Welcome to the latest edition of The Bedford Clanger’s What’s On Guide, your comprehensive weekly update on all the vibrant happenings in Bedford and its surrounding areas. As always, our guide lands every Thursday to ensure you never miss an exciting event in theatre, film, live music, art exhibitions, and more. Kindly sponsored by The Cellar Bar, we present to you a detailed rundown of events from Thursday, 18th July through Sunday, 28th July 2024.

Bedfringe at The Quarry Theatre

Source: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/whats-on-bedford-18-28-july-2024/

The highlight of this week is undoubtedly the Bedfringe at The Quarry Theatre. Running from Thursday, 18 July to Sunday, 28 July, this festival promises to be a cultural extravaganza with over 150 events, including comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance, spoken word, and poetry. This year, a record-breaking number of Edinburgh previews (44) will be featured, and almost half are free to attend, making it accessible to all.

The Quarry’s three venues will be buzzing with activities. Attendees can also enjoy retro games, contribute to the Bedfrige logo jigsaw, or build something fun with pink Lego in the Quarry foyer and bar. For more information, visit Bedfringe.

Events Line-Up

Thursday, 18 July 2024

Talk: Bedford Skeptics – Historic Building Mythbusting
North End Social Club, 60 Roff Ave, Bedford MK41 7TW @ 7pm
Donation appreciated

James Wright returns to Bedford Skeptics to debunk myths surrounding historic buildings. His third visit promises to delve into folklore, history, art, architecture, archaeology, sociology, and psychology.

Friday, 19 July 2024

Live Music: Double Header – Jam69 & Samantha Hughes
The Cellar Bar @ 6pm
Free entry

Jam69 debuts at The Cellar Bar with hits from The Jam, Buzzcocks, and more. Followed by Samantha Hughes with a mix of Rock n Roll, Country, 50s/60s, and Blues.

Family Fun: Summer holiday sessions
John Bunyan Museum, Mill St, Bedford MK40 3EU @ 11am
Free / £2

Family-friendly activities, trails, and exhibitions every day until 7 September. Crafty Thursdays return throughout August for just £2 per child. Free craft sessions every Tuesday in August.

Saturday, 20 - Sunday, 21 July 2024

Family Fun: Bedford River Festival
Free entry

Held on the banks of the River Great Ouse, this community event attracts over a quarter of a million visitors. From boat parades to live performances, there’s something for everyone. Full details available at riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk.

Saturday, 20 July 2024

Live Music: May Contain Nutz
The Cellar Bar @ 9.00pm
Free entry

The four-piece party rock band makes their debut at The Cellar Bar. Expect an energetic performance perfect for rocking the night away.

Club Night: River Festival Aftershow Party
Bedford Esquires @ 10.30pm
Tickets: £5

You’ve enjoyed the River Festival; now it’s time for the after-party! Two rooms of indie, post-punk, beats, dance classics, old skool hip-hop, soul, funk, and breaks curated by Esquires’ finest DJs.

Sunday, 21 July 2024

Live Music: U18’s Open Mic
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm - 7pm
Free entry

A chance for young musicians under 18 to perform on a professional stage. Hosted by Mat Roberts, who offers support, advice, and a few jam sessions.

Thursday, 25 July 2024

Dancing: Planet Swing featuring The Last Chance Ragtime Band
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm - 10.30pm
Tickets: £12.99

Dance enthusiasts can enjoy an evening of Balboa swing dance with a live band. Come early for a dance class at 7.15pm.

Friday, 26 July 2024

Live Music: The Lottery Winners
Bedford Esquires @ 3pm & 7pm
Tickets: £15 / sold out

Two shows in one day by Esquires favourites. The afternoon show is family-friendly, while the sold-out evening performance is a classic Lottery Winners concert.

Live Music: New Harmony
The Cellar Bar @ 6pm til late
Free entry

Returning to The Cellar Bar, New Harmony brings the best of Reggae, Motown, and classic hits.

Saturday, 27 July 2024

Walk: Mental Health Mates Bedford – Walk & Talk Meet Up
The Pavilion, Bedford Park @11am
Free entry

A supportive walk and talk session organized by Mental Health Mates Bedford. Open to everyone, regardless of mental health diagnosis.

Creative Community: Headway Bedford - Rehabilitation Journeys
The Place Theatre @ 6pm
Tickets: from £10

A showcase by brain injury survivors sharing their journeys and the impact of rehabilitation on their lives.

Live Music: Run in the Shadow – The Fleetwood Mac Experience
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £14

Experience the magic of Fleetwood Mac with this tribute band, performing all the greatest hits.

Live Music: Double Header – Katherine Sefton & Tie One On
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry

After their smashing debut, Tie One On returns to The Cellar Bar with Katherine Sefton supporting. Enjoy a night of rock and blues.

Sunday, 28 July 2024

Walking: "I Never Knew That" Guided Walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £4/£2

Explore Bedford’s hidden gems and fascinating facts on this guided walk. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Live Music: Sunday Chillout Session – Bring Your Own Vinyl
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm – 7pm
Free entry

Relax and unwind with your favorite vinyl records. The Cellar Bar provides the PA and DJ, you bring the tunes.

Exhibitions at The Higgins Bedford

Rediscovering Black Portraiture: An exhibition by Peter Brathwaite, showcasing recreated Black portraiture paintings using household items, inspired by the Getty Foundation’s lockdown project. Free entry.