Esquires
Independent Venue Week presents: Ceremony 5.5 ft Man Woman Chainsaw | Adult DVD | Cliffords and more Saturday, 31 January Bedford Esquires @ 5pm / Tickets: £27.50
As part of Independent Venue Week, The Roar Club, Club Biscuit and The Pad Presents have curated Ceremony 5.5, the ‘mini’ version of their ‘new music all-dayer’. Headlining will be the art-rock collective MAN/WOMAN/ CHAINSAW who previously sold out the venue earlier this year. Providing support will be Adult DVD, billed as Yorkshire’s answer to LCD Soundsystem. Travelling all the way from Ballincollig, Ireland will be hotly tipped and anthemic alt-rockers Cliffords. Already billed by Rolling Stone as ‘a band on the cusp of greatness’, they’ve spent the summer wowing audiences at massive festivals like Glastonbury, Latitude and Reading / Leeds.
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Also appearing will be the psychedelic funk of Common Goldfish, the wonky new-wave experimentalism of Formal Speedwear, the ‘aggressive hopecore’ of sweaty rave-pop duo Punchbag, the hypnotic Radiohead meets Fontaines noise of Saint Clair and, fresh from supporting Public Image Limited, Spanish Horses will be bringing their Velvet Underground influenced grooves to the party. Last, but not least, Manchester’s Vincent’s Last Summer will be bringing their magic telephone to Ceremony 5.5 to teleport us all back to 2008, the year of ‘Indie Sleaze’.
Last year, I was able to keep all of my New Year’s resolutions... tucked away in a journal on my bookshelf.
The Ouse Valley Singles Club
Saturday, 3 January Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £12
Keeping up traditions of years gone by, The Ouse Valley Singles Club return to the main stage at Esquires to play what has become their ‘Annual First Gig Of The Year’ on the first Saturday in January. Peddling a truly original and highly entertaining sound that has been dubbed “New Wave Skiffle” they have been described as ‘George Formby meets The Clash’ where
vaudeville music hall meets working men’s club. The scourge of the ‘Metropolitan Liberal Elite’, The OVSC put on a show that gives a hysterical observational account of everyday tales of woe with a razor-sharp observational narrative whilst rocking the crowds with their infectious earworms.
TTSSFU
Saturday, 17 January Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £14
TTSSFU - aka Manchester’s Tasmin Nicole Stephens conjures enormous atmospheric worlds using just GarageBand in their bedroom. The DIY shoegazer deftly combines the eeriness of The Cure with the fast BPM of The Strokes and The Drums: most recently on new EP ‘Me, Jed and Andy’, which TTSSFU produced, mixed, and mastered themselves, and which features the first single on Partisan Records ‘Studio 54’. A whirlpool of chaotic energy.
Music: Almost Kate Bush
Saturday, 31 January 2026 The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16 Welcome to the wonderful world of Almost Kate Bush, a captivating tribute show unlike any other. Allow yourself to be transported back to 1978 when Kate released Wuthering Heights and the musical landscape changed forever. This show will take you on a journey from The Kick Inside, through Lionheart and Never for Ever. A stunning piano & vocal performance with a few surprises along the way, which will win the hearts of life-long fans and those who have only recently discovered her magical talent. The Bedford Clanger / January 2026
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As part of our New Year’s Revolution manifesto (page 4), we are continuing our Bought In Bedford giveaway into 2026, but you’ve got to be in it to win it! You’ve read the headlines; 2026 is going to be a tough year for small businesses, so it’s more important than ever that we show them our support. By sharing photos of your locally bought purchases and tagging #BoughtInBedford on Instagram, not only will your support be shared for all to see, but you could also win a £50 voucher to spend in your favourite indie business
Comic book from Close Encounters / Image: Georgia (BIB Winner)
To kick off the new year in style, we’ve chosen two Bought in Bedford winners, so congratulations to Georgia Bowers and Daisy Grove - your vouchers are on their way! Georgia shared a photo of her comic book purchase from Close Encounters on Allhallows and Daisy photographed her delicious vegan bagel from Vanilla Tree on St Cuthbert’s Street.
Vegan Bagel from Vanilla Tree / Image: Daisy (BIB Winner)
To be in with a chance of winning £50 to spend at a Bedford Borough independent business of your choice, follow these simple steps: 1. Make a purchase from one of Bedford Borough’s brilliant indies. This can be an item, food, a service (for instance, a haircut, beauty treatment), or a drink… dare we even suggest a coffee from one of our many fine coffee shops? 2. Take a photo of what you have purchased. 3. Share the photo publicly on an Instagram post using the hashtag #BoughtInBedford and tag @bedfordindependent and the business you bought it from. If you don’t have an Instagram account or a public profile, you can email win@bedfordindependent.co.uk the photo, including a description of what you bought, where you purchased it, with your name. Full terms and conditions can be found at BedfordIndependent.co.uk.
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My resolution is to find my glasses—I’ve been looking into it.
FILM Stevington Film Club
Stevington Village Hall, Court Lane, MK43 7QT @ 6.30pm Tickets: Prices vary
Bedford Film Society
University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm Tickets: Annual membership £70 / day member £5
Bridget Jones - Mad About the Boy
The Marching Band (French)
In its fourth instalment, widowed Bridget Jones juggles work, life and love in this romantic comedy, adapted from Helen Fielding’s novel.
Tuesday, 27 January
Thursday, 8 January
RBO presents La Traviata Wednesday, 14 January
Heart-rending arias meet harsh realities in this captivating story. Experience the devastating beauty of Verdi’s music in some of opera’s most famous tunes.
NTLive screening: Hamlet Thursday, 22 January
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (The Father and the Assassin, Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Conductor Thibaut discovers he has leukaemia and needs a bone marrow donor. Learning of his adoption, he finds an older brother who works in a factory. Their reunion leads to a musical journey as the town faces a factory closure.
National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.
Unlimited journeys. Unlimited savings. Unlimited Bedford. Travel more, spend less! Save big on travel with an exclusive £5 DayRider ticket.
Use code EABD5APPDAY to redeem on the Stagecoach App. Get your ticket on the App *Discounted tickets must be redeemed on the Stagecoach Bus App using the codes provided between 1st September and 30th November 2025. This offer is valid on Adult DayRider tickets for the Bedford Town zone only.
The Bedford Clanger / January 2026
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HOMETOWN TOURIST North Beds Ramblers celebrate 50 years of walking groups North Beds Ramblers, the oldest Ramblers Group in Bedfordshire, turns 50 in 2026, and they have a packed programme to celebrate.
Image: North Beds Ramblers
Thanks to a recently discovered walking programme from 1976, the group aims to recreate its very first year of walking as part of the celebrations.
The programme was very scant, with one monthly walk offered on the first Saturday afternoon of the month, Publicity Officer, Sandra Kelsey
“We still walk on Saturday afternoons, but sadly, we have no idea how long the walks were, although starting at 2.15pm in the winter might suggest that they weren’t very long!” Throughout 2026, the group are also hoping to incorporate parts of the North Bedfordshire Heritage Trail into many of their walks. “Recently, a number of our members have been involved in resigning the North Bedfordshire Heritage Trail, and so it will be lovely to see some of their work first-hand,” said Sandra. As with any big birthday, plans are afoot to have a celebration part,y and the group will be producing some 50th anniversary memorabilia for their walkers. All the memorabilia and promotional material will include their new 50th year logo, kindly designed by member Julianna Jagielska.
ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/ramblers-groups/northbedfordshire-group
January walks in Bedford Borough Saturday, 10 January Birthday Walk No 1: Turvey MK43 8ER @ 1pm Circular 6.5 mile walk through the countryside surrounding Turvey. Saturday, 17 January Putnoe, Ashmead Rd, MK41 7GA @ 1pm 7.5 mile walk to Ravensden through woodland. Saturday, 24 January Marston Vale Millenium Park, MK43 0PR @ 10am 11.5 mile walk through Lower Shelton, towards Cranfield, back via Holcot Wood and Marston Thrift. Saturday, 24 January Blunham, MK44 3NQ @ 1pm 6 mile walk along Sandy Country Way to Willington Lock, then Great Barford.
“If you are in the locality, please come and join us on one of our birthday walks or any other, as we now walk every Saturday, not just the first of the month,” said Sandra. 14
I joined a gym on New Year’s Eve—it was a weighty decision.
GREAT BEDFORDIAN This month’s Great Bedfordian is Eddie Adams (AKA Big Gay Ed & Hole in the head Ed): photographer, drag artist, brain tumour campaigner and provocateur. Known for his appearance on Ru Paul’s Drag Race and his failed attempt to bring Katie Hopkins to Bedford, he’s passionate about his hometown of Bedford. Not only that, he’s only gone and read The Pilgrim’s Progress! Image: Eddie Adams
Born here or blow in? Born and raised.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress?
Best breakfast in Bedford? Price-wise wise West 4 [on
Of course! I also attended a Sunday service at the Bunyan Church recently, and all the stained glass depicts scenes from the book, a must-see for JB fans.
Harpur Street] do a great job but I am partial to a D’Parys Hotel full English.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? A long time ago, good Best boozer? You’re trying to get me into trouble, aren’t you?!
luck finding one today though, they’ve disappeared!
Top spot has to go to The Wellington Arms.
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? There are a few, but I have to give a shout out to Amalfi on Tavistock Street. Their classic Italian birthday cake with Strega and a big tray of Mignons are a staple for any occasion, birthday or otherwise!
Best Bedfordian? Tough one but I’m going to go with my dear friend Geraldo Santaniello of Santaniello’s Pizzeria and the whole family. Absolute salt of the earth people.
Image: The Wellington Arms
Best coffee or cuppa? I take coffee very seriously, so I must give credit to Say Doughnuts for a fantastic Allpress flat white, but notable cortado mentions have to go to Vanilla Tree, Maison Le Votre, Real Coffee, the Arc, The Embankment Hotel and Not Another Jungle. I am also partial to the occasional Pavilion double macchiato paired with a Cornish pasty while walking the dog around Bedford Park.
Best takeaway? Will definitely be in the dog house for this one but at the moment it’s Siam Heaven. I highly recommend the Chicken Pad Thai, Pad 3 Rod and a Massaman Curry, thank me later!
Eddie & Geraldo Santaniello / Image: Eddie Adams
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? About 20 years ago I saw an
BEDFORD ISN’T SH*T
indie skater band called No Comply at Esquires which to this day will go down as one of my favourite gigs ever.
The Bedford Clanger / January 2026
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