HIGH STREET
SEE THE EASTER BUNNY ARRIVE IN STYLE
EASTER BUNNY FLIES IN & EGG HUNT
SUN 20 & MON 21 APR
Looking for a fantastically quirky family event this Easter? Come along and watch as the Easter Bunny flies into Shuttleworth. Then, head into the beautiful Swiss Garden and help to find the eggs he left behind. Collect enough to take to the Easter Bunny who will give you your very own chocolate to take home.
Why not make a day of it with a fun fair, face painting, balloon modelling, magic shows and the full site to explore?
SCAN FOR TICKETS
CONTENTS
EVERYDAY HEROES | 4
Help us find Bedford’s Everyday Heroes
POP STUDIO4 | 5
WHAT’S ON | 6
Come along to the Open Studio Big Weekender Diaries at the ready
Introduction
Welcome to the March issue of the Bedford Clanger - your one-stop-shop of cultural goodness in Bedford Borough.
One thing we’re really looking forward to this month is BCA’s Kemspton Light Walk (15 March) and you can read all about it on our Hometown Tourist page. It’s a great opportunity to see an area in a totally new light - literally.
THEATRE | 8
FILM | 10
The best of this month’s theatre Film forever
LIVE MUSIC | 11
Bring the noise
If you’ve always wanted to see behind the scenes in an artist’s studio, then you’re in luck. The artists in residence at POP STUDIO4 in the Old Arcade will be throwing open their doors this month with DJs, workshops and more. Find out more on page 5.
Our cover story this month is a call to action - to help us find Bedford’s Everyday Heroes. If you know someone who goes the extra mile to make Bedford a better place to live, then we want to hear from you.
Team Clanger
MEET THE TEAM
Cibo Italian Subs
BCA’s Kemspton Light Walk
PK (Paul Kellett) from charity Bedford Giving
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: Carli @carli_hall_design
Food & Drink: Paul Hutchinson
Theatre: Paula Walker
Website: bedfordindependent.co.uk
The Bedford Clanger is published by Progress Publishing
Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson (Image: Two-D Photography)
EVERYDAY HEROES
Celebrate Bedford’s Everyday Heroes
It’s once again time to recognise the incredible people who make Bedford Borough a fantastic place to live. Nominations are now open for the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2024, in partnership with the Harpur Trust.
Now in its fifth year, this initiative shines a light on individuals and teams who have made a difference between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024.
This year, we are proud to support Just Us, a Bedford-based charity ensuring everyone has a safe home and a fair chance at keeping it. Learn more about their vital work at justus.org.uk.
How to Nominate
If you know someone who has gone above and beyond in the community, then nominate them by midnight on 15 March at progresspublishing.typeform.com/Heroes2024.
Submissions should be no more than 300 words, detailing their impact. A short 50-word summary is also required for shortlisted finalists.
Award Categories (sponsored by)
Volunteer/s of the Year (Harpur Trust): Celebrating those who give their time selflessly.
(2023 winner: Akaal Seva)
Excellence in Education (Bedford School): Honouring teachers, coaches, and educators who inspire and uplift young minds. (2023 winner: Faye McKinney)
Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough (The Quarry Theatre): For individuals or teams who put Bedford on the map. (New award)
Pride in Bedford Borough (Bedford Radio): Recognising those who make Bedford a better place to live, work, and play.
(New award)
Young Achiever Age up to 13 (Maths Circle) & Young Achiever Age 14-21 (Bedford Heights) (Bedford Heights): Celebrating young people making a significant impact.
(2023 winners: Lola Bracey & Charlie Faulkner)
Youth Voice (Bedford Giving): A brand-new award recognising young people or organisations advocating for under-18s. (New award)
Fundraiser of the Year (Individual & Team) (Woodfines Solicitors & White Hart Press): Rewarding those who have raised funds for a good cause.
(2023 winners: Liz Simmonds & David Donnelly’s team)
Unsung Hero (Brewpoint): For those making a quiet but significant impact.
(2023 winner: Christian Coley)
Young Carer of the Year (Heart Academies Trust): Recognising young carers under 18 for their dedication.
(2023 winner: Andreea Balan)
Let’s celebrate our heroes! Submit your nominations today and help us recognise Bedford’s incredible community champions.
What do you call a pony with a cough? A little horse.
HIGH STREET
Image: Carli Hall
POP STUDIO4
Behind-the-scenes at the Open Studio Big Weekender
Friday, 21 - Sunday, 23 March
Five Bedford-based artists are inviting the public into their town centre studio to get up close and personal with their work.
Mo Rahman, Talia Giles, Fiona Wilson, Emily Baxter and Giacomo Verdura are the artists in residence at POP STUDIO4 in the Old Arcade in Bedford. Beginning with drinks and a DJ at the ‘Friday Late’ on 21 March, the space will be open for the whole weekend, giving a glimpse into the life of a Bedford artist.
As well as an opportunity to meet the artists in person, there will be live drawing and painting demonstrations by resident artists Fiona Wilson and Mo Rahman and an eclectic selection of fine art and illustration, both original paintings and prints, to browse and buy.
POP STUDIO4 founder Talia Giles said: “The vision has always been to help nurture and grow the creative ecosystem here in Bedford and it is my hope that I can open up more shared studio
spaces such as these across the town centre using long-term vacant units.”
“The Open Studios Big Weekends are a great opportunity for us to invite the public, art collectors, fellow artists and appreciators alike, to get behind the scenes to experience and discuss not just our art but art in a wider – and local – context, in a really relaxed, social atmosphere,” said studio artist, Fiona Wilson.
If you’d like to attend the ‘Friday Late’ event from 5pm – 9pm on Friday, 21 March please RSVP to popbedford@gmail.com
For more details on the Open Studio Big Weekend and general updates on the Pride of Place Project, follow on @popstudio4_
Saturday 15 March 2025
Bookable:
Collaborative Virtual Reality Art Workshop 11am–1:30pm, 2pm–4:30pm Curious Adventure in Colour and Light 12noon–1pm, 1–2pm, 2–3pm, 3–4pm
Drop in: Meet the Geologists 11am–3pm Timeline 11am–4pm
WHAT’S ON
Bedford Tabletop Expo returns for 2025
Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 March
For the third year in a row, Bedford Tabletop Expo will be delivering the ultimate weekend for fans of tabletop, board games, miniatures, scale models, miniature railway and wargaming.
The interactive event is a chance to delve into new hobbies, play games, learn new skills and meet new people. Get immersed in a variety of hobbies, storytelling and gaming with players of all ages.
There will be traders, independent creators, interactive exhibits, RC car racing, family board gaming, demos, tournaments, workshops, panels and more. It’s 100% family-friend and all under 16s are free. We recommend allowing a visit of at least 3-4 hours to take in the whole expo. All entry tickets and addons for premium events and activities can be found on Eventbrite.
Bedford International Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB bedfordtabletopexpo.co.uk/
Saturday workshops at the REC
Rothsay Education Centre, Saturday, 15 March
Find out more about one of Bedford’s ‘best-kept secrets’ at this month’s Saturday Workshops at the REC. Choose from sessions in Humanology, Shakespeare and Marriage, Winter into Spring Birdwatching Day, Start Drawing, From Carta to Charter and English Rebels with a Cause.
No membership is required to join a workshop. Book online at recbedford.co.uk
Rothsay Education Centre, 6 Rothsay Gardens MK40 3QB
Bedford Skeptics present: Life as an archaeologist (from Sussex to Sharnbrook, via Shropshire, South Wales, Saltburn and Sandy) by Mike Luke Thursday, 20 March @ 7.30pm
Local archaeologist, Mike Luke, will provide a whistle-stop account of his work and associated journey on sites around England and Wales, which eventually led him to live in Sharnbrook.
He will summarise his time from being a young archaeologist to a professional working for Albion Archaeology. By doing so he will provide a general introduction to archaeology and he will highlight some of the changes throughout his career. He will also briefly describe some of the more significant discoveries made by Albion in Bedfordshire.
The North End Club, 60 Roff Avenue, Bedford, MK41 7TW. Doors open at 7 for a 7:30 start.
Science Labs at the Higgins Bedford Saturday, 15 March 2025
As part of British Science Week, head to the Higgins Bedford to be inspired by Alison Goodyear’s Light and Colour Community Project installation and be guided by the artist to create virtual artwork together. Artist, Graham Fudger embarks on a Curious Adventure in Colour and Light as he brings together ten lightthemed activities for a hands-on workshop to explore scientific principles of colour, light, and the science of seeing. Both of these workshops have limited places so booking is essential.
Geologists from the Bedfordshire Geology Group will be on hand to answer questions on all aspects of geology and the current Mary Anning exhibition. A selection of fossils and minerals will be on display, and feel free to bring along your own samples to find out more about them. Plus, follow the Timeline and see how our use of materials has changed through history.
All activities are free.
Please use the QR code to book.
Horatio Nelson - from disaster at Tenerife to triumph at the Nile Tuesday, 25 March @ 7.30pm
This month’s Friends of the Higgins talk is by Peter Gutteridge of the Nelson Society. Peter is a long-standing member of the Nelson Society and has Masters Degrees in Maritime History from Greenwich University and History from Cambridge University.
His interest in Nelson was originally fostered by his grandfather, Professor H.C. Gutteridge, who was a distinguished academic and author of ‘Nelson and the Neapolitan Jacobins’.
St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Rd, Bedford, MK402PF
Crafternoon at the Higgins Sunday, 23 March @ 2pm - 4pm
Take part in free monthly creative activities at the Higgins Bedford. Guided by local artists, the sessions are suitable for all the family and particularly those under 12.
Wonderful walks Saturday, 15 March @ 1.30pm
Among the North Beds Rambers walks this month is a 6.5 mile walk from Harrold/Odell Country Park (MK43 7DS) to Pavenham. The route is 6.5miles.
You can find out more about this walk and their other Saturday walks in March at their website or call Margaret Sawyer on 07780 933729.
ramblers.org.uk/north-bedfordshire
Last chance to see…
The Higgins Bedford’s Mary Anning exhibition will close on Sunday, 23 March, so make sure you grab the chance to see it. Mary Anning Rocks tells the awe-inspiring story of Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil hunter who unearthed marine reptiles and discovered the secrets of Jurassic life. Explore the Jurassic specimens held at The Higgins Bedford in this display curated in partnership with Bedfordshire Geology Group.
THEATRE
The best of this month’s theatre, hand-picked by Paula Walker
Our pick of what’s on at the Quarry Theatre this month… quarrytheatre.org.uk
Comedy: Juliet Burton: Work in Progress
Tuesday, 4 March 2025
The Quarry Theatre: @ 7.30 / Tickets: £10
Award-winning performer Juliette Burton is a “Fringe Favourite” (The Guardian) and a “Fringe Legend” (FringeReview), yet living on the fringes can give a good view of what needs to change. Juliette Burton has been in hospital 5 times for mental illness and has been bothered by the normal way of doing things. Now she celebrates all that truly makes the trickiness of being human worth the effort.
Film: Screening of Macbeth: David Tennant and Cush Jumbo
Saturday, 8 & Sunday, 9 March 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm / Tickets: £15.50
David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife, Criminal Record) lead a stellar cast in an ‘enthralling’ new production of Shakespeare’s MACBETH, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London, especially for the big screen.
Comedy: Alex Mitchell: Tics Towards Perfection
Thursday, 13 March 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £17.50
On society’s perception of queer, disabled, and neurodiverse communities, as well as his own perception of himself, Mitchell creates a heartwarming, emotional but always hilarious show.
Britain’s Got Talent 2024 finalist Alex Mitchell is an autistic comic with functional neurological disorder (FND). His debut show, Tics Towards Puffection, tackles his desperate obsession for perfection and being “the best version” of himself..Reflecting
Theatre: In Other Words
Friday, 21 March 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £13.50
Connected by the music of Frank Sinatra, this intimate, humorous and deeply moving love story explores the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and the transformative power of music to help us remember the past, connect with the present and hope for the future.
Children’s Theatre: Pigs and Bears Don’t Come in Pairs!
Saturday, 29 March 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm / Tickets: from £11
Straw, wood, brick? Porridge, chairs, beds? Two trios to tantalise and tickle your senses in this DOUBLE BILL of Furry Tails, where Goldilocks may even be more scary than the Big Bad Wolf! Ideal for 3 to 7-year-olds.
The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2NN
At The Place Theatre this month… theplacebedford.org.uk
Comedy: Jokes and Laffs
Saturday, 8 March 2025
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £15
Jokes and Laffs is back for 2025 and with another stellar lineup, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. President Obonjo will be leading proceedings with sets from Lateef Lovejoy, Susan Murray and David Tsonos.
Community Theatre: Hangmen
Tuesday, 11 - Saturday, 15 March
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £12
Harry Wade is a hangman who likes to keep his counsel until the momentous day when hanging is finally abolished in the UK and Harry is asked to give an interview to the local paper.
8 Why do we tell actors to ‘break a leg’? Because every play has a cast.
Surrounded by his acolytes and family, his vanity gets the better of him and he agrees to speak his mind. At the same time, a stranger walks into Harry’s pub who will set off a chain of events that will eventually spiral out of even Harry’s tight control.
Theatre: The Ballad of Underwater Daughter
Thursday, 27 March 2025
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16
Somewhere out there, in the murky no-man’s-land between reality and “are you pulling my leg?” there’s a mechanical island inhabited entirely by dads. The Ballad of the Underwater Daughter is a strange sort of odyssey. Overloaded with puppets, props and machines, it is the latest production from Leeds’ own theOBJECTproject.
The Place Theatre, Bradgate Rd, Bedford MK40 3DE
At Sharnbrook Mill Theatre this month… sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk
Community Theatre: Dracula - The Bloody Truth!
Tuesday, 11 - Saturday, 15 March
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £18
A hilarious and silly comedy retelling of the iconic gothic novel Dracula comes to the award-winning Sharnbrook Mill Theatre. The year is 1900 and Professor Van Helsing is not happy. Bram Stoker’s novel may be entertaining but it’s not the truth, the bloody truth... and the truth must come out!
Dracula: The Bloody Truth – features just four actors playing 40 characters with countless costume changes, a dead parrot and a six-foot-tall crucifix!
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, Sharnbrook MK44 1NP
Popcorn at the ready, some great films are coming our way this month…
Bedford Film Society
University of Bedfordshire @ 7.30pm | Tickets: £5 / members free
The Dead Don’t Hurt
Tuesday, 4 March
A story of star-crossed lovers on the western U.S. frontier in the 1860s.
20 Days in Mariupol
Tuesday, 11 March
As the Russian invasion begins, a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting the war’s atrocities.
The Holdovers
Tuesday, 18 March
The Holdovers follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who forms an unlikely bond with a student and the school’s head cook, after then are forced to remain on campus during Christmas break.
Monster
Tuesday, 25 March
When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, his mother storms into the school demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher and child, the truth gradually emerges.
Bedford Film Society, University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue, MK41 9EA / bedfordfilmsociety.org.uk
Stevington Cinema Club
Stevington Village Hall | times and prices vary
Gladiator II
Thursday, 13 March
Ridley Scott’s epic award-winning sequel to Gladiator.
NT Live: Dr Strangelove
Thursday, 27 March
Steve Coogan stars in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr Stranglove. When a rogue US General triggers a nuclear attack, a surreal race takes place, seeing the Government and one eccentric scientist scramble to avert global destruction.
Stevington Village Hall, Court Lane, Stevington MK43 7QT stevingtoncinemaclub.uk
LIVE MUSIC
Soul Factory
Saturday, 1 March @ 3pm
Cellar Bar / Free entry
An afternoon of soul, RnB, Northern Soul and Motown vibes with Soul Factory.
Waterloo Duo - ABBA Tribute
Sunday, 2 March @ 5pm
The Cellar Bar / Free entry
‘Waterloo’ The Best of ABBA duo is a fantastic tribute to the Swedish super group. If you love Dancing Queen, Mamma
Mia. Voulez-Vous and many more hits you’ll love this incredible performance. Why not combine an afternoon of ABBA tunes with the Cellar Bar’s Bottomless Afternoon Tea packages.
Snapped Ankles + Guests
Wednesday, 5 March @ 7.30pm Bedford Esquires / Tickets: £15
This month sees the debut show at Bedford Esquires of post punk, performance and art rockers Snapped Ankles. The band members’ identities are unknown, due to the fact that the group performs in Ghillie Suits, but they claim to be “forest folk... descended from the trees”. The Woodwose have discovered electricity and they’re not afraid to use it.
THE BEAT Ft Rankin Jnr + Guests
Friday, 7 March @ 7.30pm Bedford Esquires / Tickets: £27.50
Along with their contemporaries The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, The Beat became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular and influential bands of the British ska movement. The Beat featuring Ranking Jnr continue to perform all the classic hits in their dynamic live shows.
St Patrick’s Celebrations featuring The Black and Gold
Saturday, 15 March @ 8.30pm
The Cellar Bar Bar / Free entry
The Black and Gold band were formed for the Cellar Bar’s St Patrick’s Celebrations last year and the Irish supergroup is still going strong. Samantha Hughes (banjo/vocals), Rich Taylor (guitar/lead vocals, Mary Wilcockson (fiddle), James Lewin (drums), Dan McGrath (harmonica), will be playing songs by The Pogues, The Dubliners, American-Irish and upbeat trad tunes to get you in the St Paddy’s Day party mood.
Cantamus Chamber Choir
Tuesday, 18 March 7.30 pm
All Saints Church Ravensden MK44 2RL / Tickets: £10
Conductor Gary Mudd and organist Paul Edwards lead the Cantamus Chamber Choir singing For all the Saints: anthems from five centuries for the Saints’ Days through the Church’ year.
Osmo Vänskä conducts Mendelssohn
Friday 21 March @ 7.30pm
Bedford Corn Exchange / Tickets: prices vary
Programme:
MAZZOLI These Worlds In Us
MOZART Piano Concerto No. 25, K. 503
MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 5, ‘Reformation’
Young Japanese pianist Mao Fujita is taking the classical music world by storm with his technical mastery and ‘tremendous versatility’ (The Times). Celebrated for his interpretations of Mozart, he will perform his Piano Concerto No. 25. A jewel of the Classical period, it is widely considered one of Mozart’s greatest concertos.
HENGE
Friday, 28 March @ 7.30pm
Bedford Esquires / Tickets: £15
Space-ravers, HENGE are landing back at Esquires this month as part of an extensive tour of our solar system. Last seen in town battling the council noise pollution overlords on The River Festival main stage, now is your chance to come and see a proper Henge show in all its extra-terrestrial joy-mongering glory!
Bazooka Joe & Cameo
Friday, 28 March @ 8.30pm
The Cellar Bar / Free entry
Bazooka Joe are back at the Cellar Bar with a full-on 80’s vibe. Embodying the enigmatic, creative, and buoyant spirit of the decade, they’ll be playing everything from Duran Duran, The Specials, Madness, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Human League to Queen, The Jam, Simple Minds and much more. Playing into the small hours, Cameo will be performing songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and everything in between.
JESUS JONES + Guests
Saturday, 29 March @ 7.30pm
Bedford Esquires / Tickets: £20
Jesus Jones return to Bedford as part of Esquires’ 35th Anniversary series of gigs. Blending rock, rave and techno, Jesus Jones were one of the shining lights of the early nineties alternative dance scene with such indie disco classics as ‘Never Enough’, ‘Real, Real, Real’ and the still amazing ‘Info Freako’. Special Guests: Scant Regard, Will Crewdson’s twangy electro-fried solo project.
What do cows say when they hear a bad joke? I’m not amoosed.
CIBO ITALIAN SUBS
Fuhgeddaboudit, you won’t find better subs anywhere else
Cibo is a name most foodies across Bedford Borough will already be aware of, and while the closure of the Newnham St. eatery was a shock, it’s now made way for the next generation of the Bosco family to make their mark on Bedford’s culinary history.
Now located on Riverside Square, Cibo is serving delicious New York Deli subs, the kind that anyone who’s been to the Big Apple will have enthused about to their family and friends upon returning home.
Serving hot and cold subs, full to the brim of Italian meats, salads and homemade sauces, it’s hard to decide which from the varied selection to choose. Thankfully, Daniele, who has taken over the reins, has kept the menu purposefully limited.
The most popular sub they tell me is the Chicken Parm (Breadcrumbed chicken cutlet, marinara sauce, pistachio pesto, nduja spread, mozzarella, Grana Padano), so I ordered one of those to find out why, and a Hail Caeser (Italian turkey, ranch dressing, smoked bacon, croutons, lettuce, tomatoes) to give me a chance to sample a hot and cold sub.
Others, inspired by Italian pop culture include the Fat Toni (Pistachio mortadella, salami, olives, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes) and My Cousin Vinny (Spicy Calabrian salami, Italian nduja, pesto, peppers, cheese).
Chatting to Daniele he tells me while his mum and dad, who are working and supporting the new business, were happy to call it a day with the former Cibo, he had other ideas.
“I didn’t want to just throw the Cibo name away. So we’ve had a rebrand, changed the concept and simplified things. It’s now got a younger and more refreshed kind of feel to it and we’re just focused on what we’re best at - sandwiches,” he said.
Standing there at the counter, it does feel like Daniele knows that while the place has a good vibe, it’s the subs that will do the talking, “You’re gonna eat a lot with these subs,” Daniele says
with a smile, “We fill them to the brim with genuine Italian foods but add our own twist. We have a special each month too so we can try new things.”
So what of the subs? Do they live up to the hype? Now ready and perfectly wrapped to be taken away, I headed home and unwrapped them.
The first thing with the Chicken Parm, being a hot sub, is the smell of the Italian marinara sauce that hits you. I must say my mouth began to water almost instantly.
Taking a bite took it to another level.
The soft Italian sub (baked in-house) gave way to rich tomato and moist chicken wrapped in crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a real treat, and it’s easy to see why it’s their most popular offering. Meanwhile, the Hail Caeser, a cold sub based on the famous caser salad, was just as enticing. The creamy sauce perfectly pairs with the crisp lettuce, soft sliced tomato and sliced Italian turkey.
Violet who was tasting the subs with me exclaimed it was “the best sandwich I’ve ever bitten into”. High praise from a fussy 11-year-old indeed.
The servings themselves are huge and many may have trouble finishing just one of them in one go. But sharing them with the family made me quite popular with smiles all around.
And that’s another great thing about Cibo and emphasises the people behind the name, it’s a family affair both behind and in front of the counter. Whether your sub is to get you through a busy day at work or college, something to share with a friend, or a treat for your family (smaller subs are available for kids) they fill any hungry hole perfectly.
Cibo Italian Subs can be found at 2C Riverside Square, Bedford MK40 1AR
Tuesday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 3:00pm Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 9:00pm Sunday: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Order in-store or online at ciboitaliansubs.com
Daniele (centre) with his mum and dad
Best subs in Bedford to go!
HOMETOWN TOURIST
Image: Bedford Creative Arts/Andy Willsher
Experience Kempston in a new light
Saturday, 15 March from 4.30pm
Join Bedford Creative Arts this month for a magical illuminated light walk along the riverbank and see Kempston like never before. As dusk falls, artistic installations will be revealed along the Kempston Riverside Path between Kempston Mill and Sanders Close/Hillgrounds Road as part of the Kemspton Light Walk.
This family-friendly event invites you to discover Kempston’s night-time wildlife, enjoy the natural beauty of the riverside, and immerse yourself in the work of talented local artists. Live acoustic music will provide the perfect soundtrack as you explore, with hot drinks and snacks available from vendors along the route.
The event is free, but booking is required. You can secure your spot at ticketsource.co.uk/bedford-creative-arts/lovekempston-light-walk/e-kzlvxj
Make Your Own Lantern
Before setting off, why not create a beautiful lantern to light your way? Head to the Kempston Landing Stage before your walk and take part in a lantern-making workshop. If you’d like to carry your lantern throughout the walk, we recommend starting from Kempston Mill.
What to Expect
The 40-minute walk follows the Kempston Riverside Path. You can join at any point, but for the full experience, we recommend starting at either end of the route.
The evening will feature installations and performances from a range of talented creatives, including craft artist Janet Reddy, lighting effects artist Karl Wustrau, performer Kaye Mahoney, storyteller Toby Sharp and local singer and musician Bruce Carson.
Lantern Making from 4:30pm (Kempston Mill & Landing Stage) Walk begins @ 4:30pm Event ends @ 6:30pm
About the Project
The Love Kempston Light Walk is part of River/ Flow/ Connect, a BCA creative initiative that helps Kempston residents connect with the River Great Ouse. Through art and community projects, it encourages people to explore the benefits of riverside spaces for their well-being, and fosters ideas for long-term improvements to the riverbank area.
This project is made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Bedford Borough Council Ward Councillor Funds, The Harpur Trust, and Arts Council England.
Location: Approx MK42 7FB to MK42 8RX
Find out more about the event and the River/ Flow/ Connect project at: bedfordcreativearts.org.uk/events/love-kempstonlight-walk/
What did the shark say when he ate the clownfish? This tastes a little funny.
GREAT BEDFORDIAN
This month’s Great Bedfordian is PK (Paul Kellett) of the charity Bedford Giving.
Originally trained in dance, PK shifted his focus to art in his late teens. However, after working with drug addicts in Hong Kong at the age of 20, he made the life-changing decision to dedicate his career to the charity sector, helping people achieve the lives they aspire to.
Now, 35 years on, PK is the Director of Bedford Giving, a movement that brings the Bedford community together, encouraging people to share their time, experiences, and skills to create better opportunities for the next generation.
Alongside his day job, PK is also an accomplished artist, selling his original pieces around the world. He is also a Trustee of Q:alliance, supporting queer youth in Bedford through their Q:YouthBedford Group.
Name:
Paul Kellett but go by PK
Occupation:
Director of Bedford Giving and an abstract artist.
Born here or blow in?
Blew in from Sussex in the summer of 1998. Was only meant to be here for 12 months but met a girl and the rest is history.
Best breakfast in Bedford?
Tough call as there are a few but I do love a good Eggs Benedict at the Embankment.
Best boozer?
Not a massive drinker but The Foresters Arms on Union Street is a real gem.
Best coffee or cuppa?
I love meeting friends at Vanilla Tree, the vibe reminds me of Brighton’s North Lanes.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford?
Sadly, I’ve never been to any but I’m going to see McFly at Bedford Park in the Summer and can’t wait.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress?
I think we did study a few chapters at school along with the likes of Chaucer but I’ve not read the whole thing.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger?
I really need to tick that off the list so I can call myself a real Bedfordian, don’t I!
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about?
I’m a pre-loved shopper. For clothing, my faves are Sue Ryder on Harpur Street and the Keech Hospice shop over in Great Denham. For furniture and other bits, Emmaus in Carlton is an Alladin’s cave of treasure.
Best Bedfordian?
Ok, I literally do have a list but at the top of that list is Philomena Watton of Watton Recruitment. She’s humble, generous, full of joy and one of those human beings who always fills me with positive energy whenever I see her.
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Generous, creative, and welcoming.
Beerfly / Image: Beerfly Instagram
The Embankment / Image: Peach Pubs
Vanilla Tree coffee / Image: Vanilla Tree Instagram
