Bedford Clanger - May 2026

May 2026

15TH ANNIVERSARY | 4

Introduction This month marks a milestone for the Bedford Clanger. It’s 15 years since the very first issue hit the streets, promising to be a one-stop-shop for “music-lovers, culture-vultures, crafters, artists, makers, gardeners, traders, foodies and fashionistas”.

Hip, hip, hooray! It’s our birthday!

WHAT’S ON | 6

We wanted to create something beautifully designed that our readers would look forward to picking up and that they could pass onto their friends. We wanted it to be informative but a bit irreverent - part Time Out, part Guardian Guide, part Loaded (in the good old days).

Diaries at the ready

THEATRE | 9 + 12

And while the world has seen some seismic changes since 2011 - Austerity, Brexit, a global pandemic - our commitment to champion the best of Bedford has remained constant.

The best of this month’s theatre

INDIE SPOTLIGHT | 10 SAY Doughnuts

LIVE MUSIC | 13

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported the Bedford Clanger over the last 15 years. From our amazing advertisers to our contributors, our designers and illustrators, our photographers and writers – you have all made The Clanger something to be truly proud of.

Bring the noise

And finally, thank you to our readers. Thank you for picking up your copy each month and reading our stories on line. We hope you enjoy this anniversary edition and here’s to the next 15 years.

FILM | 15

Cheers!

Grab the popcorn

Team Clanger

GREAT BEDFORDIANS | 16

The Founders of Progress Publishing

The people behind the magic, Erica Roffe & Julia Course

Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson

HOMETOWN TOURIST | 19 Step into Bedford’s history & heritage

MEET THE TEAM Editor

Commercial Director

Design

clanger@bedfordindependent.co.uk

julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk

ben@twenty-sixstudios.co.uk

Photography

Theatre

Website

Erica Roffe

Cameron Scrimgeour

Julia Course

Paula Walker

Ben Graham

bedfordindependent.co.uk

Complaints & Corrections: clanger@bedfordindependent.co.uk | The Bedford Clanger is published by Progress Publishing The Bedford Clanger / May 2026

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Magazine dedicated to Bedford’s art and culture scene celebrates 15th birthday By founder and editor, Erica Roffe Back in May 2011, if you’d told me the magazine we were about to launch would still be going strong 15 years later, I would have laughed you out of the room.

But here we are, celebrating the 15th anniversary of The Bedford Clanger, and I couldn’t be prouder.

The Clanger was conceived as an antidote to the negativity about Bedford; I’d got so fed up of hearing people saying there was nothing to do in Bedford, that it seemed the obvious solution to set up a ‘fanzine’ about the town that I love.

The Clanger’s ethos was to share that passion for Bedford’s USP with a wider audience, highlighting the wealth of art, culture and shopping right on our doorstep. Thanks to the Newspaper Club, Marisa Straccia (designer) and Shaun Armstrong (photographer), we managed to get the first issue out at the end of May 2011 - and the rest is history.

Over the years, we’ve been blessed with contributions from so many writers, photographers, illustrators and designers, all sharing our optimism and love of Bedford. Just a glance at the front covers from our archive brings back some

incredible memories, and I feel lucky to have worked alongside such talented Bedfordians.

A huge thank you to our Clanger alumni, with special mention to commercial director, Julia Course (literally couldn’t do it without her), Paul Hutchinson (proofreader extraordinaire), designers Marisa Straccia, Adam Boreham, Kristina Bullen, Emma Lemon, Curtis Reeve and Ben Graham. Also: Lloyd Lugsden, Stephen Bywater, Jane Perrone, Rev Sharon Grenham Thompson, Cat Lane, Shaun Armstrong, David Litchfield, Cameron Scrimgeour and everyone else we’ve had the pleasure to work with.

We asked some of our fellow Bedfordians what The Clanger means to them - and it’s fair to say that some of these answers brought a tear to our eye. Here’s to the next 15 years…

“Global names and big branded shops don’t make a town unique, but instead it’s the creative personality that comes through…We’re lucky to have The Clanger in all its personality.” Rosanna Heasman, The Store.

“Whenever anybody asks me what makes Bedford special, I have some default answers to this question, but one is always ‘go take a look at the Bedford Clanger!”

James Pharaoh MBE, The Quarry Theatre/Bedfringe “In a world where local press, culture magazines and fanzines have all but disappeared, The Clanger stands as a shining beacon of hope, as an invaluable asset to the town and the creative people and businesses within it. We now promote all over the UK

To the guy who invented zero, thanks for nothing.

and ask venues for their local press contacts – it’s very rare that we get connected to something as dedicated, a vehicle designed to shout about the good things that happen in the community. Fifteen years is a long time to keep up anything, and we just hope there are another fifteen to come! Long live The Clanger.” Gareth Barber, owner of the award-winning local music venue, Esquires.

“Considering half of the Circus committee were once Clanger designers, it’s safe to say we have a long history together! The Clanger casts a spotlight on the best of Bedford’s cultural landscape. It’s so often overlooked in towns like ours, and the Clanger provides genuine and heartfelt support for the creatives who are trying to enrich our town.” The Circus of Illustration “We’re happy to be one of the places residents can grab a copy.

And grab they must – the latest editions always go like hot cakes!”

Georgia Bowers, Bedford Central Library “The Clanger is the definitive guide to arts and culture in Bedford.

Visitors make a beeline to our newsstand, where we always have the latest copy available.” Annalie Maher, Visitor Information Officer - What’s On Bedford Borough Visitor Information Centre “The Clanger is amazing, it’s the best way to find out what art and culture is happening in Bedford. We have really noticed the attendance increasing at our events as a result of your listings, which makes a lot of difference to our fundraising efforts.” Lesley, Friends of the John Bunyan Museum and Library “Here at the Bedfordshire Orchestral Society, we’re so grateful for the support you give to us in terms of promoting our events and our musicians. You’ve been instrumental in helping us to double our regular audience for our concerts in the last two years.”

Ann Collins, Bedford Orchestral Society

“The Bedford Clanger has always been incredibly supportive to Bedford Skeptics. We both share a desire to make our plucky hometown a more interesting and fun place to live.” Eamonn McGuinness, Bedford Skeptics “Your optimism and community spirit really shine through, and it’s been great to see how The Clanger continues to celebrate the very best of Bedford in such a positive way! Ben Woodfine “We know from 40 years in Bedford that there is a huge amount of culture and talent across this community, and one of the biggest challenges for any creative producer is promotion. It’s great to have a local news organisation flying the flag for culture all year round.”

Elaine Midgley, BCA

“In these digital days, it is so refreshing to have a magazine that encapsulates all that is good about Bedford, bringing the community together through art, culture, and entertainment, and is easily available to all.” Stephen Barratt, Bedford Tour Guides

ENDS SOON

MAY HALF TERM FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD

Come and join in with a printing workshop to create your own snail prints, a wildlife workshop and puppet making.

26 May: Splendid Snail Prints with Katie Allen 27 May: Fantasy Puppets with Kaye Mahoney 28 May: All About Snails with the Wildlife Trust Workshops last an hour and start at 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm, suitable for children aged 5-12 years. Tickets £6.05 per child, booking essential.

To find out more and book your place, visit www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk, call the Box Office on 01234 718044 or scan the QR code

A ‘Stanny Stu’ swimmer, Commercial Road Baths (1903) ©BPEOSA Collection

A Glimpse into Women’s Sporting and Social History The Higgins Art Gallery and Museum, Bedford 6 November 2025 to 31 May 2026 Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3XD T 01234 718618

The Bedford Clanger / May 2026

E thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk

www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

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Our pick of What’s On this May

Image: Bedford’s Got Talent

Image: Bromham Parish Council

Image: Marisa Straccia

Community: Bedford’s Got Talent 3 - Open Mic Night

Bromham Duck Race

Family fun: Crafternoon

Enjoy a fabulous Bank Holiday Monday at the bi-annual Duck Race in Bromham. The afternoon kicks off with giant ducks taking part in the Business Race (1pm), followed by the Children’s Decorated Duck Race (2pm). The day culminates in the general race (3pm), where members of the public can purchase a number corresponding to a racing duck and compete for a cash prize.

Local artist, Marisa Stracia, is hosting a free Crafternoon at The Higgins, making kingfisher finger puppets. Once you’ve made your puppet, visit the Noel Carrington ‘Nothing Need Be Ugly’ exhibition to see how R B Talbot Kelly used paper engineering in their children’s books by Puffin to make 3D animals. thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Saturday, 2 May The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £12 Bedford’s Got Talent is returning to the Place this Spring, with organisers promising it’s going to be even bigger, better, and bolder. This is an unforgettable night of creativity and performance, so expect a vibrant mix of spoken word poetry, music, comedy, dance, and more. theplacebedford.org.uk

Monday, 25 May 2026 Opposite Bromham Mill @ midday - 4pm

Bedford Skeptics: The Green Children of Woolpit with Deborah Hyde Thursday, 21 May North End Club, Roffe Avenue @ 7.30pm

Sunday, 10 May The Higgins Bedford @ 2pm - 4pm / Free

Cruise on the Ouse Throughout May River Great Ouse

Image: Deborah Hyde Image: John Bunyan Community Boat

Deborah Hyde revisits one of Britain’s most enduring and eerie tales: the Green Children of Woolpit. As recorded by two medieval chroniclers, the story of the strange siblings, who claimed to have come from a place of eternal twilight, has fascinated and baffled readers for centuries.

Join Deborah as she carefully unpicks the threads of the story, tracing its roots, variations, and the possible truths hidden behind its luminous green glow. sitp.online/sitp/bedford/ 6

As summer approaches, what better way to explore Bedford than on the beautiful River Great Ouse? The John Bunyan Boat is running several cruises throughout the month, from a Cream Tea cruise (4 May) to a Family Eye Spy cruise (25 May). Find out about all the cruises running throughout May at their website.

Get £2 off every ticket by entering SPRING26 at the checkout. bmkwaterway.org/johnbunyanboat

Ladies, if he can’t appreciate your fruit jokes, you need to let that mango.

Cream Teas

Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 May The Panacea Museum @ 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm / £8 per person

Exhibition: George, A Windrush Boy From Friday, 1 May until November The Higgins Bedford | Free entry

Enjoy a traditional cream tea, served on vintage and antique china in the peaceful surroundings of the Panacea Museum. Prebooking recommended. panaceamuseum.org/events

Walking Tour

Sunday, 3 May The Panacea Museum @ 1.30pm - 3pm / Free drop-in / No need to book Image: Panacea Museum

Image: Gilroy Gregory

Adrian has volunteered at the Panacea Museum for over a decade and is a regular guide at Foster Hill Road Cemetery. In this walk and talk, he draws on his many years of research and shares his deep knowledge about the Panacea Society, its history and members. If you enjoy a historical deep-dive, this tour is for you.

Please meet at the museum reception. panaceamuseum.org/events/

The Bedford Clanger / May 2026

Inspired by a historical novel, George (the teenage years), this new display at the Higgins tells the story of an 11-year-old Windrush boy who came to England from Jamaica and lived in South London during the 1960s and 1970s. These children are a lost generation, and in more recent times, some have been mistakenly identified and forcibly removed as illegal immigrants. thehigginsbedford.org.uk

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Creatives Breakfast

Friday, 15 May The Higgins Bedford @ 9.15am - 11am / £13 including breakfast

Image: Higgins Bedford

Image: Pixabay

Talk: Noel Carrington and his Artists

Communi-tea Party

Friday, 8 May The Higgins Bedford @ 2pm-3pm / Tickets £7.75 per person, conc £6.20 / Booking Essential Join exhibition curator, Joe Pearson, to learn more about the artists Carrington worked with, including Eric Ravilious, Edward Bawden, Stanley Roy Badmin, Enid Marx, Hilary Stebbing and Suzanne Einzig. thehigginsbedford.org

Tuesday, 12 May Anjulita Court care home, Brickhill, MK41 7GD @ 2pm - 3.30pm / Free to attend The team at Anjulita Court are putting the kettle on for their very first Communitea Party.

Join them for a fun afternoon filled with tea, delicious cakes, music, dancing, and even a fun quiz. Entry is free, and everyone’s invited.

Airships XR Pop-up Experience

Saturday, 16 May The Higgins Bedford @ 11am-4pm / Free / Booking essential

Want to connect with other creative professionals in Bedfordshire? Join this low-key breakfast social for creative professionals in Bedfordshire for everyone from architects and designers to producers, photographers, musicians, and illustrators. Whatever your profession: freelance, in-house or anything in-between - come and connect.

Organiser Carly Cook has been running events for two decades and produced the UK’s largest free festival for the creative industries. Not surface-level networking, but genuine conversation with people who understand what it takes to turn creativity into income and impact.

Visit carlycookcreative.com/events to find out more and to book.

New Exhibition: Edward Bawden: Snails for All The Higgins Bedford | Free entry

In 1945, after returning from his duties as a war artist in the Middle East, Edward Bawden wrote and illustrated a book about snails for his two young children called ‘Snails for All’. In 2025, The Higgins Bedford was gifted the book for the Edward Bawden Archive. To celebrate this new acquisition, the exhibition will display each page of the book alongside other works from the collection.

You will also be able to buy your own ‘Snails for All’ book from The Higgins Bedford shop. It is being published for the first time with an accompanying essay by design, architecture and art historian Alan Powers. thehigginsbedford.org.uk

North Bedfordshire Ramblers Image: Breeze FF

Discover Bedford’s airship and aviation heritage through cuttingedge storytelling and technology, exploring 3D airship worlds in immersive VR, including virtual museum galleries and historically accurate recreations of the R101 airship’s engine cab. bedfordcreativearts.org.uk/events/airships-xr-may-pop-upexperience/

Exhibition: Marston Vale Line 180th Anniversary From 19 May - 7 June The Higgins Bedford / Free entry

The Higgins hosts a display to celebrate 180 years of the Marston Vale Line, the first railway line opened in Bedfordshire. This display will be curated by the Friends of Ridgmont Station volunteers, sharing key milestones and stories for the Marston Vale Line over the decades. There will be a reminiscence session on 21 May, 11am-12.30pm to share your own memories of the railway. thehigginsbedford.org.uk 8

Image: North Bedfordshire Ramblers

Walks this month include a ramble through Putnoe Woods, an evening wander around Mowsbury Park and woods and a bluebell walk in Clapham Woods. Visit the website to find out full details of the walks this May. ramblers.org.uk/north-bedfordshire

A man sued an airline company after it lost his luggage. Sadly, he lost his case.

Take a look at the drama this May

Comedy: Alex McAleer

Friday, 8 May 2026 The Place Threatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16 Alex McAleer possesses the uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audience’s minds and read their thoughts at will - whether it’s at sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival or on one of his international award-nominated tours.

Alex combines mind-blowing moments with sharp wit, making it interactive, engaging, and laugh-out-loud funny. theplacebedford.org.uk/

Musical theatre: My Fair Lady Tuesday, 12 May - Saturday, 16 May Sharnbrook Mill Theatre MK44 1NP @ 7.30pm / Saturday matinee at 2.30pm / Tickets: £25 / £20

Join Eliza Doolittle on her enchanting journey from streetwise flower seller to refined lady under the guidance of the stubborn Professor Higgins. With timeless hits like “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” this beloved production is a dazzling celebration of transformation, love, and the power of language. sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk

Magic: Hudson and Hudson Magicians Married at First Sleight Friday, 22 May The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16

Comedy: Marcel Lecont’s Whine List

Friday, 15 May The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £18 The multi-award-deserving deadpan Frenchman serves up a unique Whine List of the audience’s past gripes, moans and misdemeanours, while also dishing out some of his premier erotic poetry. The show has played to packed audiences all around the world. Expect louche musings, dry wit and Gallic superiority. quarrytheatre.org.uk

Theatre: Pride and Prejudice- But Funny Saturday, 23 May The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £17

A hilarious, feel-good magic show from a real-life couple who mix marriage, magic and mind-reading. Hudson & Hudson are made up of magicians Alan Hudson and Kat Hudson. Both are established acts in their own right. Is it a good idea to work with your husband/wife? In Married At First Sleight, they try for the ultimate trick…. getting through a whole show without killing each other. theplacebedford.org.uk

Children’s Theatre: There’s a Monster in Your Show

Friday, 22 - Sunday, 24 May The Quarry Theatre - see website for times Tickets: from £14.50

What do you get if you cross Jane Austen’s most famous novel with a bunch of buffoons?

Pride and Prejudice….but funny! A ridiculous romp through all the Bennets, Bingleys, bachelors and balls (not that kind), and not forgetting the De Burghs and Darcys.

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series tours the UK in a brand-new musical show. quarrytheatre.org.uk The Bedford Clanger / May 2026

Featuring at least one soaking wet shirt and some excellent boiled potatoes, this hilarious retelling of Austen’s most loved story is not to be missed! theplacebedford.org.uk/ 9

Indie Spotlight #05

SAY Doughnuts Aaron Shade Sarah Ball 46 Mill St, Bedford MK40 3HD OPENING HOURS: Wednesday - Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday - Tuesday 9am - 3pm

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For four years, Aaron, Sarah and the SAY Doughnuts team have been serving up the good stuff on Mill Street. They’ve got big plans for their little corner of Bedford, so watch this space…

What inspired you to open a business in Bedford?

Bedford is home. We actually started making doughnuts from our kitchen during lockdown, just to keep our heads above water. People really loved them, and the demand quickly grew. We then did a Christmas market pop-up, and that’s when we realised how powerful having passing trade alongside online orders could be - it completely changed the game for us.

So when the opportunity came up to open on the corner of St Cuthbert’s and Mill Street, we took it with both hands. From the start, the goal was to create something fun, high-quality, and experience-led - more than just a place to grab a doughnut or coffee, but somewhere people could enjoy and keep coming back to. It’s been nearly four years now and people are just discovering us!

We’re actually working on bringing even more to the area soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

The Bedford Clanger / May 2026

What’s the best thing about being part of the Bedford indies community?

The support. There’s a genuine sense that everyone wants each other to do well.

It’s not overly competitive; it’s collaborative.

You get to know the people behind the businesses, and that makes a huge difference. Customers feel that too.

Which other Bedford indies do you always recommend to customers?

Fancy, on Roff Avenue, is always up there for us. But honestly, there are so many great independent spots in Bedford - people just need to make a conscious choice to support them over convenience!

It really depends on what someone’s after, but we’re always encouraging customers to share the love with the independents, whether that’s for food, coffee, or something a bit different. We need strength in numbers, and that’s what keeps the high street alive.

What’s your favourite doughnut flavour that you’ve created? And what’s the most popular with customers?

My personal favourites are the zingy, fruity flavours passionfruit, lemon curd, and even our staple Homer. They always hit. What I love most is how simple they are - we literally purée fruit and mix it with icing sugar. No colouring, no nasties.

For customers, it’s definitely our classic filled specials.

Anything indulgent and nostalgic, like Sticky Toffee Pudding, always flies out.

The best business advice you’ve been given?

Stay consistent and don’t try to be everything to everyone.

Focus on doing a few things really well, and build from there.

Also, cash flow is king. It’s not the glamorous side of business, but it’s what keeps the doors open.

Photography: Cameron Scrimgeour

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After a short interval...

The drama continues

Comedy: Daliso Chaponda: Tropical Storm Saturday, 30 May The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm Tickets: from £16

Theatre: The Pantaloons present: Sherlock Holmes and the Hounds of the Baskervilles Wednesday, 27 - Friday, 29 May The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm Tickets: from £16

How can one show possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary,

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my dear! The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Features live music, audience interaction and more mystery than you can shake a magnifying glass at.

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it! theplacebedford.org.uk/

Daliso Chaponda has been writing jokes about the news for over a decade - on Have I Got News For You, Radio 4’s News Quiz, Australia’s Good News Week and many more besides. But this show is not about THE news but about news itself.

Journalists, bloggers, fake news, satirical news: have we lost the thread of it all? Is the reporting of news endlessly polarising us as a society rather than educating us?

So what if I don’t know what apocalypse means? It’s not the end of the world!

Bring the noise Skank holiday: Reggae Matters

R.E.M by Stipe

This May bank holiday, soak up some feel-good reggae vibes and skank your way into the weekend with the return of Reggae Matters at Esquires. bedfordesquires.co.uk

R.E.M. by Stipe, is the definitive tribute to the music of Berry, Buck, Mills and Stipe, capturing the presence and performances of the band. They are committed to staying true to the sound and overall aesthetic of R.E.M., so that fans, old and new, can experience the magic of hearing these songs played live with care, conviction, and affection.

Friday, 1 May Bedford Esquires @ 9pm / Tickets: £17

Saturday, 2 May The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm Tickets: £16.50

DJ Yoda - 90s Mixtape Live AV Show

Fidget and the Twitchers + Akkat Attack + The Allsorts

Step back into the 90s with DJ Yoda’s brand-new AV show, 90s Mixtape Live - an audiovisual celebration of the decade that shaped modern music, film and pop culture. From hip hop and pop to cult TV and blockbuster cinema, the show flips everything to include the likes of Britney Spears, Blur and Notorious B.I.G., all playing alongside some of the most iconic big-screen moments from era favourites including Jurassic Park, Forrest Gump and Seinfeld. bedfordesquires.co.uk

Fidget and the Twitchers are a hyperactive, anti-fascist, off beat festival-core skapunk band from Bristol, heading to Bedford this month. Akkat Attak are a Newcastle punk band, playing alongside The Allsorts, a band from the Living It Up performing arts centre made up of adults with learning disabilities.

If you require an essential companion ticket please email events@lovelivingitup.org to request a discount code. You will be able to add this at checkout to make the companion ticket free. wegottickets.com/loveliving

Saturday, 2 May Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / £20

The Bedford Clanger / May 2026

Friday, 8 May St Cuthbert’s Hall @ 7pm / Tickets: £10

Gwenno

Saturday, 9 May Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £20 Gwenno Saunders is a musician and producer with over 25 years’ experience, releasing two EPs, four solo albums, and two albums with indie-pop group The Pipettes. She won the Welsh Music Prize (2015) for her debut solo album Y Dydd Olaf and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize (2022) for Tresor. Her work also includes composing for theatre and film, including new scores for The Caucasian Chalk Circle and the film Bait. bedfordesquires.co.uk

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Music: The Lincoln Noel Four

Bach for Solo Cello

Saturday, 9 May The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £18

Tuesday, 26 May The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £20 (under 35s concession £5)

Back by popular demand, Lincoln Noel returns with his band to The Place Theatre. The Lincoln Noel Four brings together some of the UK’s best musicians to create an evening filled with joy, passion, and musical excellence. theplacebedford.org.uk

The Hoosiers

Sunday, 10 May Bedford Esquires @ 7pm / Tickets: £20

For Music in the Round’s first concert at The Place, Gemma Rosefield (Ensemble 360, Leonore Piano Trio) plays some of Bach’s most intimate works, interspersing music with conversation and questions.

You’ll be sitting just metres away from this amazing musician, performing spinetingling music with her heart and soul in The Place, an intimate space where the audience surrounds the performer on three sides.

The Cuban Brothers

Saturday, 30 May Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £20

Esquires and the best record shop in the land (that’s Slide Record Shop to you) have teamed up to bring a very special ‘out store’ show with The Hoosiers – their first ever time at the venue. Known for hits like “Worried About Ray” and “Goodbye Mr A,” their debut album The Trick to Life (2007) reached No.1 in the UK, blending quirky lyrics with catchy melodies. This show is not to be missed. bedfordesquires.co.uk

Music: Spring in Song

Saturday, 16 May The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm / Tickets: £17.50 A charity event in aid of the Tibbs Dementia Foundation. An afternoon of nostalgia, of entertainment with a main course of song, a dollop of humour and a hint of Spring. quarrytheatre.org.uk 14

The Cuban Brothers are heading to Bedford Esquires for a fun-filled evening of debauchery and beats. They may be a comedy act, but they’re simultaneously serious musicians who have played with Prince, been on the road with James Brown and supported Fatboy Slim, Chuck Berry and De La Soul. If you’ve ever seen them before, we’ll see you there – if you haven’t, get some Cuban Brothers in your life, before it’s too late. bedfordesquires.co.uk

What do you use to cut a Roman Emperor’s hair? Ceasers.

An uncompromising new choirmaster (Ralph Fiennes) sets an ambitious task for a Yorkshire town’s choral society after a number of its members leave for the battlefields of the First World War. stevingtoncinemaclub.uk/tickets/

Film Screenings: Popcorn at the ready!

RGO screening: Eugene Onegin Tuesday, 5 May Stevington Cinema Club Stevington Village Hall, MK43 7QT@ 5.30pm / Tickets: £17

NT Live screening: The Audience

NT Live screening: Playboy of the Western World

Sunday 10 & Thursday 14 May The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm (10 May) 7pm (14 May) / Tickets: £15.50 Returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade, NTLive presents Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in the award-winning hit production, directed by Stephen Daldry. quarrytheatre.org.uk

Thursday, 28 May Stevington Cinema Club Stevington Village Hall, MK43 7QT@ 6.45pm / Tickets: £16

Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery. stevingtoncinemaclub.uk/tickets/

Film: The Choral

Thursday, 14 May Stevington Cinema Club Stevington Village Hall, MK43 7QT@ 6.45pm / Tickets: £6

National Theatre Live: All My Sons Sunday, 31 May The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm / Tickets: £16 Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge). quarrytheatre.org.uk

The Met’s evocative production, directed by Tony Award–winner Deborah Warner, “offers a beautifully detailed reading of … Tchaikovsky’s lyrical romance” (The Telegraph). stevingtoncinemaclub.uk/tickets/

COVER S I D

Explore Bedford’s airship heritage and engineering innovation through immersive technology and storytelling.

Booking advised - scan the QR code or visit bedfordcreativearts.org.uk/events

Collaborators and partners

The Bedford Clanger / May 2026

IMMERS E

EXPLORE

P OP-U P E FRE TH MAY 16

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NS IGGI H E D TH FOR BED Funders and supporters

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From the archive: 2016 / Image: Cat Lane

Over to you, Erica...

Occupation: Founder and editor of the Bedford Clanger and co-founder of Progress Publishing.

As part of our 15th birthday celebrations, our Great Bedfordians this month are The Clanger’s editor, Erica Roffe, and Julia Course, its commercial director.

Erica and Julia have been working on the Clanger together since 2014. They were also the team behind BedPop events, including Taste Bedford, Fun Palaces, Science Labs, BedPop Record Shops and Bedford Flea (now handed over to Laura Holmes). In 2018, they joined forces with Paul Hutchinson to set up Progress Publishing, which publishes the Bedford Clanger and Bedford Independent.

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Born here or blow in? Blew in in 1998.

I grew up in South Bucks, but was living and working in London before I moved here.

The Polhill Arms is a current fave - and their Ploughmans and lunchtime soups are delicious.

Best coffee or cuppa? My drink of choice is a Diet Coke, but sometimes only a hot chocolate will do and Say Doughnuts would be my go-to.

Best breakfast in Bedford? It has to be the French toast at Vanilla Tree with bacon and maple syrup. A great spot to watch the world go by on St Cuthbert’s Street and the staff are excellent.

Best boozer? Despite giving up alcohol 14 years ago, I do love a boozer.

Image: Cameron Scrimgeour

Polhill Arms / Image: Robyn Caley Illustration

Best takeaway? For a curry, we always go to The Grand (especially as they are our neighbours). We get our Chinese takeaways from Delicacies of China and pizza from Naughty Pizza or Etna. My kids love Souvlaki Station.

Getting the ability to fly would be so uplifting.

Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford?

Too many to choose from, but Tim Burgess from The Charlatans or Izo Fitzroy at Esquires are right up there, as is Martha Reeves or Ian McCulloch (of Echo and the Bunnymen) at the Corn Exchange. My biggest regret is missing seeing Kae Tempest when they performed here. Major FOMO about that one.

Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? I’ve read the children’s version. Does that count? [Of course! - Ed] Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? I have not only eaten one, but I’ve also made one. Didn’t make it taste any nicer though…

An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about?

Johnstone Family Butchers (formerly Eric the Butchers) off The Boundary in Goldington. Graham, Pino and the team are super knowledgeable, and everything from ribs to sausage rolls, steak to sausages is delicious. Highly recommended.

Image: Johnstone Family Butchers

Best Bedfordian? Bedford’s indie business owners are deserving of all the praise. They are what make our town unique, and the hard work required to make any business successful in the current climate is not to be underestimated.

Three words that best sum up Bedford?

Creative Friendly Ambitious

Erica <3 Tim / Image: Bedford Clanger

Julia, how ‘bout you?

Name: Julia Course aka Crofts Occupation: Commercial Director of Progress Publishing, the parent company responsible for The Bedford Clanger and Bedford Independent and Office Manager for Scott Primary School hence my two names, but that’s my cover blown now!

You for Coffee in The Arc makes a great flat white with a side order of wit and charm from the staff. No.7 Coffee House for a takeaway coffee when on my way to the hairdressers. I also have the advantage of a family staff discount at Costa and Starbucks (yes, I know, not independent businesses but they employ local people).

It’s a good job that I really like coffee!

Born here or blow in? Born here.

I had ambitions to leave when I was younger, but here I still happily am. It must be the good transport links that mean you can enjoy a great day out and still be home in your pjs for 7pm!

Best breakfast in Bedford? Papillon Coffee House on Castle Road makes a mean bacon sarnie - white bread and brown sauce is the law.

Image: Papillon Coffee House

Best boozer? For a good old-fashioned boozer, you can’t beat The Devvy.

Best coffee or cuppa? We are spoilt for choice and I mean that in a good way and not in a ‘not another coffee shop’ comment on Facebook way.

The Bedford Clanger / May 2026

memory. Enjoying the music and the ‘performances’ of the spectators in their finery and with full-on banquet tables and candelabras was simply a delight.

Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? Not that I can recall but I am sure we would have covered bits at school. I have been to the John Bunyan Museum, though.

Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger?

Alas, my taste buds just aren’t up for it!

An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about?

Back to coffee, but there is an amazing new coffee shop in the old showhome at Ravensden, São José Coffee.

Image: You For Coffee

Best takeaway? New Bombay for a curry (and we enjoy eating in, including on Christmas Day) and Canton Chinese on Tavistock Street. We have received Christmas cards from both of these in the past - that’s how much we enjoy their food. My eldest can highly recommend Mill Yard Coffee Shop for their tasty Sausage and Egg baps. Our doorbell frequently needs new batteries due to the number of deliveries.

Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford?

We have an amazing music scene in Bedford and there is something for everyone. Bedford Summer Sessions is always a good night out and I am really looking forward to Paul Weller this year.

Taking my boys when they were little to Bedford Proms at the Movies is a happy

Image: São José Coffee

Best Bedfordian? This is the thing with Bedford - it’s not just one person but a mix of so many people bringing their different personalities, skills and creativity to ensure that Bedford isn’t Sh*t!

Three words that best sum up Bedford? I refer you to my previous answer - Bedford isn’t Sh*t!

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BedfordIndependent.co.uk

KICK START YOUR JOURNEY INTO JOURNALISM The Progress Publishing Sixth Form Newsroom is the ideal stepping stone for anyone with a passion for writing and an ambition to work in journalism.

Build skills, boost confidence, gain real newsroom experience, and publish stories on a live, regulated, professional news website.

Perfect for your UCAS statement and portfolio.

With limited places, we're looking for strong writers with a passion for writing about their local area and what matters to them.

Previous work experience attendees have gone on to write for the Bedford Independent

and Bedford Clanger, two of the area’s most popular newspapers, secure top journalism degrees, and launch successful careers.

The Sixth Form Newsroom will run from 29 June-3 July 2026, and applications are open now. Scan the QR code to apply.

Step into Bedford’s history and heritage Bedford Tour Guides’ new season of walks has now launched for 2026, giving Bedfordians and visitors a chance to explore the rich tapestry of Bedford’s history.

A qualified guide leads each walk and offers residents and visitors alike the opportunity to learn more about the places and people who have helped shape our town.

Each Wednesday, we publish the forthcoming walks in the Bedford Clanger’s weekly What’s On Guide, or you can find the full list on their website at bedfordtourguides.org.

The walks take place each Sunday morning, the first and last Wednesday morning of the month and on occasional Tuesdays. There are ten walks to choose from, and each walk costs just £4 per adult and £2 for children over the age of eight.

You can book via the Higgins website or the Box Office on 01234 718044. Use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee.

River Great Ouse / Image: Bedford Clanger

To further pique your interest, here’s a taste of this year’s walks: Plaques and Plinths This walk reveals the stories behind the blue plaques that adorn several buildings around the town, and the statues and monuments in the town centre.

I Never Knew That The most commonly heard phrase after the completion of a guided walk. This walk encompasses all that information about Bedford and its many features that you never knew.

The Life and Times of John Bunyan Discover the story of Bedford’s most famous son, who was imprisoned for his non-conformist preaching.

Bedford’s Movers and Shakers Find out more about the people who made a difference in Bedford and in the world.

The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown A circular walk along the banks of the beautiful River Great Ouse.

The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle Walk through the old castle grounds, see the mound on which it once stood and hear the story of the castle and its demise in the siege of 1224, over 800 years ago.

The Bedford Clanger / May 2026

Bedford Town Bridge / Image: Bedford Borough Council

Bedford in World War II A walk that reveals the way of life in Bedford and some of the little-known facts about the role it played during World War II. Bedford’s South Bank Show This walk reveals the medieval past and the more recent lost industry, buildings, public houses and the importance of Bedford’s South Bank to the development of the town.

A Tour of St Paul’s Church 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 a tour of this beautiful church in the heart of Bedford and hear its story.

A Tour of St Peter’s Church Join a tour of this historic church and discover its story.

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