The annual Bedfringe is back at The Quarry Theatre & The Place Theatre! see page 13
Introduction
This issue, we’re celebrating all of the brilliant Bedford Indies - the independent shops and businesses that make our town centre unique.
Find out all about this summer’s St Cuthbert’s Street Festival (page 4), take part in our Bought in Bedford monthly voucher giveaway (page 22)
We also have our annual four-page Bedfringe guide, with the top picks from festival director James Pharaoh, local acts to catch and details on the all-new Festival of Inclusivity.
MEET THE TEAM
Our Great Bedfordian is Annalie Maher, visitor information officer at the new What’s On Hub on Silver Square. Find out her top spots in Bedford and have we finally found someone who has eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger and read the Pilgrim’s Progress? Turn to page 27 to find out.
Have a wonderful summer, and we’ll see you in September.
Team Clanger
Even more events are included in our weekly What’s On Guide, published every Wednesday on our website at bedfordindependent.co.uk
Commercial Director: Julia Course / julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk
Design: Ben Graham / ben@twenty-sixstudios.co.uk
Food & Drink: Paul Hutchinson
Theatre: Paula Walker
Website: bedfordindependent.co.uk
The Bedford Clanger is published by Progress Publishing
The best of this month’s theatre
Blue Glass
Happy Birthday!
Supernova Spectaculars
Your chance to win £50
Take a stroll off the beaten track...
Annalie Mahe
Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson (Image: Two-D Photography)
ST CUTHBERT’S
Street life
Once again, St Cuthbert’s Street will be closed to traffic for one Sunday this summer to celebrate the wonderful and unique businesses that make up this hot-spot of Bedford indies.
From 11am til 6pm on Sunday, 27 July, the St Cuthbert’s business owners will be getting together to share the love with outdoor seating, live music, food, drink and fun in the (fingers crossed) sunshine.
Co-organised by Rosanna Heasman at The Store and Joe Jones and the team at Beerfly, it’s a chance for all the shops on the street to get together to promote the town and the indie spirit that thrives here.
“After the incredible turnout to last year’s St Cuthbert’s Street Festival, we knew we had to bring it back,” said Rosanna. “The energy, spirit, and footfall it brought to the area was a reminder of how vibrant Bedford can be when we come together.
“As a business owner, it was so good to see the street full of life, and we’re excited to build on that momentum.”
Having sold over 250 pizzas last year, Ivano said they expect the festival to be even busier this year. “It’s great to be part of a street with such a buzz, and we’re glad to be involved again,” he said.
Joe at Beerfly said: “We are hoping to make this year’s festival the biggest and best yet. It’s an opportunity to come together as a community to eat, drink, and shop local, whilst also enjoying the live music and entertainment from Bedford’s home-grown talent.
“The council have supported us with our ambition to continue to grow the festival, and acknowledge this opportunity to place Bedford firmly on the map. This year we have partnered with more sponsors than ever, with family entertainment, street food, local charities, classic cars, live music and of course the finest food and drinks.”
Completely organsised and funded by the traders on the street, head to St Cuthbert’s Street to join Beerfly, Flying Cork, Rice Thai, Vanilla Tree, Herd, GCH Fishmongers, The Store and Italian Touch by Ivano for live music, outdoor seating, lots of food and drink options and a chance to get to hang out with friends and family on a Sunday afternoon.
Stroll through, grab some food and stick around for good vibes.
All image credits: St Cuthbert’s St Festival
SUMMER SESSIONS
Image: Bedford Summer Sessions
Once again, Bedford Park is gearing up to welcome world-class musicians to this year’s TK Maxx Presents Bedford Summer Sessions for eight days of live music across two weekends.
From Thursday, 3 to Sunday, 13 July, the series brings together legendary artists, chart-topping favourites, club anthems and the ever-popular Proms in the Park. It’s not only a celebration of live music in the heart of Bedford, but also a great showcase for the town with thousands of visitors coming, staying, eating and drinking here.
“This is about bringing people together, creating shared experiences, and putting Bedford on the map,” said Peter Taylor, co-founder of live entertainment company Cuffe and Taylor. “We’re proud to be part of it.”
Here’s a look at the full line-up:
Thursday 3 July – Simple Minds, Alison Moyet, KT Tunstall
Saturday 5 July – Rag‘n’Bone Man, Gavin James, Elles Bailey
Sunday 6 July – Proms in the Park with Russell Watson & Lesley Garrett
Thursday 10 July – The Human League, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Blancmange
Friday 11 July – Café Mambo Ibiza with Melanie C, Jax Jones, Fedde Le Grand, Chlo, FivePast5
Saturday 12 July – Supergrass, The Coral, Willie J Healey
Sunday 13 July – McFly, Twin Atlantic, Devon
Get your tickets at ticketmaster.co.uk and smmrsessions.com.
SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD
Join our artists to create neon paintings, colour viewers, rainbows, sun catchers, lanterns, kaleidoscopes, colour spinners, artworks from nature and postage stamps. Step back in time during history sessions and enjoy animal encounters with Teaching Talons. Plus, we have our monthly Puggle Club, stories and drop-in craft sessions!
For more information and to book your place visit www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk
WHAT’S ON
Throughout July & August
Guided Tours bedfordtourguides.org
Throughout the summer, you can catch one of the many tours offered by Bedford’s knowledgeable tour guides. From church tours to Bunyan, check out their website to find out dates, times and tours.
Bedford Craft Market
Saturday, 12 July and Saturday, 9 August Silver Square & Silver Street
From soap flower gifts to up-cycled jars and glasses, wax melts to handmade bags and clothes, hand-painted plant pots to knitwear, you will find high-quality and original produce that showcases local crafters’ passion and expertise. There will be free workshops and performances in Silver Square too.
Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market
Sunday, 13 July and Sunday, 10 August Harpur Square @ 10am
Your one-stop shop for all things flea, art and local produce. Bedford Flea prides itslef on being the purveyors of quality with the emphasis on locally made, grown and sourced products, from some of the area’s most skilled small businesses and hobbyists.
Did you hear about the trending corduroy pillows? They’re making headlines.
Image: Bedford Borough Council
Image: Bedford Borough Council
Bedford Skeptics: The Case for Dark Matter with Dr
Matthew Bothwell
Thursday, 17 July
The North End Social Club, 60 Roff Avenue MK41 7TW @ 7pm Donations appreciated
Over the past 50 years, astronomers have become increasingly certain that most of the Universe is made up of a mysterious invisible substance that we do not properly understand.
In this special talk, Dr Matthew Bothwell lays out the observational evidence that has led scientists to believe something which — on the surface — seems so incredibly bizarre. Matt is an astrophysicist, science communicator and author, and the current Public Astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge.
Exhibition: Bedford Camera ClubCamera in the Community Higgins Bedford
Saturday, 19 July - 28 September
This new exhibition shares the story of Bedford Camera Club, founded in 1906, showcasing highlights of their community projects. Come and enjoy a rich selection of photographs capturing our local communities including Bedford street photography, Indian Nritham dancers, Ampthill Festival, rush
farming and cottage industry and members artwork past to present.
Bedford’s Got Talent 2 – Open Mic Night
Saturday, 2 August
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £12
Sponsored by Simply Creative Agency, Bedford’s Got Talent is back by popular demand - and it’s going to be even bigger, better, and bolder. Expect a vibrant mix of spoken word, poetry, music, comedy, singing, and more – all in the intimate and inspiring setting of The Place Theatre, where many well-known names have taken to the stage.
Festival and Open Day
Saturday, 12 July
St Paul’s Church @ 10am - 5pm
An open day at St Paul’s featuring events and tours of the church and tower to give a flavour of Bedford’s town centre church and civic county church. There will be displays of church furnishings, children’s activities and you can even try your hand at bell-ringing - all in aid of the St Paul’s Tower, Clocks and Bells Appeal. For more information check out their Facebook page or phone 01234 340163
Exhibition: Where Earth Meets Sky
Saturday, 12 - Saturday, 19 July
Eagle Gallery, St Peter’s Street
Where Earth Meets Sky is a new exhibition at Eagle Gallery featuring work by Romanian-born artist, Greta Andreica. It brings together a series of landscape, seascape, and floral paintings by Greta Andreica, each one an intimate reflection of the natural world’s shifting moods and quiet power.
Come Meet the Artist: Greta Andreica will be present in the gallery every day of the show, from 2pm to 5pm so don’t miss the chance to hear more about her process, inspirations, and artistic journey.
Festival: BearFest
Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 July
The Bear, Bedford High Street @ midday - 11pm
One of Bedford’s best-loved pubs is hosting a two day extravaganza to raise money for a much-needed defibrillator. Over 20 bands have offered up their time free of charge to
help with the task. Danny Barton is hosting the whole weekend and there will be live music, a raffle and face painting. Families welcome until 8pm each day.
Summer Exhibition
Saturday, 19 July
Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre, Ampthill Road @ 10.30am - 4pm
An exhibition showcasing the work of Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre’s talented students and tutors. Exhibits will include ceramics, bookmaking and restoration, silver jewellery, upholstery, watercolours, stained glass, sewing dressmaking, lacemaking and portrait painting. Some of the pieces on display will be for sale.
John Bunyan Boat launches new Sunset and Prosecco Cruise
26 July & 23 August
Priory Marina @ 6.30pm / £28.62
Enjoy a chilled-out evening as the sun goes down onboard the John Bunyan Boat as you cruise along Bedford’s River Great Ouse while sipping a glass of prosecco. A selection of canapés will also be served throughout the two-hour cruise.
John Bunyan Museum & Library’s Summer Exhibition: Roger W Martin - a collection
Showcasing books, pictures, and objects collected by Roger W. Martin during his lifetime and donated to John Bunyan Museum & Library in 2000. 25 years after his death the museum pays tribute to the man who always had a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress with him. What a ledge!
Join Bedford Creative Arts for a joyful and imaginative celebration of their River/ Flow/ Connect workshops - a creative reimagining of the classic sports day, designed for adults and children alike. Build a wearable artwork, stack the tallest tower, or try your luck at blindfold sculpture building – no experience needed, just curiosity and a bit of team spirit. Expect the unexpected - silliness, creativity, and collaboration are all encouraged. Whether you’ve been involved in the project from the start or are discovering it for the first time, you’re warmly invited to come and take part and enjoy a summery family day out.
Festiva: Original Culture Festival
Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 August Priory Country Park @ 2pm - 10pm / Tickets: From £14.40
This August, all roads lead to Bedford as directors Josie and Fiona proudly present the fourth edition of the Original Culture Festival - a two-day celebration of music, unity, and culture
that’s set to be the biggest and best yet. This year’s explosive lineup features Scorcher & Friends, DJ Luck & MC Neat, London Garage Orchestra, DJ AG & Friends, Saxon Sound System, and a full cast of iconic UK names across garage, hip-hop, and reggae. New for 2025 is a dedicated R&B zone and the ‘Give Me Garage’ arena. Sunday is family fun day, so bring the whole family for an uplifting day of music, activities, and celebration.
Wild Canvas
Thursday, 7 - Tuesday, 26 August @ Turvey House / Tickets: wildcanvas.uk
Now in its sixth year, Wild Canvas is a one-of-a-kind camping experience blending nature, music, creative arts and wellness - right on our doorstep in the beautiful riverside grounds of Turvey House. Guests can take part in a range of activities including bushcraft, circus skills, life drawing and kids craft sessions. Paddleboarding lessons are available, or campers can bring their own kayaks and SUPs to explore the River Great Ouse. Other activities include an outdoor games club, kids disco and talent show. New for 2025, an intimate live music stage will feature small-scale jazz and folk performances on Saturday evenings.
Find out more on their website: wildcanvas.uk
LIVE MUSIC
Live Music: The Krakens
Friday, 11 July
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Free entry
The Krakens are back at the Cellar Bar, covering a variety of rock songs through the ages featuring songs from: Elton John, Queen, Nirvana, Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day and many more.
World On Fire
Saturday, 19 July
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Free entry
World On Fire are back at The Cellar Bar, playing all your favourite rock covers with a few of their own thrown in too. If you like a dance and a drink then don’t miss it!
Seven Swans
Sunday, 20 July 2025
The Place Theatre @ 2pm / Tickets: from £8
A mystical journey inspired by the themes of Seven Ravens and Snow White, infused with the ethereal beauty of Swan Lake melodies arranged by Magic Violin and commissioned by the Royal Opera House. This story, crafted by Pomme, transports listeners to a world of magic and wonder. Meet the nettle witch, seven swans, and the bold heroine who sets them free, all accompanied by the soulful strains of Tschaikovsky’s Swan Lake themes as well as Eastern European and Balkan music.
BODEGA + guests
Saturday, 26 July
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets:
New York, punk cultural commentators BODEGA are back at Esquires with a collection of catchy indie-rock ruminations on the slow-creep of corporate-think into youth culture. “When you’re older and better at your craft, you can revisit the same material but do different things with it.”
Taylor Mania - Taylor Swift Eras tribute concert
Sunday, 27 July
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £27.50
An award-winning extravaganza that pays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. The show has already taken ‘Swiftie’ fans across the world by storm and features all of Taylor’s much loved hits including ; Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble and many, many more.
Tom Robinson Band + Guests
Friday, 1 August
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets:
Tom Robinson first became known in the late 1970s as a musician and LGBT activist, releasing 2-4-6-8 Motorway, Glad To Be Gay, Up Against The Wall and the band’s debut album Power In The Darkness which went gold in the UK and Japan. As a radio broadcaster, Tom hosts two shows a week on BBC Radio 6 Music and was awarded a fellowship of LIPA for his support of new music.
Music in the Meadows
Every Sunday in August
Mill Meadows @ 3pm - 5pm
Bedford’s much-loved Music in the Meadows bandstand concerts return this August, so bring the family, pack a picnic and enjoy two hours of traditional bandstand music.
New Classics
Friday, 1 August
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Free entry
This five-piece band from Beds, Herts and Bucks seamlessly blend a variety of eras and genres to create an unforgettable musical experience.
Wreckless Eric
Saturday, 16 August
Bedford Esquires @ 7:30pm / Tickets: £15
A bit about Eric? He needs little introduction, having written and recorded the classic Whole Wide World and had a hit with it back in 1977. Since then, it’s been a hit for countless other artists, including The Monkees, Cage The Elephant and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, featured in the 2022 Expedia / Superbowl / Ewan MacGregor travel ad, and most recently in the podcast Smartless. Unmasked, unhinged and still alive – a survivor of Covid-19 (resulting in a near-fatal heart attack), Eric presents himself alone if not simply with electric and acoustic guitars, and electronics of his own making.
3 August: Milton Keynes Brass / 10 August: May Blossom Vintage Songbird / 17 August: Fynnius Fogg (2pm to 5pm) / 24 August: Mainline Big Band / 31 August:The Freedom Jazz Orchestra
BuBounce
Friday, 22 August
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Free entry
Ska band, Bubounce, return to Bedford this summer, featuring Cellar Bar favourite Lord Baker on lead vocals. Expect an amazing, explosive performance of the best in classic Ska tunes.
Sambroso All Stars present Buena Vista Social Club
Sunday, 24 August
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Is there a more iconic Cuban album than Buena Vista Social Club’s eponymous debut? Doing this album any sort of justice is no easy task, but there isn’t anyone better than Sambroso Noda, the beating heart of London’s Cuban community and flourishing music scene. The seven-piece all-star band promises to mesmerise the crowd with their combination of Cuban Son, Latin Jazz and Rumba, from Cuba’s Golden era.
I went to buy a dead battery and the clerk said, “No charge.”
Image: Bedford Borough Council
Welcome to Bedfringe 2025
From Wednesday, 23 to Sunday, 27 July, Bedford will host the 18th International Bedford Festival Fringe, bringing to the town a carefully selected programme of comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance and physical theatre, spoken word and poetry to your doorstep. This year, events will be held at The Quarry Theatre and The Place Theatre
The event brings together over 90 shows in five days and across five venues, so there is definitely something for everyone.
This year, day one of the festival is designed with SEN families in mind, with an open-air and fully inclusive event where every child, young person, and adult can feel safe, comfortable, and free to be themselves. Find out more on page 16 - it looks absolutely amazing!
Taking place just before Edfringe, Bedfringe is geographically and chronologically the perfect place and time for acts on their way to Scotland to hone their material.
Over the years, it has been responsible for supporting many upand-coming acts, including Lee Ridley (Lost Voice Guy), Pappys (BBC sketch show), Howard Read (CBBC’s Little Howard’s Big Question), Simon Brodkin (Lee Nelson), Adam Brown (Ori in Peter Jackson’s;The Hobbit”), Patrick Monahan (winner of ITV 2011 “Show Me The Funny”), The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre Company (Edinburgh Fringe favourites), Simon Munnery, Jack Whitehall, Jan Ravens, Barry & Stuart (BBC1’s
“The Magicians”) and world record breaker Sir Tim FitzHigham (Clint Eastwood’s “Hereafter”), Josh Widdicombe, The Noise Next Door, Ivo Graham, Pete Firman, Joel Dommett and Vikki Stone.
So who knows which future star you might see this year?
Bedfringe at The Place Theatre
The Place Theatre is hosting a couple of events at this year’s festival. Don’t miss their production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth by BRAVE Youth Theatre at 3pm and 6pm on 26 July and a musical feast of country tunes with Tap the Barrell at 8.30pm - a lively collaboration of familiar local musicians as they perform your favorite country tunes. It promises to be a foot-stomping celebration!
Happy fringing!
Image: The Quarry Theatre
Bedfringe 2025 - the Director’s Picks
Each year, we ask festival director, James Pharaoh MBE, for his top tips for Bedfringe. Whether you’re a seasoned ‘fringer or a Bedfrige virgin, you can be guaranteed that these five shows will deliver the goods.
Over to you, JPMBE…
Alfie Moore: Tour warm-up show
Saturday, 26 July @ 7.30pm | Tickets:
Copper turned comedian and star of BBC Radio 4 hit ‘It’s A Fair Cop’ returns to Bedfringe for a pre-tour warm-up of his brandnew show.
Topics covered include: How to stave off the apocalypse, how to save UK policing, and - most pressingly - how to avoid the potholes on the A15.
Max Fulham: Full of Ham
Saturday, 26 July @ 6pm / Tickets: £10
Max Fulham is coming to Bedfringe 2025 with an evening of never-before-seen nonsense. Having amassed millions
of online views with his signature brand of stand-up, Max is catapulting ventriloquism into the 21st century and is not to be missed! Expect talking ham, malfunctioning self-service checkouts, and an inner monologue that just can’t be kept inside anymore
Matt Parker: Getting Triggy With It
Thursday, 24 July @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £10
Matt Parker talks a lot of maths. He’s a NYT best-selling author and sold-out Edinburgh Festival Fringer. But now it’s time he does the maths. Really gets in there and gives the maths a good doing.
It’s time he programmes his own Christmas tree lights and then 11,184,024 people watch his downfall (and counting). It’s time he shares his hand-crafted maths code online only for viewers to improve it by 40,832,277,770%. It’s time he shaped-up and crawled out from under the square named after him. Come watch Matt Parker do the maths. (Every audience member will get some free maths.)
Paul Foot: Barbaric Fantasies for Bedford
Friday, 25 July @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £13.50
Imagine receiving an invitation to perform at a beautiful theatre in prestigious Bedford. Imagine that you don’t currently have a new show, as you’re working towards one for 2026. Imagine that what you do have is a whole series of disturbed comedy fantasies in your mind that you haven’t yet got round to sharing with a psychiatrist. Imagine that you carefully put these together to create a show and then bring them to Bedford, calling the show, Barbaric Fantasies For Bedford.
Bloody, Bloody Kansas
Thursday, 24 and Friday, 25 July @ 6pm / Tickets: £10.50/£8.50
Dive into the dark heart of American history. 1873 – Kansas. Based on the true story of the West’s first known serial killing family, the Bloody Benders, this bold new play shatters time and space to reveal the chilling legacy they left behind. At the center is Mary York, a grieving widow turned relentless detective, piecing together a puzzle of violence, justice, and memory.
What did the shark say when he ate the clownfish? This tastes a little funny.
Local Things for Local People
Once again, Bedfringe is showcasing loads of local talent as part of the festival, so we’ve picked out three of the best that we think you’ll love.
Superhero Shenanigans
Thursday, 24 and Friday, 25 July
The Quarry Garden @ 12.30pm
Also hailing from Bedford and on the bill are: David Jackson, Mat Roberts, Richard Compton, Jon Lane, The Bedfordians, Tricky Teddy, Bedford Marionettes, Lee Abrahams, Roxze and Rich Page, Lily James, Red Cuthbert Morris, Sparky T-K-O, Bedford Steel Pan Academy, Tremaine Dawkins and The Moggies Band*
* Details correct at time of going to print. Other local acts may have been added in the meantime.
Join Kaye Leidoskope at her ‘Superhero Training Academy’ for an interactive session full of dress-up, crafts and total superhero shenanigans aimed at children aged four to eight and their families. Participants will discover their superpowers, create a superhero, and maybe even save the world!
Kaye Leidoskope (aka Kaye Mahoney) is an experienced performer and workshop leader who loves to help little ones
Ragged Staff folk band
Thursday, 24 July
The Quarry Garden @ 6pm
Ragged Staff are a Bedfordshire-based, five-piece folk band who perform traditional and contemporary songs and tunes, including their own material. Playing multiple instruments, they have performed at many folk clubs and festivals since 2008. They like nothing more than to tell a good story and love to enjoy themselves while entertaining the audience.
and their families learn through creativity. You can find her sessions all over Bedford and beyond, notably she runs Puggle Club, the preschooler’s creative arts programme at The Higgins, and her own programme of interactive sessions ‘Exploring with Kaye Leidoskope’ at the Place Theatre
The Most Perfect Magic Show Ever
Thursday, 24 July
The Quarry Theatre @ 9pm
Warning: This show contains one (1) slightly obsessive magician attempting to create the perfect magic performance through a peculiar blend of storytelling, data analysis, and that thing where you pull stuff out of thin air.
“Amazing” - not our words, but the words of hardman, JASON STATHAM.
Armed with an unnecessarily detailed spreadsheet, a suspiciously large easel, and the kind of determination usually reserved for people trying to fold fitted sheets, our magician dives into mind-reading, dangerous stunts, and moments of accidental vulnerability. But as the experiments spiral into delightful chaos, a truth emerges (probably from behind someone’s ear): maybe perfection isn’t what we think it is at all.
This cosy 60-minute journey combines classical magic with contemporary theatre, creating something that sits somewhere between a TED talk gone wrong and a fever dream gone right. Featuring original illusions, willing(ish) audience participants, and at least one cactus, “The Most Perfect Magic Show, Ever” is what happens when perfectionism meets reality.
Bedfinge hosts Bedford’s first Inclusive Performing Arts Festival
This summer, the heart of Bedford will beat to the rhythm of inclusivity, creativity and celebration as the town welcomes its first Inclusive Performing Arts Festival on Wednesday, 23 July at The Quarry Theatre as part of this year’s Bedfringe Festival.
The festival is the first of its kind in Bedford, proudly spotlighting disabled and neurodivergent performers and participants. The event promises an exciting day of live shows, interactive
Festival highlights
A dance performance from the Bedfordshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group’s Teen Club, who say “we are so excited to be included in this great opportunity.”
Megan Rix will be talking about her ‘Lizzie and Lucky’ books, followed by Q&A for children (and their grown-ups) aged five and over. Megan said: “Lizzie is deaf and wears hearing aids just like me! She and her family and friends use BSL as their first language.”
workshops, sing and sign sessions, arts and crafts, bandeoke, sensory storytelling, a retro gaming zone, and a relaxing sound bath experience.
Our goal is simple, we want to create a space where every person feels they belong. Whether on stage, in the audience or taking part in one of the fantastic workshops, this is a celebration of talent, creativity and community.
Festival Organiser, Elise Gray
Living it Up will be at the event in full E.F.F.E.C.T, with a performance by their band, Delta Sonic and an inclusive art workshop run by the fabulous Katie Allen and the guys from the Arty Giraffe project. The artists and performers have learning disabilities and or autism.
Britain’s Got Talent’s Born to Perform are delivering an uplifting dance workshop adapted for all participants, followed by an empowering performance from the BGT Golden Buzzer winners, showcasing the joy, talent, and energy that define their performers.
The team at Creative Days will be running a group workshop to create a beautiful, large canvas using a variety of art materials (including paint!) for a fun, mindful, empowering and fully accessible creative experience for all ages.
These are just some of the festival highlights, but you can find out the full programme on the Bedfringe website bedfringe.com
Why do coffee cups avoid the city? They’re afraid to get mugged.
Spectrum Summer Showcase 2024 / Image: Shona Louise
Arty Giraffe / Image: Arty Giraffe
Image: Born to Perform
Image: Creative Days
Image: Megan Rix
THEATRE
Alongside Bedfringe, there’s some great theatre taking place in Bedford Borough this summer. Paula Walker has her top picks…
Youth theatre: Love Alters Not - a showcase of classic love stories through time.
Friday, 4 & Saturday, 5 July 2025
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre / Tickets: from £15
Love Alters Not is a devised project takig scenes from works spanning ancient Greece, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare
to modern day, channelling them into one complete showcase of how love and heartbreak go with the times. Performed and created solely by a group of eager young artists and creatives. sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk/tickets
Theatre: The Hundred Year Old Letter
Saturday, 5 July 2025
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £12
In 1916, Christabel Mennell writes a letter of apology to Katie Marsh. It is finally delivered in 2021 and becomes a global news sensation. Travelling from Bath to London, via two world wars and two pandemics, the unreceived letter of apology sparked people’s imaginations. After a year of speculation and research, Good Wolf peels back the layers of time to reveal a funny, moving story of history, war, faith, friendship and porridge oats. theplacebedford.org.uk
Unleashing creativity: BRAVEFEST at the Place Theatre
8 - 12 July / Pay what you can
The Place’s Brave Youth Theatre team (aged seven to 17) has been hard at work creating exciting pieces to share with the public during this summer’s inaugural Brave Youth Theatre festival week. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, and William Golding, they look forward to sharing their work this July.
Theatre: Playground Plays - Romeo and Juliet
Tuesday, 8 & Thursday, 10 July 2025
The Place Theatre / Tickets: pay what you can
Class Montague and class Capulet rival each other in the hopes of winning their school’s annual talent competition. But when a student from each of the rival classes decides to join forces, how will the staff and pupils of Shakespeare Junior High react?
Theatre: The Boys on the Island & Macbeth
Friday 11 July 2025
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: pay what you can
“I think if we had stayed he’d have killed us all.” A group of stranded students, one island, no food, no way of getting home. Loosely based on the tale of Lord of the Flies, The Boys on the Island tells the survival story of students who cannot find an escape from a remote island.
Theatre: The Girls in the Woods & The Boys on the Island
Saturday 12 July 2025
The Place Theatre @ 2.30pm / Tickets: pay what you can
An accusation that shakes the entire school from a student hellbent on getting her way – how far will Abi go? A tale of witchcraft and conspiracies, The Girls in the Woods explores the disastrous repercussions of a lie and how it affects both students and teachers alike. theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: HandleBards present - Much Ado
About Nothing
Thursday 17 July 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm / Tickets: from £3.50
Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors bringing Shakespeare to venues across the UK. Join the troupe at The Quarry Theatre for a pedal-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. Expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter. quarrytheatre.org.uk/
Children’s Theatre: Fungi Frida and the Myco Heroes
Saturday 19 July 2025
The Place Theatre @ 1pm / Tickets: from £8
Here we are in Plasticland…there’s rubbish everywhere, and that’s no good! Join Fungi Frida as she travels along the Wood Wide Web to meet a host of mycological superheroes and find the perfect mushroom ally to help us clean up the plastic - she can’t do it without you! theplacebedford.org.uk
Comedy: Jokes and Laffs
Saturday 19 July 2025
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £15
An evening filled with laughter and more, showcasing the very best of established and new comedy talents – both homegrown and international, while also making sure to cater for comedy lovers of all backgrounds. Featuring Athena Kugblenu, Charmain Hughes, Glazz Campbell and President Obonjo of Lafta Republic. theplacebedford.org.uk
Are plants good at maths? Only if they have square roots.
NOT ANOTHER JUNGLE
Images: @notanotherjungle (Instagram)
Happy Birthday, Not Another Jungle!
It hardly seems possible that Not Another Jungle has already been in Bedford town centre for a year, but April saw them celebrate their first year of trading at their gorgeous shop on Silver Square
Not Another Jungle has, along with fellow independent traders, helped raise the bar and rewrite the retail rules in Bedford. The shop front looks stunning, the plants spill onto the square and the welcome is warm and knowledgeable. Owner Tony is determined to draw customers from near and far into Bedford, luring them first with plants, and now with the added allure of top-notch coffee and cake. Using local suppliers, he’s creating a new ‘anti-corporate culture’, and in the process has created much more than just a retail destination.
The support from customers and other businesses has been incredible since opening, and we are growing each month as more people find out about Not Another Jungle and what we do here, said Tony.
“Our experienced staff can help recommend the right plant for you and give you expert advice on how to care for it. We have the largest selection of plants of any houseplant shop in the UK from your first ever plant, easy care, pet safe and right up to rarer plants for die-hard collectors.”
Their infamous hanging plant wall / Image: @notanotherjungle
Now with outdoor seating, why not grab a coffee and watch the world go by - and on a Saturday and Sunday, they also have sweet treats by different indie bakers each week.
We recommend you swing by Not Another Jungle next time you’re passing - you never know what you’ll find.
Not Another Jungle, 58b High St, Bedford MK40 1NT @ notanotherjunglebedford
SUPERNOVA SPECTACULAR
Supernova Spectaculars: blending film scores with ‘mind-bending’ 3D lightshow
A groundbreaking live music performance that blends film scores, holographic wizardry, and virtuoso musicianship is coming to Bedford Corn Exchange this summer, thanks to three local musicians.
Hanja Bantock, Dom Childs and Bjorn Bantock, founders of Supernova Spectaculars, say that their new live show promises to redefine live film music performance and we can’t wait to see it on 30 August
This spectacle is described as a kaleidoscopic blend of sci-fi and space-themed film scores, a mind-bending 3D holographic lightshow, alongside the virtuosic flair of the UK’s finest musicians, brought to life by the London Cinematic Orchestra. Supernova Spectaculars will take audiences at Bedford Corn Exchange on an immersive journey through iconic soundtracks from cinematic blockbusters such as Star Wars, Interstellar, Minority Report, Star Trek, and Independence Day.
Far removed from traditional orchestral concerts, this new production is an eruption of special effects — flashing lights, pulsating strobes, and laser beams that dance through the air, creating a visual and auditory feast for the senses.
“What sets Supernova Spectaculars apart is the ambition to blend music, light, and technology in a way that feels entirely new,” says Hanja.
“We’re delighted to have visual designer extraordinaire Gerred Blyth working with us, known for his work with the band Public Service Broadcasting. The visual element of this show is groundbreaking and designed to take your breath away.
This cosmic adventure is designed to welcome all, from seasoned concert-goers to wide-eyed newcomers, with an atmosphere more akin to a pulsating rock or pop gig than a formal classical affair.
The show’s commitment to excellence shines through its stellar lineup, featuring top-tier UK talents like trumpeter Mike Lovatt, whose sound has graced countless film scores, adding a golden thread of authenticity to the performance.
Supernova Spectaculars takes place at Bedford Corn Exchange on Saturday, 30 August at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £27 for adults, £19 for under-16s and £80 for a family of four.
For more details or to secure your tickets, visit supernovaspectaculars.co.uk or bedfordcornexchange.co.uk, and prepare to be launched into a galaxy of wonder...
Imagine listening to a live performance of music from War of the Worlds whilst in front of your eyes are 10 metre tall three-dimensional aliens hovering in mid air! says Hanja
How did the barber win the race? He knew a shortcut.
Image: Supernova Spectacular
Family Fun Day!
Saturday 26 July th
12pm - 6pm Kempston Riverside Path, MK42 8RX
All ages welcome
Booking required (scan QR code below to book)
River/ Flow/ Conne ct/
Olympics
Sculpture
+ Lo cal foo d & drink
Share your love of Bedford’s indie businesses and win a £50 voucher
It’s a truth widely held that Bedford has more independent shops and businesses than our near neighbours, Cambridge. From restaurants and cafes to shops and hairdressers, we should count ourselves lucky that so many entrepreneurial spirits are inspired to open their businesses in Bedford, and they definitely deserve our support.
Shop local
Since 2011, Team Clanger has been championing the ‘shop local’ mantra, quoting the Totally Locally statistic that spending just £5 a week in your local shops could impact the local economy annually to the tune of £29m.*
In addition, every £10 spent in a locally owned business can mean up to £50 going back into our local economy.
“Nothing comes close to the love, care, and passion that goes into an independent,” said Gemma Crawley-Roberts, owner of The Arc on Howard Street.
We
genuinely care about you and what you’d love to eat/buy/experience. Shopping local means you’re not only keeping us going, but you get to experience the best of the best. There is nothing like it.
Tony Le-Britton opened Not Another Jungle on Silver Square a year ago. “With four hours free parking at Lurke Street Car Park and two hours at Queen Street Monday to Saturday and all day free parking on a Sunday, there’s no excuse not to visit!” he said.
Whilst in town, pop into the Town Centre Hub to get all the information you need for visiting Bedford, and you can pick up a copy of the Bedford Clanger too.
Share the love and win a £50 voucher
Through our Bought in Bedford campaign, we want to share the love for our Bedford Indies and are giving away a £50 voucher every month this year to one of our readers to spend in their favourite local independent business.
To be in with a chance to win, just follow these simple steps:
1. Make a purchase from one of Bedford Borough’s brilliant indies. This can be an item, food, a service (for instance, a haircut, beauty treatment), or a drink…dare we even suggest a coffee from one of our many fine coffee shops?
2. Take a photo of what you have purchased.
3. Share the photo publicly on an Instagram post using the hashtag #BoughtInBedford. You can also tag @bedfordindependent and the business you bought it from (optional)
4. If you don’t have an Instagram account or a public profile, you can email* the photo, including a description of what you bought, where you purchased it, with your name. We will publish the photo, description and name on our Instagram account.
Winners will be contacted through Instagram or email after the last day of each month.
* win@bedfordindependent.co.uk
We want to see all your #BoughtInBedford purchases and we truly believe that our independent businesses make a big difference to Bedford.
* based on the number of 20 – 65-year-olds in Bedford Borough’s population of 185,300
When does bread go bad? When you yeast expect it.
HOMETOWN TOURIST
Holiday fun for kids this summer
This summer, look no further than Bedford town centre for some great family fun and even feel the sand beneath your feet at a beach in Silver Square.
The John Bunyan Museum, Bedford Central Library, the Panacea Museum and the Higgins Bedford have a jam-packed
programme of family activities to keep children of all ages entertained and we’ve got all the info you need…
Inspired by the Colour and Light exhibition and the Higgins’ collections, artists will share how to create neon paintings, colour viewers, rainbows, sun catchers, lanterns, kaleidoscopes, colour spinners and artworks from nature and postage stamps.
Little Science Lab will be back with their ever-popular handson workshops and the museum’s archaeology expert will
Image: Bedford Borough Council
Image: Katie Allen
invite families to step back in time during the history sessions and Teaching Talons will be at the Higgins, introducing their captivating and curious creatures in the animal encounter session. Younger children can join in the monthly Puggle Club (older siblings welcome), for stories and drop-in craft sessions.
Visit thehigginsbedford.org.uk to find out more and book your sessions.
At the John Bunyan Museum, Crafty Thursdays return throughout August with a range of activities suitable for the whole family.
Make rockpools, design 17th-century Delftware dining sets, make crazy kaleidoscopes, and have imaginative clay fun. All sessions are £2 per participating child and there’s no need to book – just drop-in!
Visit bunyanmeeting.co.uk/events for more details.
Design your own tote bag with artist Anne-Marie Abbate at the Panacea Museum on 12 July, using their antique printing press. Suitable for ages nine to 96, sessions are free to take part in and there is no need to book.
More information at panaceamuseum.org/
On Thursday, 14 - Sunday, 17 August, Bedford Beach Week returns to the town centre, at its new location in Silver Square (just by the Silver Faces).
Children aged five to 12 can dig, build, and play in real sand, right in the heart of the town and all completely free of charge. Perfect for families looking to bring a little beachside joy to summer holidays!
At Bedford Borough Libraries, the Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge takes place from Saturday, 12 July until Saturday, 6 September.
It’s completely free to take part, and children can earn rewards for reading library books.
There will be crafts for children in all libraries every day of the school holidays, as well as regular activities like Lego Club, Sunday Funday, and Saturday Story - all completely free!
Image: Higgins Bedford
BLUE GLASS
There are some places in Bedford that just feel right the moment you walk through the door. The Blue Glass on St Peter’s Street is one of them, an independent wine bar and merchant, lovingly run by Rob and Debbie, that balances elegance with approachability, quality with fun, and a love of the finer things with a thoroughly friendly vibe.
Whether you’re stopping by for a pre-theatre drink, planning a laid-back evening with friends, or looking to impress on a date night, this independent gem hits the mark. You can even rent it out for private parties or pop in during the day as part of their Co-working Club, where coffee is served, but it’s always five o’clock somewhere, right?
We visited on a warm summer evening, and it couldn’t have been better timed. Sitting in the snug, we felt instantly welcomed, cool in more ways than one, and were guided through a flight of whites and rosés by Rob, whose passion for wine is both encyclopaedic and utterly infectious. He’s the kind of host who makes you feel like part of the family, whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just wine curious.
There are 30+ wines available by the glass or bottle on the main menu, representing vineyards across 15 countries, but if
nothing jumps out, you can choose any bottle from the shop shelves to enjoy in-house for just £8 corkage. Can’t finish it? They’ll cork it and send it home with you. It’s that kind of place, classy but relaxed, generous, and never pretentious.
We paired our wine flights with a cheese and charcuterie board that I’m still thinking about. Among the highlights: an applewood smoked cheddar, a punchy red Leicester, creamy French brie, and a Montagnolo Bavarian blue - all beautifully balanced for the season. The meats were equally top-notch. Lamb carpaccio, fennel salami, duck salami, pork collar and more, served with tomato chutney, onion jam, quince paste, fresh bread and all the little extras that elevate a board from good to brilliant.
Yes, The Blue Glass is all about wine, but don’t overlook their wider range. Spirits are very much part of the experience too, with around 20 single malts (including some from Japan), gins, cognacs, and even cigars for those who fancy something indulgent on the terrace. I usually turn my nose up at spiced rum, purist that I am, but I was talked into trying the locally made Three Raven Spiced Rum from Toddington. Reader, and I’m glad I did. They also stock Willow Tree London Dry Gin, another fantastic local creation.
You can see the thought behind everything here. The wines of the month fly out fast, and the range changes often, so if you see something you like, don’t hang about. And if you’re not sure what to try, just ask. You’ll leave a little more knowledgeable and probably planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.
Cool, welcoming, and with an unmistakable air of passion running through everything they do, The Blue Glass is one of Bedford’s best places for an evening out, so pop in, pour something lovely, and see for yourself why it’s so special.
The Blue Glass is at 65 St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2PR Open Wednesday: 5pm–11pm, Thursday–Saturday: 12pm–11pm | Sunday to Tuesday: Closed. More info and online shop: theblueglass.co.uk
Why did the rabbit skip school? It was having a bad hare day.
Image: The Blue Glass
GREAT BEDFORDIAN
This month’s Great Bedforidan is Annalie Maher, the hostess with the mostess at the new What’s On Hub in Silver Square.
Despite not being born in Bedford, might we have finally found someone who has not only eaten a Clanger, but also ‘read’ the Pilgrim’s Progress? Read on to find out…
Name: Annalie Maher
Occupation:
Visitor Information Officer at the new ‘What’s On Bedford’ Borough Hub on Silver Square and creator of Discover B Town –discoverbtown.com @discover_B_town on Instagram.
Born here or blow in?
Blown in. I came here to work and promote the town centre in 2022. I loved it so much, I moved into the town centre soon after.
Best breakfast in Bedford?
Bridges Espresso Bar for being both delicious, plentiful, and beautifully presented.
Best boozer?
D’ Parys and The Embankment – both are smart, cosy and brilliant in the summer as you can sit outdoors and watch the world go by, and most importantly they have a great selection of beers wines and cocktails.
Best coffee or cuppa?
Coffee is definitely my thing. I keep a record of all the different coffees in town on my website. I try to frequent as many different coffee shops as I can to spread the love. But my morning coffee is always at Caffe Crema on the High Street, where I’m a regular and feel part of the morning crew.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford?
I’m a lover of dance music and last year’s Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics in Bedford Park was epic! Not just for the amazing sound and lights spectacle, the weather was the worst in history, the wettest day in Bedford ever and everyone danced in the rain.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress?
Not exactly read it, but showing my age… we used to listen to it in primary school as it was broadcast on the radio in the classroom over a big speaker. I can still remember the hymn that used to be played to introduce it.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger?
Yes! Whilst Gunn’s Bakery was on the High Street, a former work colleague bought me one as part of my introduction to Bedford. It was tasty!
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about?
It has to be Fancy Bakery. It’s a magnificent bakery on Roff Avenue. You have to look carefully to find it as there’s just the word ‘Fancy’ written in orange in the window and no other signage. You can tell it’s popular as there’s often a queue out of the door and the cakes and pastries are wonderful.
Best Bedfordian?
Not born in Bedford, but certainly an honorary Bedfordian –Glenn Miller. One of my favourite movies is The Glenn Miller Story, a true story and a real tear-jerker. I still can’t believe his orchestra played in the Corn Exchange. I walk past his bust every day, which is tucked into the wall on the front of the Corn Exchange.
Three words that best sum up Bedford?
Cosmopolitan – Caring – Optimistic | Hopeful
The Visitor Information Centre is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. It incorporates the Corn Exchange Box Office and What’s On Bedford Borough Visitor Information.
