Festivals Bedfordshire
Bedford Regatta
Saturday May May 6th Bedford Amateur Regatta founded in 1853 brings competitive rowing to the picturesque River Great Ouse in Bedford, maintaining its position as one of the largest single day river regatta in the country. Racing takes place through the heart of the town over a 1,200 metre course with races every two minutes and competitors coming from far and wide representing Schools, Colleges and Clubs. The event continues to be one of the key social events in Bedford’s calendar with all enjoying the atmosphere of the Regatta enclosure close to the Suspension Bridge. www.bedfordregatta.co.uk
Bedford’s Big High Street Showcase
Saturday June 3rd Bedford High Street is set to be taken over by a very special summer festival of fun in June. The High Street Showcase, an annual event organised by Bedford Borough Council, will feature live music, entertainment and activities from over 30 businesses and organisations. Further attractions include children’s entertainment, sports day races, face painting, craft and cultural activities and funfair rides. More information at www.bedford.gov. uk/highstreetshowcase
50 In & Around Bedford 2017
The three-day, family-friendly event Bedford International features over thirty bands from near Kite Festival and far in a rural setting. Rap, Rock, Russell Park Rhythm’n’Blues, Reggae, singerSaturday 10th June and Sunday 11th songwriters and covers bands entertain June – 9am – 5pm and festival goers can try their hand at Craft Gift and Fine Foods in Marquee’s clay pigeon shooting, run the dog agility within the event at Russell Park. This course, watch chain saw carving, craft festival is a now a well- established event demonstrations and take part in a hotly and includes kite flyers from around the contested welly-wanging competition! world. Set in a glorious green space Local traders offer a wide range of within Bedford city centre, the show food and drink. Kids Areas with bouncy attracts a large family audience. castles, pony rides and other attractions. Weekend tickets, including free overnight camping, start at £30 and day Bedford Fake Festival tickets from just £12. Saturday June 24th 12.30-11pm Tickets and information at In Bedford for the first time, the festival hosts a cracking line-up of ‘fake-bands’ www.daxtonburyfestival.co.uk. for Queen, Arctic Monkeys and The Jam – so good they’re almost the real Oakley Carnival deal! Plus, 5 local supports, licensed bar, Saturday 15th July food – it’s a massive party inside a giant Theme for 2017 is Countries of marquee. Book tickets now at the World www.fakefestivals.co.uk The carnival will begin with a parade through the village starting at 12.30pm Craft Stalls, Arena show, Bouncy Castles, Taste Bedford Fun Fair, Competitions, Licensed Bar Saturday July 8th www.oakleycarnival.co.uk This summer, the banks of the River Great Ouse will be home to Taste Bedford – a gourmet and street food Bedford Festival Fringe festival. With live music and DJs on the From Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd July bandstand, the Mill Meadows event Bedford will host the 11th International will be the go-to destination for foodies Festival Fringe bringing to Bedford who want to try new dishes, learn from a carefully selected programme of experienced chefs and sample local comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance & produce. Visitors can enjoy their food physical theatre. All these events will be on deckchairs and hay bales and food- held exclusively at The Quarry Theatre. themed children’s activities will ensure there is something on the menu for the Good things can come in small packages whole family. and over three days the festival will www.bedpop.co.uk bedpop.co.uk cram in some 30+ events. Confirmed @bedpop acts at time of print: Simon Munnery, Pat Monahan, John Hastings, Will Seward and the return of the brilliant Goodbear! Daxtonbury festival of Keep posted to the website for music and country life developments! www.bedfringe.com Friday 14th July – Twitter@Bedfringe Facebook: / Sunday 16th July 2017 bedfringe Box office: 01234 362337 Airfield Road, Podington, North Beds. One of Bedfordshire’s best boutique music festivals, this is held to raise money for cancer research and other medical charities in the Beds, Bucks and Northants area.
Love Bedford Day – July
Sunday 23rd July, 11-4pm To coincide with the 40th birthday of the Harpur Shopping Centre, Bedford will come alive with a ‘Through The Decades’ event. Celebrating the last 40 years, expect to see lots of FREE family fun, entertainment, music and more, not forgetting the ever popular face painting and balloon modelling. For the most up to date information on this and other events please visit www.lovebedford.co.uk
FortFest
Friday 4th, Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th August Scald End Farm, Mill Road, Thurleigh, MK44 2DP Fort Fest is a spacious music festival in the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside. Plenty of personal space, great camping, mud free fields, good facilities and high quality food and beverages at very reasonable prices plus a farm shop and cafe on site. September 2016 saw incredible bands including Young Guns, InMe, Lonely The Brave, Arcane Roots, Black Peaks, The Xcerts, The Treatment, Grumble Bee and many more. Further information and announcements for 2017 bands and headliners www.fortfest.uk
The Bedford Proms in the Park
Sunday 6th August Bedford Proms in the Park ‘Goes to the Movies’ Bedford Proms takes place on Sunday 6th August in Bedford Park and the theme this year will be ‘Proms Goes to the Movies’. Expect all your favourite classics but also some exquisite renditions of popular film soundtracks, which will appeal to the whole family. Featuring some very special guest soloists including Australian Tenor Daniel Koek. The second act to be confirmed is rising classical star, soprano Joanna Forest.
The London Gala Orchestra and the Bedford Choral Society will return and the laser show begins in the second half when night time falls. The evening will conclude with a spectacular firework display. Come to Bedford Park for an evening of pomp and patriotism that the whole family can enjoy. Friday 4th and Saturday 5th will offer special concert evenings – to be announced. Tickets and up to date line up information at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk
KingStock Festival
Friday 11th – Sunday 13th August 2017 KingsStock is pleased to announce that our 5th summer festival will be back this year at Moggerhanger Park, a Grade 1 listed Georgian Historic House set in 33 acres of parkland and woodland. KingsStock is 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. The event raises money and awareness of several local and international charities as a not-forprofit donation supported festival. More information, times and line up at www.kingsstock.co.uk
Twinwood Festival
Friday 25th – Monday 28th August, Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire. The Ultimate Vintage Festival For Music & Dance Set on a historic woodland site, Twinwood is a magical trip back in time through decades of retro music, dancing and fashion.
Decadent music of the 1920s and 1930s, swinging sounds of the 1940s, rock and roll of the 1950s, upbeat Northern Soul tracks of the 1960s or even the fast paced tempo of Gypsy Jazz and ElectroSwing, there is something for all! Visit www.twinwoodevents.com for more information and full line up
Kempston Fun Day
Saturday 26th August 12noon -5pm Bedford Lions Club will be organising the 9th Kempston Fun Day, providing fun and entertainment for all the family with charity and trade stalls, displays, arena events, fairground rides and refreshments. Profits are distributed to local needy people and organisations. The event is open to the public from 12 noon. Free admission, £1 car park charge. More information at www.bedfordlions.org.uk
Bedford Film Festival
September Bedford Film Festival is an annual, cultural highlight with a mission to make film more accessible to people of all ages and tastes. Bedford film lovers also benefit from links with Cambridge Film Trust, Into Film and BAFTA. The annual film festival is in September with individual screenings throughout the year. For films, dates and times visit www.BedfordFilmFestival.org
Castle Quarter Summer Festival
Castle Road, Bedford, Free entry Sunday 3rd September 11am Castle Festival returns for the 6th year. The festival attracts hundreds of visitors from across Bedford and beyond. Lots of stalls, music, entertainment and fun for all the family. The festival has become an anticipated annual fixture. Lots of stalls, food, music, entertainment and fun for all the family. Facebook: Castle Quarter
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BEDFORD & COUNTY GOLF CLUB
Bedfordshire Walking Festival
Bedford & County was formed in 1912 and is a classic parkland course set in the quiet countryside of North Bedfordshire. Located in the village of Clapham, the course has wide ranging views of the surrounding area and is always beautifully presented, offering a spectacular experience for all golfers.
Saturday 9th -17th September 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
A GolfMark ‘High Achiever’ club and runner up in the 2015 National ‘Club of the Year’ competition, Bedford & County is a friendly and progressive club. We are committed to the development of golf for all ages and abilities and to offering great value for all members and guests.
Chilli Fest
Saturday 30th Sept 10am-5pm The hottest event in town is back for another ‘spicy’ event in the Harpur Suite. Come and have your taste buds set on fire with every chilli taste you can imagine! Chilli sauces, chutneys, plants, olives, cheese and more... Also give the kids a treat with FREE face painting! Harpur Suite, Harpur Square, Bedford MK40 1LE Visit www.lovebedford.co.uk for more information.
The 40th Bedford Beer and Cider Festival
4th – 7th October BedfordCorn Exchange Bedford’s annual festival of real ales, cider and foreign beers, organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). www.northbeds.camra.org.uk
Diwali – Festival of Lights
Saturday 14th October 3-8pm Bedford International Athletics Stadium – Free entrance. Bedford Indian Community (BIC) brings together the many Indian community organisations of Bedford to celebrate the Festival of Lights. 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 52 In & Around Bedford 2017
You will be very welcome to visit our club and can arrange a suitable time by calling our office team. We look forward to showing you around our course and facilities.
Bromham Mill Apple Day
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. If you grow your own apples, experts will be on hand to identify the variety and provide tips and advice.
The ‘Café at the Mill’ offer a range of cakes alongside stalls selling everything from jams and chutneys to fudge and pumpkins. Bromham Mill, Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford MK43 8LP Tickets £5 adults, £3 concession, £15 family ticket – 2 adults and 2 children www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
Castle Quarter Christmas Festival
Sunday 3rd December Castle Road, Bedford. Free Entry 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 Castle Road, Bedford Facebook: Castle Quarter
The Bedford Hospitals Charity Christmas Tree Festival
St Pauls Church, Bedford Wednesday 6th- 10-5pm and Sunday10th December 2-4pm The Festival features up to 62 beautiful trees, decorated by voluntary services, organisations, local businesses and schools. 2 Trees of Remembrance are also extremely popular. The 2017 decoration theme is ‘Children’s Stories.’ The group ‘Cellophony’ will be make a very welcome return on Saturday 9th December with a concert based on ‘The Wind in the Willows.’ The Bedford Hospitals Charity and St Paul’s Church express their sincere thanks to the public for their generous support of these events. Entry £2.50 Under 16s free, Group discount available. For more information email mboakley@hotmail.co.uk or call Robin Bartlett on 01234 340163.
Membership Packages M
For information on: Society Bookings G Golf Tuition S
Please call 01234 352617 and quote AB2 www.bandcgc.co.uk Green Lane
Clapham
Bedford
MK41 6ET
Green Fees G