October 2026
Introduction
PUB POD | 4 For your listening pleasure
BEER & CIDER FEST | 5
Autumn is in the air, which can only mean three things: Bedford Beer and Cider Festival is on the horizon, Bromham Apple Day is nearly here, and Bedford Fun Palaces are back.
Cheers to that!
We’ve got all the info you need to make the most of all these events, and there’s even a chance to win free entry to the Beer Festival (see page 5).
WHAT’S ON | 6
In keeping with our boozy theme, we’ve got the lowdown on Lloyd Lugsden’s Pubs of the Shire pod, we’ve revived one of the best Clanger covers of all time (thanks, Marisa) and chosen Beerfly’s Caroline Stronkhorst as this month’s Great Bedfordian.
Diaries at the ready
FUN PALACES | 9
All that remains to be said is, please drink responsibly.
Did someone say fun? Cheers!
FILM | 10
Team Clanger
Lights, camera, action!
THEATRE | 11 Curtain up...
LIVE MUSIC | 14 Bring the noise
BIRD EXHIBITION | 16 Awesome avian art
The Founders of Progress Publishing
ART WEEK | 17 Bedford Hospital Charity
Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson
HOMETOWN TOURIST | 18 Bromham Apple Day
GREAT BEDFORDIAN | 19 Beerfly’s Caroline Stronkhorst
MEET THE TEAM Editor
Commercial Director
Design
clanger@bedfordindependent.co.uk
julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk
ben@twenty-sixstudios.co.uk
Erica Roffe
Theatre
Paula Walker
Julia Course
Cover
Marisa Straccia
Food & Drink
Ben Graham
Paul Hutchinson
Website
bedfordindependent.co.uk
mstraccia.art Complaints & Corrections: clanger@bedfordindependent.co.uk | The Bedford Clanger is published by Progress Publishing The Bedford Clanger / October 2026
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Pub Pod Clanger contributor and pub writer, Lloyd Lugsden, has launched a new podcast and - no surprises - it’s a celebration of hostelries, both local and further afield. Lloyd, who is the author of three volumes of Dead Pubs of Bedfordshire books (available from Eagle Bookshop and online), is a lover of local history and the perfect host of Pubs of the Shire. We asked Lloyd where the inspiration for the podcast came from. “From being a fan of listening to podcasts, I just had an urge to make one,” he said. “It’s ironic, really, as I don’t like the sound of my own voice. I wanted to take the Dead Pubs of Bedfordshire project in a different direction and expand into another format to celebrate ‘live’ pubs, plus beer, music and more.” Guests so far include Liz Blackford-Sutton, landlady of the Wellington Arms, Tim Barron, singer with the Ouse Valley Singles Club and Clanger editor, Erica Roffe. But who would be his dream pod guest? “It would have to be John Bonham (drummer
of Led Zeppelin); he was known to bother a country pub. And would certainly have some tales.” The format of the podcast leaves plenty of room for the guests to reminisce about favourite pubs, top tipples and their most mouth-watering pub grub [The Polhill Arms’ ploughman’s, if you’re asking - Ed]. So what does Lloyd think are the best things about pubs? “They have the ability to create a spontaneous evening and cocoon you from any troubles of the day and, importantly, are a sanctuary and point of interaction for older people, which is good for well-being. They are centuriesold institutions that act as community hubs and are a unique part of British culture that is lauded worldwide. Wedding proposals, friendships, memories, business ideas and charity raising have all emanated from pubs.”
“Thanks for asking! These are not just personal faves but ones that are conducive to being played in a pub. First up, The Kinks, Mr Pleasant; secondly, Our House by Madness and finally, Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino. I’ve got a playlist on Spotify called ‘Jukebox Memories’, plus there’s a Pubs of the Shire playlist with guests’ choices.” And finally, your favourite answer from a guest? “There are lots, but it’s got to be Liz of the Welly - trying to put Sisters of Mercy on the jukebox and getting Sister Sledge.” Classic. You can listen to The Pubs of the Shire wherever you get your podcasts. We’re a bit biased, but it’s a great listen. Cheers!
Of course, one of the highlights of a trip to the pub is putting your selection on the jukebox. What would Lloyd’s ideal three-fora-pound tunes be?
HALF TERM ACTIVITIES
AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD
27 – 30 October Come and join a variety of fun and creative activities Tuesday 27: The Good Life Garden is celebrating Autumn Wednesday 28: Cosmic Latte explores Flight Thursday 29: Little Science Lab: Make Some Noise Friday 30: Painting Music with artist Fiona Wilson
Scan the QR code or see our website for further details.
www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk
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I want to be cremated as it is my last hope for a smoking hot body.
Run, don’t walk to the 48th Bedford Beer and Cider Festival Wednesday, 7 - Saturday, 10 October @ Bedford Corn Exchange
It’s a sure sign that autumn’s in the air when the Bedford Beer and Cider Festival returns to the Corn Exchange, bringing world-class brews, mouth-watering food, and, this year, a special tribute to one of the town’s legendary, but overlooked, heroes. This year marks the 48th anniversary of the event organised by the North Bedfordshire Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and it carries a poignant tribute as it marks 48 years since the passing of Bedford-born Olympic hero Harold Abrahams. Abrahams was immortalised in the multi-Oscar-award-winning film Chariots of Fire and in his memory, organisers have invited his nephew to be the guest of honour at the opening ceremony. “We are delighted to announce that Colonel Sydney Anthony Abrahams, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire and nephew of Harold, will join us on Wednesday to pour the very first pint of our commemorative beer, and we hope he will share some personal family insights about his uncle with visitors,” said festival organiser Katherine Lilly. “Harold’s Brew” is being crafted exclusively for the occasion by Leighton Buzzard Brewery.
What’s on tap? True to CAMRA’s mission and thanks to festival organiser Geoff Foll, real ale enthusiasts can sprint through an exceptional selection of over 100 brews, so expect a brilliant lineup of dark beers, classic milds, and hopefully the return of last year’s Champion Beer of Britain, Penzance Mild. Alongside the ales, you’ll find traditional ciders, perries, continental beers, mead and gin.
Food, music, and family fun After massive demand last year, organisers have stocked up on the super-popular Owen Taylor pork pies and hearty comfort food like sausage, apple, and cider casserole, vegan chilli, and mac ‘n’ cheese. Evening specials include honey jerk chicken, goat curry, and a traditional fish and chips night on Friday.
The Bedford Clanger / October 2026
Visitors can sign up for tutored ale and mead tastings, or test their knowledge in the festival quiz. Saturday brings a dedicated family area with daytime activities for all ages, followed by an evening live music performance from local folk and country singersongwriter Lily James.
Tickets and details Advance tickets are £14 and include glass hire and beer tokens. Limited-edition souvenir glasses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so grab yours early before they sell out. Tickets are available online or on the door, but please note that under-18s are admitted on Saturday only (free of charge), and beer lanyards are strictly prohibited. More information and online tickets here: northbeds.camra.org.uk/
Your chance to WIN! Clanger readers are in with a chance to win four free entries, four glasses and £20 of beer vouchers for the day of your choice. Simply email win@bedfordindependent.co.uk with the answer to this question: What does the acronym CAMRA stand for? Deadline for entries is 23:59 on Friday, 2 October. The winner will be notified on Saturday, 3 October. Please drink responsibly. The giveaway is open to Bedford Borough residents aged 18 or over. Entries must be received by the closing date and time specified in the giveaway post. Entries received after this time will not be counted. The winner may be required to provide valid proof of age when attending. Full terms and conditions on our website: bedfordindependent.co.uk/ competition-and-prize-giveaway-terms-conditions/
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Our pick of What’s On this September New exhibition: Rhyme and Reason The Higgins Bedford until February 2027
Mike MacKechnie will be propping up the bar of the Devvy to take punters on a metaphorical pub crawl of the Lost pubs of Bedford. Just the job on a chilly October evening.
The Circus of Illustration & the Place Theatre present: Props - Life Drawing Goes to the Theatre Monday, 12 October The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road @ 7pm for 7.30pm start | Tickets: £12/£10
Wassily Kandinsky, The Great Resurrection 1911 / Image: © Trustees of The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery
Discover the influence of stories and poetry on artists in this new exhibition drawn from the internationally renowned Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection. Greek myths and Shakespearian stories, Arthurian legends and poetry will all be explored in the works of artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Paula Rego, Henry Moore, Ceri Richards and Henri Matisse.
BCA presents: Creative Exchange - Pitch Up! Thursday, 15 October Basement @ Bunyan, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU @ 6pm - 7.30pm
Join this free networking event for local creatives ooking to meet like-minded Bedfordians and your chance to pitch a project you’re working on or a partner you’re looking for in three minutes. Book your place: bedfordcreativearts.org.uk/events/creative-exchangepitch-up/
Talk: Lost Pubs of Bedford Tuesday, 13 October The Devonshire Arms @ 7.30pm
In the latest instalment of the Circus of Illustration’s costumed life drawing events, you’re invited to watch and draw from a dress rehearsal of The Importance of Being Earnest, performed by Bedford Drama Company. Not only will attendees have an exclusive chance to see the show, but you’ll be drawing the actors live on stage to capture their unique characterisation. eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-circus-of-illustration-11883263613
Art sale: Under The Bed - half-price art sale Tuesday, 13 – Saturday, 17 October Basement @ Bunyan, Mill Street @ 11am - 4pm / Tuesday late night opening til 7.30pm
Sale of original artwork in different mediums previously stored ‘under the bed’ or elsewhere) in artists’ homes, now re-emerging to be sold at HALF of its original price.
Creative: Artists’ Social
Saturday, 3 October Upstairs Albero Lounge @ 10.30am - midday | Free entry A monthly informal get-together for local artists.
Shop local: Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market Sunday, 11 October Harpur Square, Bedford @ 10am - 3pm
Find your favourite monthly market in the usual place of Harpur Square, right in the middle of Bedford town centre. Browse and buy antiques and vintage; original artwork, prints and gifts local produce, talented makers and delicious street food. Plus free live music to enjoy on the Cellar Bar music stage, featuring LondonImage: Lost Pubs of Bedford
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Somebody stole all my lamps. I couldn’t be more de-lighted!
based blues musician Ash Lambe! Free parking in all council owned car parks and dog friendly. It’s what Bedford Sundays are made for. bedfordflea.wixsite.com/market
Friends of The Higgins Bedford lecture: Royal Patronage by Tim Knox, Director of the Royal Collection in association with Bedford School Lectures Wednesday, 14 October The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Higgins for their monthly lecture. Since March 2018, Tim has been Director of the Royal Collection, the private art collection of the British royal family. The Royal Collection, held in trust by The King for his successors and the nation, comprises almost all aspects of the fine and decorative arts, runs to more than a million objects, and is housed across some 15 present and former royal residences across the UK. friendsofthehiggins.org/
Exhibition: Bedford Art Society Autumn Exhibition
Tuesday, 27 - Saturday, 31 October Basement @ Bunyan, Mill Street @ 11am - 4pm Exhibition and sale of art works by local artists.
Family fun: Pop-Up Mini Puggle Image: © Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd 2026 | Royal Collection Trust
Art historian and museum director, Tim Knox, is the guest of the Friends of the
The Bedford Clanger / October 2026
Wednesday, 14 October St Mary’s Church Hall, Goldington @ 9.30am - 10.30am Queen’s Park Community Centre @ 12.30pm - 2.15pm
Image: Puggle Club
The Puggle Club is on the move and you can find them in Goldington and Queen’s Park this month for some crafty fun for little ones.
Bedfordshire Natural History Society 80 years: The Art of Nature workshops Thursday, 15 October The Higgins Bedford @ 11.30am–1.30pm | Free - booking essential
In celebration of the Bedfordshire Natural History Society’s 80th anniversary, come and create your own artwork inspired by our natural world, led by artist Fiona Wilson. Workshops for adults are free, but places are limited; booking is essential. thehigginsbedford.org.uk
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Shop local: Christmas in October Friday, 16 October The Arc, Howard Street @ 5pm onwards
Admiral Byng of Southill, executed by firing squad for failing to do his utmost; Rev Dr Edward Drax Free – arguably the worst rector in the history of Bedfordshire - and Long John Silver – the famous pirate – whose ashes are scattered at Cockayne Hatley. friendsofthehiggins.org/
Half term at The Higgins Bedford With everything from garden-inspired activities to science and engineering, there’s even a chance to paint along to music. Full details on their website. thehigginsbedford.org.uk
Exhibition: From and Inspired By Image: Unsplash
Until 28 November The Panacea Museum, Newnham Road | Free entry
Get your festive spirit well and truly on at the Christmas in October event at The Arc this month. Browse their Christmas stock, enjoy smashburgers from Crown and Heel, shop a range of vintage apparel (Christmas edition) and squeal with excitement at the launch of the Resortwear X Neon Marl collection. Free glass of fizz on arrival and operatic Christmas classics in your earholes.
Exhibition: Bedfordshire Natural History Society 80th Anniversary Display From Tuesday, 20 October The Higgins Bedford | Free entry
Image: A piece by Jon Clark
A vibrant mix of paintings, drawings, sketchbooks, with some textile and sculpture works - all inspired by the incredible Panacea Museum. panaceamuseum.org/events
Creativity: Urban Sketchers Drawing Day
Saturday, 17 October Panacea Museum, Newnham Road @ 10am - 2pm | Free - drop-in As part of the Panacea: From and Inspired By exhibition, join Beds Urban Sketchers volunteers as they draw across the site, and help visitors to have a go. panaceamuseum.org/events
Image: John and Chris Dony at BNHS 40th anniversary gathering at Great Haynes Wood, 1986 © Mary Sheridan
Launching in November: Creative People Bedford. Sparking connection and community for Bedford’s creative professionals
Discover some of the key personalities that have supported the Bedfordshire Natural History Society over the past 80 years in this display celebrating the people who have been central in studying, recording, and championing the county’s wildlife for present and future generations to benefit from and enjoy. thehigginsbedford.org.uk
Friends of The Higgins Bedford lecture: David Longman on Tales from Bedfordshire Churches: The Admiral, the Rector and Long John Silver Tuesday, 27 October St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Amongst many other things, this talk reveals the starting and finishing post of the first English Grand National; the death of 8
Image: Creative People Bedford
Did you know that Bedford is home to 5,000 creative professionals? Creative People Bedford is their spiritual home - for those who are aspiring, starting out, mid-career, stop-start, or established in the creative industries. Creatives Night, launching on Wednesday, 4 November at the Ent Shed, is a space to tackle hot-topic conversations, hear from Bedford creatives, showcase your ideas, and take part in panel sessions all while enjoying pizza with like-minded creatives. Details and tickets: creative-people.co Getting the ability to fly would be so uplifting.
Fun Palaces at The Higgins Bedford Saturday, 3 October 11am – 4pm Fun Palaces are back in Bedford this month - the perfect opportunity for families to take part in free creative activities and channel their inner scientists and artists. The drop-in activities at The Higgins Bedford include a talk with experts from Albion Archaeology and the chance to create autumnal decorations alongside the team, inspired by some medieval pottery. It’s the final week of the Sutton Kiln display at The Higgins Bedford, and at this fun drop-in activity, find out more about the exciting local excavation. Explore tessellation, symmetry and pattern in a free family drop-in from 11am – 1pm. This activity has a ‘snails’ theme and is a chance to make your own brilliant snail-inspired patterns and prints. Meet some expert geologists and see some amazing rock, fossil and mineral specimens to find out more about them. You can even bring along your own rocks and the geologists will help to identify them. Finally, you can enjoy a free badge-making workshop and make your own fabulous pin badges to take away. The free events run from 11am – 4pm at The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD
THERE’S A WONDERFUL BOOK HERE - JUST FOR YOU!
BOOKS FOR THE READER COLLECTOR SCHOLAR EVERYONE
THE EAGLE BOOKSHOP THE LARGEST SECOND-HAND BOOKSHOP IN THE REGION
16 -20 ST PETERS STREET, BEDFORD MK40 2NN
The Bedford Clanger / October 2026
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There’s plenty for film-lovers to enjoy this month… Bedford Documentary Film Festival returns for its fifth year
I’m Still Here (Brazilian Portuguese with subtitles)
The Bedford Documentary Film Festival returns this month, bringing another full day of independent documentary filmmaking to the heart of Bedford. Now celebrating its fifth year, the festival was founded by documentary producer and director Jason Gurr. This year’s programme includes Cy Gregory: This One’s For You, a locally made documentary centred around wrestling, alongside Dyslexia & Me, a documentary exploring the experience of dyslexia. Tickets: £9.38 available at bedforddocs.co.uk
A 2024 political biographical drama film directed by Walter Salles from a screenplay by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega, based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s 2015 memoir of the same name. It stars Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro as Eunice Paiva, a mother and activist coping with the forced disappearance of her husband, the dissident politician Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello), during the military dictatorship in Brazil.
Saturday, 10 October @ 10.30am - 4pm / Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street
Bedford Film Society 2026/27 season Bedford Film Society’s 2026/27 season is now well underway, with three screenings last month. However, there’s plenty to look forward to throughout the season, so it’s well worth the £70 annual membership, or just a fiver if you pay on the door (cash only).
Tuesday, 13 October
Dragonfly
Tuesday, 20 October
Hosted at the University of Bedfordshire on Polhill Avenue, the society is celebrating its 77th year, and this season is screening 20 films from around the world.
Two Prosecutors German (with subtitles) Tuesday, 6 October
A haunting social-realist drama starring Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough as neighbours. Four out of five stars from The Guardian.
Two Prosecutors is a 2025 historical drama film written and directed by Sergei Loznitsa, based on the novella of the same name by Georgy Demidov. Starring Aleksandr Kuznetsov and Aleksandr Filippenko, the film follows a young Soviet prosecutor seeking justice for a political prisoner during Joseph Stalin’s ongoing Great Purge. 10
I was wondering why the ball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
This month’s drama Comedy: Ed Patrick: Numb and Number
Friday, 2 October The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £15
Following his hugely successful Catch Your Breath tour, comedian and NHS anaesthetist Ed Patrick returns with his new hit show Numb and Number. Get your appointment while you can. quarrytheatre.org.uk
New Writing: StageWrite Autumn ‘26 Sunday, 4 October The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £5
Theatre: ExperiMental (work-in-progress performance) Thursday, 8 October The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £10
Award-winning performer Juliette Burton is a “Fringe Favourite” (The Guardian), a “Fringe Legend” (FringeReview) and has spent most of her life on the fringes… just outside the lines. Developed over three years with contributions from mental health service users, survivors of domestic abuse, people with lived experience of homelessness, disabled communities, LGBT communities, immigrant communities and other marginalised groups, ExperiMental is a thought-provoking, visually striking comedic theatre piece about belonging, exclusion and the ever-expanding circle of acceptance. History is full of people who were called “crazy” - until they weren’t. quarrytheatre.org.uk
Theatre: Cringe!
Friday, 9 October The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £18
The annual hothouse for the development of new writing for theatre is back, supporting writers in the process of getting their work up on its feet and in front of an audience for the very first time. Every time StageWrite happens, it’s different – the nature of profiling brand new work. theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: Unversed
Tuesday, 6 October The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £18 Step into the world of Antonia, an ambitious young actor in 17th-century London who is armed with a newly printed copy of Shakespeare’s plays but furious that she is forbidden from performing. Created in association with Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Beckis Cooper has toured her ‘spellbinding’ solo-show all over the country, and has been dubbed ‘a phenomenal tour de force of Shakespearean girl power’. theplacebedford.org.uk The Bedford Clanger / October 2026
Who doesn’t love to cringe at an embarrassing story?! Enter DJ Funky Steve and his embarrassing story disco. Join Jenna as Funky Steve for a night of crazy comedy cringe as she spins real recorded tales of falls, toilet mishaps and excruciating intimate disasters using a combination of dance, song, recorded delivery, storytelling, and comedy sketches to create a brilliantly fun evening of laughter, entertainment and cringe. theplacebedford.org.uk
Comedy: Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby Saturday, 10 October The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £22
One family, one condition, one hell of a hairy baby… Scott Bennett from Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance and The News Quiz tells the amazing true story of how his daughter fell ill with a rare genetic condition, congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). quarrytheatre.org.uk 11
Community Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest Tuesday, 13 - Saturday, 17 October 2026 The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £12
Theatre: Kevin Quantum: Anti-Gravity Saturday, 24 October The Quarry Theatre @ 2.30pm / Tickets: from £16.50
Enter a space where the rules of gravity are bent and broken. Where impossible illusions and levitations are presented by the magician-scientist adventurer tutored by Penn & Teller. Having spent half of his adult life studying Physics and half studying magic, Magic Circle Member Kevin explores the exotic space where science and magic meet. Magic is real. And he’ll prove it to you. quarrytheatre.org.uk
Theatre: Dracula - The Panto Monday, 26 October The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £10
Mistaken identities, secret double lives, and outrageous romance collide in Oscar Wilde’s beloved comedy of manners. When Algernon and Jack invent alter egos to escape their social obligations, their carefully crafted lies spiral into a whirlwind of confusion, unexpected proposals, and hilariously tangled relationships. Will Algernon and Jack “learn the Importance of Being Earnest?” Get your tickets for an evening of laughter, charm, and clever twists to find out. theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: Man or Bear
There’s a vampire behind you! Spend a spooky night out as Gothic meets Slapstick in a funpacked show. Suitable for ages eight to 80. theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: Bright Places
Tuesday, 27 October The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16
Thursday, 22 October The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16
A three-woman, one-woman show about Multiple Sclerosis. MS for short. Not to be confused with M&S or S&M. Bright Places is a brilliantly funny and deeply honest, account of growing up in the shadow of chronic illness – and a story for anyone who’s ever searched for joy in the hardest of times. Expect 90s pop, a costume box and a whole heap of glitter in a “reflective yet raucous play about living with MS” (The Guardian). theplacebedford.org.uk Man or Bear is a fast-moving, darkly comic new play about fear, friendship and survival inspired by the viral question ‘Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?’ Rather than focusing on the perpetrator, the play turns its focus to women’s resilience, humour and solidarity, offering a poetic and unsettling reflection on modern-day misogyny. theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: Deepest Fears: Ghost Stories
Comedy: Aurie Styla: Maverick
Horrifying spectres, restless souls and evil secrets that refuse to stay buried are all brought to life in this spine-chilling show. An unmissable evening by one of the country’s most captivating ghost story performers — dare you face your deepest fears? theplacebedford.org.uk
Friday, 23 October The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £17.50 Aurie Styla is one of the most naturally charismatic and hilarious comedians around and ‘Maverick’ looks at life from the end of ‘The Aurator’ Tour onwards, hilariously exploring his bad work-life balance, family influence, relationships, health and more. quarrytheatre.org.uk The Bedford Clanger / October 2026
Friday, 30 & Saturday, 31 October The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £18
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Bring the noise Music: Africa Alive: Folksongs from Southern Africa
Death of Guitar Pop
Friday, 9 October Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £27.50
Saturday, 3 October The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £10
Join the UK’s only African marimba band, Otto & The Mutapa Calling, for an unforgettable night of marimba music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana. Immerse yourself in the colourful music, song, dance, and storytelling of Southern Africa as the band takes you on a journey through the region’s rich cultural tapestry. The marimba band’s sound is full of energy and pulsating rhythms - and the band’s music shares the rich cultures, histories and stories of the people of Southern Africa. quarrytheatre.org.uk
Red Rum Club
Death of Guitar Pop are bringing their high-octane ska energy to Bedford. Their unique blend of 2 Tone-influenced ska and anthemic-indie guitar pop has seen them amass a colossal army of devoted fans who have helped propel their last two albums into the top 30 of the Official UK Albums Chart. bedfordesquires.co.uk
Music: The Songs of Nick Drake Saturday, 10 October The Place Theatre @ 8pm / Tickets: from £18
Wednesday, 7 October Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £23.50
Liverpool sextet Red Rum Club continue their upward curve, charging into 2026 with relentless momentum and a sound that’s become unmistakably their own: bold, brass-fuelled, and bursting with ambition. With their signature “Mariachi Merseybeat” drawing fans from Liverpool to Lima, the band are showing no signs of slowing down. bedfordesquires.co.uk 14
Nick Drake, who died in 1974 aged just 26, is among the most revered and loved of this country’s acoustic singer-songwriters. Enjoy his timeless songs that shed all the tears of life within their fragile yet perfect lines, performed by Keith James. Keith will be joined by the natural, effortless musician Richie Cotterill. theplacebedford.org.uk German sausage jokes are just the wurst.
Toploader + guests
Friday, 16 October Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £25
Iconic British band Toploader have officially joined Spotify’s exclusive One Billion Streams Club with their global hit Dancing in the Moonlight and will headline Bedford Esquires this month. The tour will give fans a chance to enjoy hits from their multi-Brit-nominated, triple platinumselling album, Onka’s Big Moka, as well as brand new material from their upcoming EP scheduled for release in early 2027. bedfordesquires.co.uk
The Bedford Clanger / October 2026
Music: Swing the Music with Down for the Count All-Stars
Damian Lewis
Saturday, 17 October The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £28
Saturday, 24 October Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £27.50
Down for the Count recreate classic tunes from the Swing Era, but this is no mere nostalgia trip – the band performs each song in their own unmistakable style, breathing new life into the best vintage music. Combine that with the band’s topclass instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances, and irresistible warmth and joie de vivre, and you get a show that will leave you feeling uplifted and wanting more. quarrytheatre.org.uk
BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Damian Lewis is heading to Esquires for a rare, intimate show in support of his brand new album ‘Sweet Chaos’. Lewis has earned praise for the soulful vocals, rich instrumentation, and emotional honesty in his music and has made festival appearances including Latitude, Wilderness, Black Deer and the EFG London Jazz Festival. bedfordesquires.co.uk
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Exhibition: Wild Birds Saturday, 24 October - Saturday, 28 November 2026 @ Rushmere Country Park A former Clanger designer and cover star are among three Bedfordshire-based artists who will have their work on display at the Rushmere Country Park visitor centre this month, on the theme of wild birds. The Greensand Trust is presenting an exhibition of work by Marisa Straccia, Mique Moriuchi and Eleanor Archer, each inspired by their love of birds and the natural world. It’s described as a show for outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, and those who appreciate both. The exhibition presents birds in collage, print, and painting, with each artist expressing their love for our feathered friends in very different ways. It reveals there are many ways to view and interpret nature and encourages the viewer to look more closely at these little animals and appreciate their beauty. The timing of this exhibition coincides with the RSPB’s suggestion that birds should be fed from the beginning of November. The annual Rushmere ‘Feed the Birds’ Day also takes place on 25 October, to ensure bird lovers are ready to support their local birds this winter. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition will support the ongoing work of The Greensand Trust. “We are delighted that these three talented artists have chosen to exhibit their work with us at our flagship site of Rushmere 16
Country Park,” says’ Kayte Judge, of The Greensand Trust. “We anticipate that our nature-loving visitors will enjoy this exhibition as much as they enjoy the wildlife and nature here at Rushmere. What a wonderful way to start bird-feeding season and celebrate the wonder of wild birds.” Marisa Straccia is a digital illustrator by day, a committee member of The Circus of Illustration and the former designer of the Bedford Clanger. Marisa is a self-taught printer who creates at her living room table by hand using a wooden spoon. Her reduction linocut prints have been sold and exhibited across the country. In 2025, she won The Hickman Design Award at The Derby Print Open. Marisa is a lifelong bird enthusiast who enjoys exploring the wilder corners of the UK with her binoculars and sketchbook. Mique Moriuchi is a former cover artist of the Bedford Clanger (her Birds of Bedford artwork is one of our most popular covers to date) and makes pictures with paint, paper, scissors, and glue. She has illustrated over 20 picture books, as well as greeting cards, packaging, and magazines in the UK and worldwide. Eleanor Archer is a young aspiring wildlife artist. Her passion for wildlife and conservation can be seen through her artwork. During her spare time, she loves to paint and photograph wildlife. The Greensand Trust is an environmental charity that exists to conserve, enhance and protect the distinctive landscape, wildlife and history of the Greensand Ridge and surrounds. Rushmere Country Park is one of its key sites. Rushmere Country Park Visitor Centre, Linslade Road, Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire. LU7 0EB / Opening Hours 9am-5pm / greensandtrust.org
Image credit (L-R): Mique Moriuchi, Marisa Straccia & Eleanor Archer
Art Week returns to support Bedford Hospital Tuesday, 3 - Saturday, 7 November, Basement @ Bunyan | Free entry Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends are back with their brilliant Art Week this November, bringing together fantastic community creativity for an exceptionally good cause. This year, all proceeds from the event are going towards a £150,000 fundraising target to upgrade the new Gamma Camera in the hospital’s Nuclear Medicine Department. The exhibition is open daily from 11am to 4pm in the Basement @ Bunyan on Mill Street. Entry to browse the artwork is completely free, and the team has pulled together a wonderful mix of pieces donated by generous supporters and talented local creators. There is even art made from cake. Alongside the daily gallery, there are three special events lined up across the week. On Tuesday morning, pop in between 10am and noon for a free drop-in coffee morning to browse the collection with a hot drink in hand.
On Friday afternoon, local artist AnneMarie Abbate is running a creative needlefelting workshop for £15. She will be guiding a small group of 15 people through crafting cute felted mice in cups, with all materials provided. It is a great chance to pick up original local work, enjoy a slice of cake, and support a vital piece of kit for Bedford Hospital. To book your tickets for the afternoon tea or the Friday craft session, call the charity team directly on 01234 404248.
Thursday afternoon features a proper Cornish Cream Tea for £10, served strictly jam first before the clotted cream. Space is capped at 40 places, so you will want to get in quick to secure a spot.
The Bedford Clanger / October 2026
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Bromham Apple Day 2026 Sunday, 18 October @ Bromham Mill, 11am - 4pm Bromham Apple Day - a highlight of Bedford’s autumn calendar - returns this month as an annual celebration of rural traditions, local crafts and the majesty of the humble apple. Taking place in the Meadow at Bromham Mill, the event is a wonderful day out with plenty of activities and experiences to entertain the whole family. From food and drink (form an orderly queue, cider fans) to local craft stalls, there’s something for everyone. One of the day’s main attractions will be live apple pressing by Stagsden Allotments, where visitors can purchase locally grown apples and watch as they are pressed and transformed into delicious juice. If you want something a bit stronger, local producers from the Harrold Calvados Society and Apple Cottage Cider are offering a range of craft ciders and juices. Foodies can sample a variety of artisan food trucks, local produce and bakery favourites, including the debut of The Cottage Bakery’s exclusive Bromham Apple Day Autumn Roll, alongside the 18
opportunity to sample Bedford’s famous traditional sweet treat, Chocolate Toothpaste. For families, there’s a petting zoo, live wood carving demonstrations and displays of model steam engines. The arena will feature a full programme of entertainment including the Lamb National races and the ever-impressive sheepdog display, showcasing the extraordinary skill and teamwork between handler and dog. Bedford Morris Men will also be dancing throughout the day. New for 2026 is the Bromham Apple Day Welly Wanging Competition, the perfect opportunity to test your throwing skills and compete for prizes.
All Images: Bromham Apple Day
Entry is £8/adult, £5/concessions; children under 14 are free. All proceeds from the event are reinvested into local community events to support Bromham village life. Free parking is available at Bromham Park, entrance on Village Road.
Sure, I drink brake fluid. But I can stop anytime!
Images: Beerfly
Great Bedfordian In keeping with our beverage-based theme this month, we’ve asked Caroline Stronkhorst of Beerfly to be October’s Great Bedfordian. A blow-in from the Netherlands, Caroline is now a proud Bedfordian, running a business on one of the best streets in the town centre and supporting community events that highlight the wealth of independent businesses in the area. Over to you, Caroline… Occupation?
Owner of Beerfly, a craft beer shop and bar on St Cuthbert’s Street. I also have a three-and-a-half-year-old who keeps me busy (yes, that counts).
Best boozer?
Between manning Beerfly and having an energetic toddler, I don’t tend to go out much, but when I do, it usually involves a few at The Wellington Arms. Great beer, amazing snacks, fantastic people.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford?
I was a huge Arctic Monkeys fan as a teenager, and it felt very nostalgic singing my heart out to the tribute band at Esquires. I often longingly check out their “What’s On” page and wish I could go more.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress?
As an English Literature graduate, I am embarrassed to admit I haven’t. I’ll pick up a copyand add it to the never-ending stack on my nightstand.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger?
No! I think they are hard to get hold of nowadays; maybe we should bring them back as a beer snack.
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? I really enjoy taking my little girl to Box End Park for some fresh air and to watch the wakeboarders. For food and drink, I absolutely love The Sun in Felmersham run by the loveliest people as well.
Image: Beerfly
Image: Liz Blackford Sutton
Born here or blow in?
Best coffee or cuppa?
Best breakfast in Bedford?
Best takeaway?
Blown in. I am originally from the Netherlands and moved to London 13 years ago. I discovered Bedford just over six years ago and never looked back.
Even though we are mainly an evening venue, I spend a lot of time working in the morning and can’t resist nipping next door to Roosters. An award-winning breakfast for a reason. The Bedford Clanger / October 2026
I love long walks around the river with a coffee in hand; my favourites are No.7 Coffee House, Not Another Jungle, SAY, and Cosy on Castle Road.
I’m not a big takeaway person, but for me the only answer here is the Denmark Street chippy. But when The Mala Dragon starts offering takeaways, I will never eat anything else.
Best Bedfordian?
I have loved working with Rosanna (The Store) to organise the St Cuthbert’s Street Party. She is an inspiration to me - such a hardworking businesswoman with, most importantly, a huge heart.
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Welcoming, inclusive, independent
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