Welcome to the Bedford Clanger's comprehensive guide to all the exciting events happening across Bedford and the surrounding areas from 1st to 11th August 2024. Whether you're a theatre enthusiast, live music lover, or looking for family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone. Let's dive into the details of what's on offer this week.

Every Thursday in August: Crafty Thursdays at John Bunyan Museum

Source: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/whats-on-bedford-1-11-august-2024/

Family fun: Crafty Thursdays
John Bunyan Museum @ 11am – 3pm
£2 per child

From secret agents to pop-up puppets, there are activities galore for children at the John Bunyan Museum this summer. Check out the website for full details.

Every Tuesday in August 2024: August Activities at Bunyan Meeting

Family fun: August Activities
Bunyan Meeting @ 11am – 2pm
Free plus free lunch for children

Bunyan Meeting is running craft and activity sessions every Tuesday in August. With a Noah’s Ark theme, each week make a different animal to take home and help Noah fill his Ark! Have a go at trails around the museum, and summer exhibition in the basement. Completely free, with a free light lunch for children completing all three activities on the day.

Until Thursday 29 August 2024: Children's Activities at The Higgins Bedford

Family fun: Children's activities
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane - times vary, check website for details
Tickets: £3.50 – £5.50 per child

This summer, journey back in time to 800 years ago and explore the thrilling siege of Bedford Castle with a variety of exciting family activities at The Higgins Bedford. Until Thursday, 29 August, children of all ages can unleash their creativity and delve into history through a range of castle-themed workshops and craft sessions.

Thursday 1 August 2024: Live Music Extravaganza

Live music: Limehouse Lizzy
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20

Now in their third decade, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Thin Lizzy alive, bringing the inimitable, unique, and irresistible rock and pop greatest hits homage to Philip Lynott and his band, Thin Lizzy.

Live music: Irish Folk Night
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry

Head to the Castle for a fun night of Irish tunes by the pub's resident musicians, playing some classic foot-tapping Irish tunes for all to enjoy.

Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Chris Lord & Her Blues Express
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm – 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99

An evening for dancers and music enthusiasts alike. Cashless bar, plenty of seating (night club set up) and dance floor. Book in advance and come along at 7.15pm for a 45-minute dance class in Balboa, one of the original swing dances of the era.

Friday 2 August 2024: Family and Live Music Fun

Family fun: Puggle Club – creative activities for children aged 2 – 5 years
The Higgins Bedford @ 10.30am – 12 noon / 1pm – 2.30pm
Free

A chance to get creative, have fun, and socialise! No need to book, just pop in any time between 10:30am and 12 or between 1pm and 2.30pm and stay for as long as you like. Children must be accompanied by an adult come. All activities are subject to availability.

Live Music: Danny Barton
The Cellar Bar @ 6pm til late
Free entry

The wonderful Danny Barton returns to The Cellar Bar, playing a mix of acoustic rock and pop crowd-pleasers and new material.

Live music: The Smyths
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50

Following their previous sell out appearances at Bedford Esquires, The Smyths return in August 2024. More than a mere tribute band, The Smyths are a joyous celebration of arguably the greatest band of all time. They will be playing tracks from both records, as well as all the hits and classics you would expect. No support, The Smyths will perform two sets on the night.

Live music: Sophia Soul
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry

An amazing night of entertainment in store by the talented soul singer Sophia Soul, singing various acoustic covers to get you dancing.

Saturday 3 August 2024: Charity Events and Double-header Performances

Live music: Mattfest 2024 in aid of Macmillan Cancer
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10

The ever-brilliant annual MATTFEST returns on Saturday, 3 August, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Matt Esposito. This year’s lineup includes Female Tsunami, Dois Padres, FaceDown and Green 182.

Live Music: Double header – Cameo + Five Five Six with Roxze
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry.

Get ready for a rocking night of legendary tunes with Five Five Six with Roxze, supported by Cameo. Not to be missed!

Sunday 4 August 2024: Guided Tour and Bandstand Music

Walking: "The Silent Faces of Bedford" guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Use code HIGGINS30 to remove transaction fee)

Bedford has many impressive statues and memorials. Join the Association of Bedford Tour Guides for one of their fascinating weekly walks. Each walk is of 90 minutes to two hours duration and covers a distance of one or two miles. Most walks are suitable for people who are less mobile. Children of all ages are most welcome but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Bandstand: Music in the Meadows featuring Bedford Town Band
Mill Meadows Bandstand, Bedford Embankment, MK @ 3pm – 5pm
Free

Music in the Meadows returns this summer. Throughout August, bring your family and a picnic, for two hours of delightful traditional bandstand music. The season kicks off with a rousing performance from Bedford Town Band. The concerts are completely free and open to everyone.

Wednesday 7 August 2024: Guided Walk – Tales of the Tower and the Steeple

Walking: "Tales of the Tower and the Steeple" guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Use code HIGGINS30 to remove transaction fee)