CONTENTS
ST. PATRICKS DAY | 4
Sláinte!
RIVERCARE| 5
Bedford’s Community Clean-up
WHAT’S ON | 6-8
Diaries at the ready
Introduction
This month, we’re taking our lead from Queen’s Park Community Organisation and celebrating Bedford’s Irish community, just in time for St Patrick’s Day (17 March).
Find out more about QPCO’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations on page 4, and raise a glass of the black stuff to Sean at the King’s Arms on page 14
THEATRE | 9
The best of this month’s theatre Sean at the Kings Arms
Continuing the Emerald Isle theme, our Great Bedfordian is Samantha Hughes, who is at the forefront of the Irish music scene in Bedford. She’ll be performing at the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, or you can catch her at The Castle on Newnham Street every month.
We hope you have a wonderful March.
Sláinte! Team Clanger
Even more events are included in our weekly What’s On Guide, published every Wednesday on our website at bedfordindependent.co.uk
Editor: Erica Roffe / clanger@bedfordindependent.co.uk
Commercial Director: Julia Course / julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk
Design: Ben Graham / ben@twenty-sixstudios.co.uk
Theatre: Paula Walker
Website: bedfordindependent.co.uk
The Bedford Clanger is published by Progress Publishing
Samantha Hughes
Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson (Image: Two-D Photography)
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
A day of Irish community, culture and craic
Bedford town centre will once again come alive with Irish culture, music and community spirit, as Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO), in partnership with Bedford’s Irish community, brings its St Patrick’s Day craic to Harpur Square.
The free fun for all the family takes place on Sunday, 15 March, and is part of QPCO’s Back to Our Roots programme, which celebrates the diversity of Bedford’s cultural heritage.
Last year’s event saw hundreds of revellers sharing in the celebrations, and organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.
From dance and music, to food, drink, history and heritage, the day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the contribution Bedford’s Irish community has made to the borough. From 11am, Harpur Square will host performances from some of Bedford’s best-loved Irish musicians, including The Castle Session Band, Sheryl Hunter, The Also Rans and The Black and Gold. Stuart Irish Dance Bedford will perform throughout the day and run a taster session inside the Harpur Suite.
Irish food will be served in the Harpur Suite by Sean and the team from The King’s Arms on St Mary’s Street, with drinks also available in the square. There will also be an exhibition of Irish history and heritage to enjoy.
QPCO’s Alexander Quinn said: “Back to Our Roots is about honouring where our communities come from and creating spaces where culture, identity and belonging can be shared openly. From exhibitions and school workshops to public celebrations, we’re creating meaningful ways for people of all
ages to connect with their heritage and with each other. St Patrick’s Day is a joyful focal point, but the work happens all year round.”
The event has been made possible thanks to The Harpur Trust, the National Lottery and Bedford Borough Council, but as Alex says, the project is more than a single day of festivities. Back to Our Roots is a continuous cultural heritage programme working with Bedford’s communities to platform and share their traditions, stories and creativity. Through exhibitions, school partnerships, workshops and public celebrations, the programme recognises and preserves cultural heritage while strengthening intergenerational connections and community pride.
Delivered in collaboration with local cultural organisations, schools, churches and community partners, the programme brings history and tradition to life for new generations.
For more information, visit qpco.org.uk
Image: Queen’s Park Community Organisation
Image: Queen’s Park Community Organisation
RIVERCARE
Take part in Bedford’s most popular community clean-up
Rivercare, the annual Embankment community clean-up, is returning this Spring and everyone is invited to take part. The event takes place from 10am - noon on Saturday, 21 March and after registering, you just need to turn up - all equipment is provided*.
Bedford Scuba Divers and Dive with Jimmy will have divers pulling out waste from the river, alongside Viking Kayak Club
31 March, 1,2,7,8 & 9 April
members and the Environment Agency, who will be picking up surface rubbish.
Once again, the John Bunyan Boat will be moored up on the lower river, providing refreshments and a place to rest to all taking part. The Longholme are also offering volunteers a warm drink to keep spirits up enroute.
The whole day is the perfect way to feel part of the community and make a difference to our town. To take part, you can register by emailing volunteering@bedford.gov.uk
*If you are an existing community champion and have your own litter picking equipment, please bring it with you as we are often in short supply!
Enjoy awesome animal encounters and learn skills to become an Archaeology Detective. Create your own character badges from clay, make a mosaic mandala from felt plus lots more.
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
Image: Bedford Borough Council
Image: Bedford Borough Council
WHAT’S ON
Senior Badminton Sessions
Starting from 1 March
John Bunyan Sports and Fitness, MK42 9TS @ 9am - 10am / 10am - 11am / £6.15 “ | Image: Bedford Borough Council
The new season of Senior Badminton Sessions are a fun way to keep moving and meet new people; the perfect mix of light exercise, friendly competition and plenty of laughs. better.org. uk/leisure-centre/bedfordshire/john-bunyan-sports-centre
Bedford Mindful Embankment Walk
Tuesday, 3rd March
Meet outside the front of Swan Hotel @ 6.15pm / Free / just turn up | Image: Rachel Hegarty
Enjoy a mindful walk along Bedford’s beautiful Embankment, based on meditation and mindfulness techniques. This is a safe space and community for everyone. Monthly walks all year round.
Exhibition: BLOOM! by Mo Lea
Friday, 6 March - Thursday, 19 March
The Arc, Howard Street @ 9am - 5pm (Mon - Sat) 10am - 3pm (Sun) / Free | Image: Mo Lea
view is on Thursday, 5 March, when you will be able to enjoy a free glass of prosecco as you stroll amongst the blooms. This exhibition is a fundraiser for the Centre for Women’s Justice.
Art & culture: Bedford Art Society Meeting Friday, 6 March
Putnoe Heights Church, MK41 8EB @ 7.15pm for 7:30pm start Image: Pixabay
Matt Waruszynski will be demonstrating how to create a pencil portrait. Contact Jean Paterson on 01234 307210 or bedsartsociety.co.uk for further information.
Bedford Artists’ Social Saturday, 7 March
Albero Lounge (upstairs), Riverside Square @ 10.30am - midday
A regular informal gathering of like-minded visual artists to network, share aspirations and chat. There will be information on the community art gallery project, too and how you can get involved.
Friends of the Higgins presents:
Talk: Professor Paul Coldwell / Woodcuts
Tuesday, 3 March
St Andrew’s Church Hall @ 7.30pm
Artist Paul Coldwell talks about his new book ‘Woodcuts’.
Talk: Perry Staker on Women in the Civil War
Tuesday, 24 March
Zoom lecture @ 7.30pm | Image: Perry Staker
Perry Staker is the month’s Zoom guest lecturer, speaking about the role of women in the Civil War. This talk is generously sponsored by Marion Maule.
Let’s make some pour decisions.
Brighten up your day with a visit to this colourful exhibition of large flower pictures at ‘The Arc’ by artist Mo Lea. The private
March workshops and courses
The Rothsay Education Centre, Rothsay Gardens | Image: Pixabay
The REC has a brilliant line-up of workshops and short courses on throughout this month, the perfect chance to learn something new, get creative, and explore a new topic. Open to everyone - including non-members.
Highlights include:
Saturday, 7 March: Galileo and the Telescope Sunday, 14 March: Chinese Brush Painting: Spring Flowers Sunday, 21 March: Wintering into Spring Birds
Short three-week courses include: Art History: What’s in a Picture?
Health & Wellbeing: From Stress to Strength Science: Neurodiversity - continuing the conversations
Find out more and book online at recbedford.co.uk
Men’s Health Zone
Thursday, 19 March
John Bunyan Sports and Fitness @ 12.30pm - 2.30pm / Free Image: Bedford Borough Council
Healthwise and Better, in partnership with bpha, are hosting their first-ever male health event. This is an opportunity for you to speak to different organisations, hear from guest speakers and have a go at some taster sessions. For more information visit healthwise.bedford@gll.org
Community: Castle Mound and Castle Bailey Gardens litter pick
Saturday, 14 March
Castle Mound @ 11am / free to attend Image: Bedford Borough Council
As part of The Great British Spring Clean, join in a litter pick on and around Castle Mound. Wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. All tools provided. Contact paul.edmonds@bedford.gov.uk to register.
British Science Week: Science Labs
Saturday, 14 March
The Higgins Bedford @ 11am onwards / Free entry (some events require booking)
Explore different aspects of science through a range of free, hands-on activities at The Higgins Bedford as part of British Science Week. From experiments to exploring nature; engineering to archaeology, there’s something for everyone to try. higginsbedford.org.uk
Easter Holiday activities: Teaching Talons - animal encounters
Tuesday, 31 March
The Higgins Bedford @ 10.15am, 11.30am and 1pm - 2pm / £6.05/child
Get ready for an awesome close encounter with the animal ambassadors from Teaching Talons.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults do not need to book a place. higginsbedford.org.uk
Creativity and craft: Printing at the Panacea
Saturday, 28 March
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd MK40 3NX @ 11am - 3pm / Free drop-in | Image: Panacea Museum
Join local artist Anne-Marie Abbate to make art on the Panacea Museum’s antique printing press. Suitable for ages six to 96! panaceamuseum.org/events
Sport: Doubles Badminton Tournament
Sunday, 29 March
John Bunyan Sports and Fitness Centre / Junior doubles £5 per player and Senior doubles £6 per player
Image: Bedford Borough Council
With categories for both juniors and adults, this will be a great day of competitive and social play. To express an interest, email johnbunyan@gll.org
Art & culture: Bedford Art Society Spring exhibition 2026
Tuesday, 24 - Saturday, 28 March
Basement at Bunyan Church, Mill Street MK40 3EU / Free entry
An exhibition and art sale featuring works by members of Bedford Art Society.
Poetry: Reading & book signing by Matthew Edgeworth
Wednesday, 26 March
John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street MK40 3EU @ 2pm
Image: Friends of John Bunyan Museum
Friends of Bunyan Museum present a poetry reading and book signing with Matthew Edgeworth from his chapbook of poetry “Embodied Things - Bunyan’s Flute and other poems” based on Bunyan objects, as well as from his new book “ Embodied Places”. Members of a local theatre group will also read a selection of Bunyan’s poems. The event will end with a book signing, sale of books with tea and cakes.
It ain’t over till it’s clover.
THEATRE
Poetry: Read Poets Society
Sunday, 1 March
Eagle Bookshop @ 7pm / Tickets: free but please book via the Place website
The Read Poets Society’s second monthly meeting of 2026 is on the theme of The News. These meetings take place at the Eagle Bookshop in St Peter’s Street. theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Monday, 3 - Saturday, 7 March
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £18
The multi-award-winning Sharnbrook Mill Theatre presents Waiting for Godot, a fast-paced tragicomedy packed with heartfelt, tender, and touching moments. It starts with two men waiting by a lonely tree, their conversation spinning between the tragic, the comic and the absurd. What are they waiting for, will they or won’t they ever arrive and what does it all mean?
Profoundly funny and endlessly thought-provoking, this iconic play invites you on a journey into the heart of human existence and the endless wait for answers. sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk/
Theatre: A Walk in the Park
Saturday, 7 March
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16
70% of women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in public. Meanwhile, a social media poll finds that, in a hypothetical world without men for a day, the overwhelming majority of women said they’d use the opportunity to go for a walk alone after dark.
Taking these findings as a starting point, A Walk in the Park is a participatory performance combining authentic conversations, startling statistics and choreographed movement to create an atmospheric exploration of what it can feel like to walk alone in the dark. The performance ends with an invitation to the audience to leave the space together and walk through a nearby park or green space.
Audience members are free to participate as much or as little as they wish. theplacebedford.org.uk
Community Theatre: Hamlet
Tuesday, 10 March - Saturday, 14 March
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm each evening; Saturday matinée @ 1.30pm / Tickets: from £12
Hamlet remains one of the most powerful, unsettling, and timeless plays ever written. In this Swan Theatre Production, the play is stripped back to its human essence. The setting is minimalist and stark, placing the focus on the characters themselves. Music, newly composed for this production and performed live, creates a soundscape that amplifies the intensity and atmosphere of the production. theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: A Knight of Terror
Thursday 19 March
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16
Embark on this hilarious Victorian ghost story of a witless young man and a cast of eerie locals, with curses, skulls and shin-kicking. Created by Bonnet Dog, A Knight of Terror is a Victorian Gothic ghost story that mixes the uncanny tales of M. R. James with the silliness of classic British humour.
Join us as we recite this ripping yarn that promises laughs as well as chilling spooks. theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: War of the Worlds (on a budget)
Friday, 20 March
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £14 (ages 12+)
Children’s Theatre: Pixiematosis
Saturday, 21 March
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £16
Everything was perfect in the midnight garden. The flowers grew and the fairies flew and then one day, without warning, the deranged gardener from next door threw the shed door wide, and the pixies of this nocturnal paradise realised, far too late, that they were being exploited for a distinctly sinister purpose. Featuring sqwonky puppets, odd-automata and a slew of charity-shop rejects, ‘Pixiematosis’ is not unlike watching a lost episode of Bagpuss, filmed by the Tales of the Unexpected crew… or witnessing Fingermouse being folded up and used to stop a pub table wobbling. theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: StageWrite Spring 2026
Sunday, 29 March
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £5
StageWrite is a hothouse for the development of new writing for theatre, designed to help plays grow from page to performance. It supports writers in the process of getting their work up on its feet and in front of an audience for the very first time.
Step aside, HG Wells, take a break, Jeff Wayne, go back to your trailer, Tom Cruise, the Lamphouse Company is tackling War of the Worlds, and they’re doing it… on a budget.
War of Worlds (on a budget) features one actor, a loop pedal, lots of cardboard, many, many hats and at least two absolutely terrifying (definitely not made out of paper) tripod puppets.
Can our hero outrun the aliens, play 25 characters, unwind himself from the microphone cable, stop for a tea break and save the day before it’s too late? Featuring a full soundtrack of brand new music, and paying homage to HG Wells’ story with a few extra silly additions, War of the Worlds (on a budget) is the musical comedy action adventure we didn’t know we needed!
You shamrock my world.
FILM
Film: Bedford Film Society
University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue @ 7pm
Tickets: Annual membership £70 / day member £5
Radical
Tuesday, 3 March
Sixth-grade students at Jose Urbina Lopez Elementary are among the worst performing students in Mexico, with their world one of violence and hardship, not possibility. It might seem like a dead end, but it’s the perfect place for new teacher Sergio Juarez to try something different.
Good One
Tuesday, 10 March
Sam, a teenage girl, goes hiking with her father, Chris, and his friend, Matt. Her excitement for the trip soon starts to wear down due to the men’s problematic behaviour.
Memoir of a Snail
Tuesday, 17 March
This stop motion odyssey of hope triumphing over life’s despair with humanity to spare makes Memoir of a Snail a deft, heartfelt tale. A bittersweet memoir of a melancholic woman called Grace Pudel, a hoarder of snails, romance novels and guinea pigs.
Holy Cow
Tuesday, 24 March
After the tragic death of his father, 18-year-old Totone must look after his younger sister and their failing family farm. He assumes even more responsibility when he enters a cash competition for the best Comté cheese made in the western part of the French Alps.
The Ballad of Wallis Island
Tuesday, 31 March
Wonderful multi BAFTA-nominated independent film starring Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan as a folk duo who reunite to perform for a wealthy fan (Tim Key) on a remote British island. bedfordfilmsociety.org.uk/
Stevington Cinema Club
Stevington Village Hall, MK43 7QT @ 6.45pm
Tickets: £6
The Choral
Thursday, 19 March
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/
LIVE MUSIC
The Cords
Friday, 6 March
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £12
C86 indiepop sensations The Cords will be appearing at Bedford Esquires this month. Tipped for big things in 2026, the teenage sisters released their absolutely ace self-titled debut LP earlier this year to universal acclaim and will be supporting The Charlatans on their upcoming UK tour. bedfordesquires.co.uk
The South
Saturday, 14 March
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £28.50
The South are back on the road and doing what they do best –performing the songs of that great British pop institution, The Beautiful South, to the thousands of fans of these timeless classics. The South are an impressive nine-piece band featuring former members of The Beautiful South, including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. Since the demise of The Beautiful South in 2007, this exciting live band have spent 14 years touring the theatres and festivals of the UK up and down the country. bedfordesquires.co.uk
Life of Riley
Tuesday, 17 March - St Patrick’s Day
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £ 6 / £12
35 years. The band are a full-throttle nod to Irish folk music and dance-along shanties, with dancing shoes compulsory. Make this a Paddy’s Day to remember at Esquires! bedfordesquires.co.uk
Mae Stephens
Tuesday, 31 March
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £15
One of pop music’s brightest young stars, Mae Stephens, visits Esquires as part of an intimate tour, courtesy of the good people at Music Venue Trust. Mae burst onto the scene with her viral TikTok track, ‘If We Ever Broke Up’, so you might need to ask your kids about this one… bedfordesquires.co.uk
Music: The Kerry George Show
Wednesday, 18 March
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £18
bands and are still going strong after over
International vocalist Kerry George brings her powerhouse voice and captivating stories to the Place Theatre this month, performing iconic songs and heartfelt tales from on the road (and at sea). From headlining the UK No.1 tour of Annie the Musical to leading roles on luxury cruise ships, Kerry has enchanted audiences worldwide. She’s also known for a viral video of her singing to her neighbours during lockdown. Joining Kerry is the talented Joe Connors, a gifted singer and longtime collaborator with whom she has toured extensively. theplacebedford.org.uk
Irish you a whole pot of gold!
Having formed in Bedford in 1991, the Life Of Riley are one of Bedford’s best-loved
Bedford Choral Society presents: Verdi’s Requiem
Saturday, 21 March
Bedford Corn Exchange @ / Tickets: £5 - £19
When Rossini died in 1868, Verdi proposed that a requiem should be written in honour of the great man. The resulting piece of music is often described as the greatest opera he never wrote due to its dramatic intensity and theatricality. The powerful ’Dies Irae’ has been used in many film scores (The Shining, Star Wars, and It’s A Wonderful Life), and it’s safe to say, it has more than stood the test of time. Conductor – Ian Smith with Bedford Sinfonia. Featuring Katy Crompton (soprano), Nancy Cole (alto), Joseph Doody (tenor) and James Oldfield (bass). bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Music: Harry Baker & Tom Syson
Saturday, 28 March
The Quarry Theatre Bar @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £5
Award-winning pianist, vocalist, and composer Harry Baker, and renowned trumpeter, vocalist and composer Tom Syson join forces in this exciting new cross-genre project. The duo was formed to create unique and ‘beautiful’ music, exploring the relationship between classical and jazz while drawing on singer-songwriter influences such as Laura Mvula and Billy Joel. Other artistic references include Keith Jarrett, Thomas Adès, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Stuart McCallum.
Their music aims to be rhythmically and harmonically sophisticated, structurally active, and sound/texture-led, aiming to make conscious stylistic choices, using a broad stylistic knowledge base, to create compositions/arrangements that are both original and expressive. quarrytheatre.org.uk
HOMETOWN TOURIST
The King’s Arms: Irish heritage, community and legacy in the heart of Bedford
In a town where much has changed, The King’s Arms pub remains a constant. A living link to Bedford’s Irish heritage, music, memory and community and at its centre is Sean O’Donnell, a landlord whose own story mirrors that of the town’s Irish diaspora.
“Mum and dad are both Irish… Dad’s from Tipperary, Mum’s from Leitrim. They came over in the mid ’60s,” Sean says. His family began running pubs in Bedford in 1978, and he has now spent 27 years at the helm of The King’s Arms, bringing the family’s legacy close to 50 years in the town’s pub trade.
Growing up immersed in Bedford’s Irish community, Sean saw firsthand how pubs and churches formed the backbone of community life. And while he doesn’t label The King’s Arms simply as an “Irish pub”, its roots are undeniable.
We’ve got our roots in this… we celebrate everything that we can, because we’re Irish.
That identity is expressed most powerfully through music. The pub has become one of Bedford’s key venues for live Irish music, hosting regular sessions that keep traditions alive. Sean runs Irish music nights most Tuesdays, alongside other weekly events that bring diverse audiences together, and live music fills the pub every Saturday night, giving locals a lively end to the week.
Over the years, bands such as Out of the Hat, Skimmington Ride, and Hair of the Dog have all performed there, helping to make the pub a recognised home for Irish sound and storytelling in Bedford.
Nowhere is that cultural role clearer than on St Patrick’s Day. “We’ve always done huge things on St. Patrick’s… it’s the place to be in Bedford,” Sean says. With traditional food, live bands and generations of families returning year after year, the day is less about novelty and more about reunion. “It’s just bringing the community together… people don’t see each other from year to year, but they will always meet up on St. Patrick’s Day and have a good craic.”
Despite the challenges facing independent pubs, rising costs, changing habits and fewer young people drinking regularly, Sean remains focused on legacy. “I would like to get to the milestone of running pubs in Bedford for 50 years… hopefully that will be my legacy.”
As Bedford prepares for this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, including QPCO’s Celebration Party in Harpur Square (read more on page 4), The King’s Arms stands as a cultural anchor. It is a stage, a kitchen and a community hall all in one. A place where traditions are kept alive around the bar, the band and the table.
The King’s Arms, 24 St Mary’s Street, Bedford MK42 0AS thekingsarmsbedford.co.uk
by Alexander Quinn of Queen’s Park Community Organisation
Sean O’Donnell of The Kings Arms / Image: The Kings Arms
Image: The Kings Arms
GREAT BEDFORDIAN
In keeping with our Irish theme this month, our Great Bedfordian is a stalwart of the Irish music scene in Bedford, Samantha Hughes
For the last six years, Samantha has been running monthly traditional Irish music sessions at the Castle pub on Newnham Street and is part of the organising committee behind the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Harpur Square (see more on page 4)
A proud Bedfordian, she’s not only read the Pilgrim’s Progress, but has given us an interesting historical fact too. Over to you, Samantha…
Born here or blow in? Bedford born and bred...and proud of it.
Best breakfast in Bedford? Tough one! I love breakfast! I’ve actually had quite a few nice breakfasts at Albero Lounge. It’s just so chilled in there. I also like having breakfast at Archer’s Rest in Great Denham. It’s a lovely walk from Kempston too via the river, so win-win!
Best boozer? There are so many wonderful pubs in the town centre that really support live music, but I think I’d have to say The Castle. They’ve been very supportive in hosting my traditional Irish music session these past six or seven years. It’s also the kind of pub you could walk into on your own (especially as a woman) and feel completely safe.
Best coffee or cuppa? This is tough, as I love a good cup of tea...but I think this has to be Coffee With Art. I just love the ambience in there. I’ve sat here for hours with friends, having a good old natter..
Best takeaway? I’m not really a takeaway girl; I prefer a lovely meal out, but Blue Ginger and Diya Royal in Kempston are both very good options.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? How do I answer this? I’ve seen 100s of gigs in Bedford! From Martha Reeves at the Corn Exchange, to Olly Murs in Bedford Park, from Esquires, to bands performing in local pubs. To pick one, though, The Proms in the Park were pretty spectacular, and I should probably mention The Rogue Traders gig last year at Esquires, which was definitely a highlight for me...I heard they had a pretty good support band too ;-)
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? Funny enough...yes! I studied this at school. I can even go
one step further and say I’ve visited many of the landmarks mentioned/inspired by Pilgrim’s Progress, including Houghton House (did you know the staircase was taken from here and put in the entrance of The Swan Hotel?), Moot Hall and John Bunyan Museum & Meeting House.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? I’ve eaten half of one... can you guess which half? I do prefer Chocolate Toothpaste though...
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? I think I’d have to say The Twinwood Museum. It’s an absolute must, just oozing with history. The Twinwood Festival itself is definitely worth a visit too! I’ve been going for nearly 20 years and have even had the fortune of performing at it. Another quick mention would also be Moggerhanger Park. My Grandma worked here when she came over from Ireland, as a TB nurse during the war. Another wonderful place steeped in history. You can now visit the house and grounds and stop off at their delicious tea rooms!
Best Bedfordian? Well, this is an easy one, my wonderful Mum. She’s Bedford through and through, winning ‘Miss Kempston’ in 1970 (apparently, the owner of Dowling Butchers in Kempston was so proud, he had a sign up stating ‘Miss Kempston shops here’) and was also crowned ‘Miss Granada’ in 1977. She’s been my biggest supporter throughout my life. From taking me to music lessons as a child, to travelling all over the UK and Ireland as I competed in national and international competitions in Irish music, to supporting me through my singing. And to this day, she’s still there at the front cheering me and the band on. I definitely wouldn’t have achieved any of this without her.
Three words that best sum up Bedford? AMAZING live music!
Image: Samantha Hughes
The Castle / Image: Wells & Co
The Twinwood Festival / Image: Twinwoods
