Events April
St George’s Festival
Sat 22 Apr – Sun 23 Apr 10am – 6pm Immerse yourself in the story of England at the biggest St George’s Day celebration in the country. Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ whats-on/St-Georges-FestivalApril-2017
Eagle Gallery
Trying to Make Sense of it All Saturday 1st April – Saturday 8th April An exhibition of paintings drawings and prints by Mike Townesend 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
Jordans Mill
Easter Trail in the Mill Gardens Monday 10th – Monday 17th April During the Easter weekend, explore our Mill Gardens, meadow and woodland on a fun Easter trail with a chocolate treat at the end to reward your hunting efforts! £1.50 per child Langford Rd, Langford, Biggleswade SG18 9JY Tel 01767 603940 To book please visit www.jordansmill.com
Childrens Crafting Fun
Tuesday 11th and Thursday 13th April 10.30am until 12pm Includes drink and a biscuit. Ages 5-9, £4 per child. Langford Rd, Langford, Biggleswade SG18 9JY Tel 01767 603940 To book please visit www.jordansmill.com
RSPB
Thursday 20th April Jacquie Clarke, head of the Demography team at the BTO presents ‘Ringing for Conservation’ A visit to North Norfolk for spring migrants and breeding birds Sunday 23rd April 7 am start 60 In & Around Bedford 2017
Eagle Gallery
Gillian Flack One Week Show Saturday 6th – Saturday 13th May Gillian Flack gets exclusive use of the gallery in this one week show 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
Jordans Mill
Mill Open Month ‘A WALK THROUGH TIME’ Monday 1st – 31st May Langford Rd, Langford, Biggleswade SG18 9JY Tel 01767 603940 To book please visit www.jordansmill.com
Santa Pod
Festival of Power Friday 14th – Sunday 16th April An action-packed Easter weekend for the whole family featuring the famous annual Jet Car Shootout! Watch the Nitro Funny Cars, Top Fuel Dragsters and the National Drag Racing Championships. Plus a full lineup of displays and attractions including Monster Trucks, stunts, sideshows, traders and more. www.santapod.com
Big Bang
Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd April This springtime VW festival features VW Drag Racing, invited race classes and VAG only RWYB with Live Action Arena, Show & Shine, traders and a chilled out family atmosphere with kids entertainment! www.big-bang.co.uk
Bunyan Museum
Easter Egg Hunt Saturday 1st to Saturday 22nd April Free Easter egg quiz where children can hunt for the letters on Easter eggs hidden around the Museum. Rearrange the letters to reveal a mystery word and win a chocolate egg prize! (Museum is closed Good Friday) Bunyan Meeting Church, Mill St, Bedford MK40 3EU Tel 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
Kathy Brown’s Gardens
Tuesday Afternoons at Stevington Manor House 18th April – 26th September Four and a half Acres of Wonderful Gardens Church Rd, Stevington, Bedford MK43 7QB www.kathybrownsgarden.com
Guided Walks
Sundays May – September Entertaining and fascinating stories of Bedford past and present. Booking essential. Contact The Box Office, Harpur Suite, Harpur Square, Bedford MK40 1LE Tel 01234 718044 www.bedford.gov.uk/ guidedwalks
The 153rd Bedford Amateur Regatta
Saturday 6th May www.bedfordregatta.co.uk
The Magic of Opera
Friday 19th May 7pm The Sculpture Gallery Woburn Abbey, Woburn, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA Internationally renowned Bjorn Dobbelaere to conduct a 21 piece orchestra, whilst Bridget Costello and Marcus Liljedahl will perform a selection of the most popular arias and duets. To book or for further information, please telephone our sales team on 01525 292172 or email sales@woburn.co.uk
Wrest at War
Sun 28 & Mon 29 May bank holiday 10.30am – 5pm Take cover as this explosive action packed weekend propels you into wartime Britain. Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/whats-on/wrest-at-war-wrestpark-28-05-2017
Saturday 3rd June 9.30am-4pm www.bedford.gov.uk/ highstreetshowcase
Bedford International Kite Festival
Kimbolton Country Fayre & Classic Car Show
Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th June 9am to 5pm Russell Park, The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3RH
Eagle Gallery
Saturday 6th May Fun-filled family community day at the mill. Langford Rd, Langford, Biggleswade SG18 9JY Tel 01767 603940 www.jordansmill.com
Santa Pod
Santa Pod
Race, Rock ‘n’ Ride Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st May In association with Fast Bikes and Back Street Heroes magazines. All things on 2 wheels with motorbike only RWYB, ACU National Championships, stunt bikes, wheelie machine, wall of death, live music, show bikes and loads more. Testing for the Main Event welcome, limited availability. www.racerockride.co.uk
FIA Main Event
Friday 26th – Monday 29th May The hugely popular “Main Event” presents 4 days of high speed drag racing action over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and is the 1st round of the prestigious European Championship. Witness the groundshaking, nitro-burning 300mph Top Fuel Dragsters which accelerate from 0-100mph in less than 1 second plus 200mph Drag Bikes and a full range of supporting classes. With the famous Jet Cars, Monster Trucks, air displays and Live Action Arena shows this is the perfect event for drag racing fan and families alike! www.santapod.com
John Bunyan Museum
Half-term activities and craft events Thursday 1st June Bunyan Meeting Church, Mill St, Bedford MK40 3EU Tel 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
Taste Bedford
Saturday July 8th Gourmet and street food Festival in Mill Meadows Plus food-themed children’s activities and live music & DJ’s. For more information please visit bedpop.co.uk @bedpop
Bedford’s Big High Street Showcase
Anthony Mackay One Week Show Saturday 10th June – Saturday 17th June Anthony Mackay take over the gallery for a display of his work 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
Charity Fun Day
May
June
Summer Nationals Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th June 2017 National Drag Racing Championships headlined by MSA 200mph Pro Mods, Drag Bikes, Nostalgia classes and the Jet Car. www.santapod.com
July
Wrest Park Music on a Sunday
July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th Enjoy your very own theme tune to your day out at Wrest Park this summer as your afternoon is accompanied by a musical treat each week. Tickets will be available to purchase at the event site on the day. Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR
The Lord Chamberlains Men presents the Comedy of Errors
Woburn Abbey Gardens Outdoor Theatre Wednesday 5th July Performance 7.30pm (gates open 6.30pm) This summer The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, are bringing Shakespeare’s most hilarious farce The Comedy of Errors – a riotous rollercoaster of a comedy that will keep you guessing and laughing until its joyous conclusion. Woburn Abbey, Woburn, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA
Sunday 9th July 11am A spectacular event packed with activities for all. In addition to hundreds of classic cars; already lined up, are The Sealed Knot civil war re-enactment, Seamark geese/ pig / sheep racing, Beagles, Heavy Horses, inflatables, dozens of other stalls and events and not of course forgetting the Galaxy Swing Band. Kimbolton Castle, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0EA www.kimboltoncountryfayre.com
Bromham Show
Sunday 9th July Packed with fun events and attractions. Central arena, side shows, a craft tent and over 100 exhibition classes from flowers, fruit and veg, to arts and photography. www.bromhamshow.com
Oakley Carnival
Saturday 15th July Countries of the World theme. Parade through the village at 12.30pm Craft Stalls, Arena show, Bouncy Castles, Fun Fair, Competitions, Licensed Bar www.oakleycarnival.co.uk
Daxtonbury festival of music and country life
Friday 14 july – Sunday 16 july 2017 Airfield Road, Podington, North Beds. Three-day, family-friendly music festival to raise money for cancer research and other medical charities in the Beds, Bucks and Northants area. Weekend and Day tickets available. Tickets and information at www.daxtonburyfestival.co.uk.
Bedford’s Festival Fringe
Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd July The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s Peter’s, 26 St Peters St, Bedford MK40 2NN www.bedfringe.com
Love Bedford Day
Sunday 23rd July 11-4pm To coincide with the 40th birthday of the Harpur Shopping Centre. For the most up to date information on this and other events please visit www.lovebedford.co.uk In & Around Bedford 2017 61
Eagle Gallery
Printmaking Saturday 15th July – Saturday 22nd July Select members show off their printmaking skills in the first exhibition of its kind for the gallery 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
Jordans Mill
“Made In Bedfordshire” Fair Saturday 29th July Langford Rd, Langford, Biggleswade SG18 9JY Tel 01767 603940 www.jordansmill.com
Santa Pod
Dragstalgia Friday 14th – Sunday 16th July A weekend dedicated to race cars, bikes and hot rods from a bygone era with Jet Car, live music, swap meet, Show & Shine (with the NSRA), Cracklefest, fire burnouts and more. www.dragstalgia.co.uk
Bug Jam 31
Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd July The original and best VW festival featuring VW Drag Racing, RWYB, huge music line up across 5 arenas, comedy, Show & Shine, BMX display, funfair, massive trade village and more. www.bugjam.com
John Bunyan Museum
Summer Exhibition 11th July to 7th October Celebrating the role of women in the church, the life of Elizabeth and Mary Bunyan, and the second part of the Pilgrim’s Progress. Bunyan Meeting Church, Mill St, Bedford MK40 3EU Tel 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
August
FortFest Music Festival
4th,5th,6th August Scald End Farm, Mill Road, Thurleigh, MK44 2DP Camping, good facilities and high quality food and beverages plus a farm shop and cafe on site. Further information and announcements for 2017 bands and headliners www.fortfest.uk
The Bedford Proms in the Park
Sunday 6th August Bedford Park ‘Proms Goes to the Movies’ Special guests include Australian Tenor Daniel Koek and rising classical star, soprano Joanna Forest. Tickets and up to date line up information at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk
King Stock Festival
Friday 11th – Sunday 13th August at Moggerhanger Park, Run by volunteers who share a passion for creativity and their Christian faith. It has no single affiliation with any major sponsor, business or church denomination and is a true grassroots event raising money and awareness of several local and international charities. More information, times and line up at www.kingsstock.co.uk
Twinwood Festival
25th -28th August, Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire. The Ultimate Vintage Festival For Music & Dance Visit www.twinwoodevents.com for more information and full line up
Kempston Fun Day
26th August 12noon -5pm Fun and entertainment for all the family. The event is open to the public from 12 noon. Free admission, £1 car park charge. More information at www. bedfordlions.org.uk
Eagle Gallery
“Seaside” Monday 21st August – Thursday 7th September In the second themed exhibition of the year, the Eagle gallery artists tackle the subject of the seaside 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
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Santa Pod
UK Monster Truck Nationals Sunday 20th August The Top UK Monster Truck Showdown! Monster Truck Freestyle action including caravan crushing & awesome BUS JUMPS!!! Plus Pit Party, FMX, Monster Truck Rides and lots more family fun. www.monstertrucknationals.co.uk
Junior Drag Racing Fun Day
Thursday 24th August FREE spectator admission! A fun family day out showcasing junior drag racers. With Monster Truck rides, children’s activities, static car display and sideshows. Tickets subject to availability. www.santapod.com
John Bunyan Museum
Summer family fun Every Thursday in August 11.00am – 3.30pm Drop in – ‘Crafty Thursdays’ – fun for all the family with a different themed craft activity every Thursday in August £2.50 per child suitable for age 4+ accompanied Bunyan Meeting Church, Mill St, Bedford MK40 3EU Tel 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
September
Castle Quarter Summer Festival
Eagle Gallery
Les Miller One Week Show Saturday 9th September – Saturday 16th September Les Miller takes control of the Eagle Gallery for one week only. Be sure not to miss it 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
Santa Pod
FIA European Finals Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th September Exemplifying the very greatest, fastest and loudest spectacles in drag racing, this final round of the hotly contested European Championship gathers the most brutal machines in Europe and pits them head to head in an epic battle to be crowned 2017 Champion. Don’t miss Nitro cars running at dusk on Friday evening! www.santapod.com
National Finals
Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th September National Drag Racing Championship Finals headlined by the wild 200mph Pro Mod doorslammers! See over 20 supporting classes inc ACU Championship Drag Bikes, Junior Dragsters and many Nostalgia favourites. www.santapod.com
Castle Road, Bedford, Free entry Sunday 3rd September 11am Facebook: Castle Quarter
October
Bedfordshire Walking Festival
Corn Exchange Bedford, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL Wednesday 4th –Saturday 7th October Bedford’s annual festival of real ales, cider and foreign beers, organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). www.northbeds.camra.org.uk
September 9th -17th Greensand Ridge Challenge 16th-17th September Organised by Bedfordshire Ramblers, the festival includes interesting and unusual walks in and around Bedford as well as the popular Greensand Challenge (40 miles over the weekend). Programmes available in July on the website www.bedswalkfest.co.uk
Chilli Fest
Harpur Suite, Harpur Square, Bedford MK40 1LE Saturday 30th Sept 10am-5pm The hottest event in town is back for another ‘spicy’ event in the FREE kids face painting! Visit www.lovebedford.co.uk for more information.
The 40th Bedford Beer and Cider Festival
Natalie Williams’ Soul Motown Revue
Friday 13th October to Saturday 14th October 7pm To book or for further information, please telephone our sales team on 01525 292172 or email sales@woburn.co.uk The Sculpture Gallery Woburn Abbey, Woburn, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA
Diwali – Festival of Lights
14th October 3-8pm Bedford International Athletics Stadium – Free Jewellery & clothes, Face painting, henna and nail art stall plus authentic cuisines from North and South India. More information on 01234 314464 or 07787 774167 Facebook: Bedford Indian Community
Bromham Mill Apple Day
Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford MK43 8LP Sunday 16th October 11am – 4.30pm. The event celebrates all things apple related. Food and drink, including local apple juice and cider, fun-filled activities for all the family with Morris Dancing and local bands performing. www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Eagle Gallery
Jill Taylor, Jill Goodyear and Anya Penger-Onyett One Week Show Saturday 14th October – Saturday 21st October Three artists share the Eagle Gallery space for one week only 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
Santa Pod
Flame & Thunder Saturday 28th October 2017 An action-packed day for all the family featuring motorsport stunts and Drag Racing. Witness 300mph Nitro guzzling Top Fuel Dragsters, Jet vehicles and Drag Racing demos. Stunt displays including Monster Trucks and Stunt Riders. Plus funfair, bonfire and huge firework finale! www.santapod.com
John Bunyan Museum
Bunyan Meeting Church, Mill St, Bedford MK40 3EU Tel 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum Fun Places Saturday 7th October Science and art combine in events and activities taking place in the museum, and in other venues around Bedford. Autumn half-term Saturday 24th to Saturday 28th October Last week the museum is fully open, lots of trails and quizzes for all the family Thursday 26th October Half-term activities and craft events
November
War Notes from Woburn:
Remembrance Sunday Sunday 12th November The Sculpture Gallery is delighted to welcome back Lili la Scala this Remembrance Sunday, performing a poignant blend of vintage songs while guests enjoy a traditional two course Sunday lunch. To book or for further information, please telephone our sales team on 01525 292172 or email sales@woburn.co.uk The Sculpture Gallery Woburn Abbey, Woburn, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA
Eagle Gallery
Saturday 18th November – Saturday 25th November Audrey Imber, Jo Spyropolous and Isabel Grundy One Week Show. Three artists share the Eagle Gallery space for one week only 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
Santa Pod
Fireworks Frenzy Saturday 4th November 2017 An evening of family entertainment with monster truck, two and four wheeled stunts topped off with a bonfire and firework display. www.santapod.com
John Bunyan Museum
Bedfordshire Day Saturday 25th November crafts for children and adults as we celebrate Bunyan’s birth, and what makes Bedfordshire great. Tel 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
December
The Bedford Hospitals
Charity Christmas Tree Festival St Pauls Church, Bedford Wednesday 6th- 10-5pm and Sunday10th December 2-4pm For more information email mboakley@hotmail.co.uk or call Robin Bartlett on 01234 340163.
Castle Quarter Christmas Festival
Castle Road, Bedford Sunday 3rd December Castle Festival returns for the 5th year. Free Festive Fun for all the Family Christmas Lights Switch On, music, entertainment, arts & crafts, carol singing and festive fun for all the family Facebook: Castle Quarter In & Around Bedford 2017 63