Taste Bedford Saturday
FESTIVALS 2018 Greensand Country Festival Saturday 26th May to Sunday 3rd June Greensand Country will host the first ever Greensand Country Festival with a number of exciting events, activities, talks, exhibitions and competitions, guided walks, have-a-go wilderness crafts, family wildlife activities, open air theatre performances and 4x4 adventure challenges. For further information visit greensandcountry.com
Bedford Film Festival Runs through May 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. Individual screenings throughout the year. www.BedfordFilmFestival.org
52 In & Around Bedford 2018
The 154th Bedford Amateur Regatta
Saturday 12th May This event has played host to many of the country’s up and coming top rowing athletes with many going on to win Olympic and World Championship medals. Founded in 1853, it brings competitive rowing to the picturesque River Great Ouse in Bedford, and is one of the largest single day river regattas in the country. Racing takes place over a 1,200 metre course competitors coming from far and wide representing schools, colleges and clubs www.bedfordregatta.co.uk
FoodDrunk 002 Saturday May 26th Street Food, Specialist Gin, Live Music & DJs 12.30pm- 3am At Bedford Esquires with finest street food, over 40 gins, live bands, DJ’s and artists. Mini food market. Working in collaboration with some of the most respected street food sellers in the UK, all street food vendors have 5 star hygiene ratings. Free Bedford Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, Bedford
Bedford’s Big High Street Showcase Saturday June 2nd A very special summer festival of fun. The High Street Showcase, an annual event organised by Bedford Borough Council, features live music, entertainment and activities from local businesses and organisations. Includes children’s entertainment, sports day races, face painting, craft and cultural activities and funfair rides.
Bedford International Kite Festival Russell Park A well-established event attracting kite flyers from around the world. Set in a glorious green space with free entry, the festival attracts a large family audience and is always a popular weekend.
Bedford Fake Festival Saturday 23rd June 12 12 noon -10.30pm– This year the festival is doubling the ine-up to SIX pro-level Fake Bands! Almost the real deal, you have to see these amazing bands. All inside a giant marquee. www.fakefestivals.co.uk
16th June 11am – 6pm Set in Mill Meadows with street food stalls, local producers and great live music.A great day out and the go-to destination for foodies. Sponsors, Charles Wells, will be hosting their own pop-up pub. www.bedpop.co.uk @bedpop
AmpRocks Friday 29th June AmpRocks is a unique, not for profit, boutique music festival in Ampthill organised by volunteers for the local community. AmpRocks is staged in the natural amphitheatre of Ampthill Park in Bedfordshire and is held on the Friday of the popular Ampthill Festival Weekend. Opens 5.30pm
Bedford Proms in the Park
Sunday 5th August Returning for another fabulous evening, the soloist this year will be none other than English soprano Lesley Garrett, known for her cross-over repertoire stretching from Mozart to Meat Loaf via West End Musicals and joining Lesley will be tenor Jeff Stewart. The London Gala Orchestra and the Bedford Choral Society will feature again as well as the evening laser show, concluding with a spectacular firework display. An evening of pomp and patriotism for the whole family. Picnics and drinks are welcome. Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th August concerts soon to be announced www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk
KingStock Festival
AmpRocks events are unsuitable for children under 12. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 18 and are to be supervised at all times. www.ampthillfestival.co.uk/amprocks
Friday 10th – Sunday 12th August The 6th Kingstock summer festival will be back at Moggerhanger Park, run by volunteers who share a passion for creativity and their Christian faith. More information, times and line up at www.kingsstock.co.uk
Daxtonbury festival of music and country life
The Great British Gin Festival
Friday 6th, Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th July Daxtonbury festival is a 3 day, family friendly event featuring over thirty live acts, dj sets and country arts and crafts. Food stalls, beer tents, bouncy castles & more. Tickets from our online ticket shop or on the gate www.daxtonburyfestival.co.uk
Bedford River Festival Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th July 40th Anniversary Celebrations The Bedford River Festival is now recognised as one of the largest outdoor events of its kind in the UK. A parade, competitions for the best decorated narrow boats and cruisers, Dragonboat races, displays, food stalls and a spectacular evening firework display make for a fabulous weekend.
Bedford Festival Fringe Thursday 19th July – Sunday 22nd July The 12th International Festival Fringe - 4 days of over 50 select programme of comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance & physical theatre. Confirmed acts will be announced in the coming months www.bedfringe.com
The UK’s biggest Gin Festival Tour! Over 100 world gins! Cocktail demos, live entertainment. Token system. £5 each, one token per single measure Strictly over 18s. Strictly over 18s. www.mega-events. co.uk/thegreatbritishginfestival
Twinwood Festival Friday 24th – Monday 27th August, Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire. The Ultimate Vintage Festival for Music & Dance. A fantastic line-up with some amazing bands making their Twinwood debuts, plus many returning favourites. From decadent music of the 1920s and 1930s to the Northern Soul tracks of the 1960s, there is something for all! Visit www.twinwoodevents.com for more information and full line up
Prosecco Festival
Friday September 7th Corn Exchange, Harpur Suite, Bedford Get your Prosecco flute ready to fill! All bars work on £5 tokens (no cash) and can be exchanged for any drink served in a glass. Over 40 combinations of Prosecco, Cava, Spumante, Pink fizz, Brute and Prosecco based cocktails. Evening session 6.30pm - 11pm Fri, afternoon session Sat 12.30pm - 5pm. Evening session Sat 6.30pm - 11pm. Live music throughout. Strictly over 18’s. www.proseccofestival.co.uk
Bedfordshire Walking Festival Saturday 8th – Sunday 16th September Organised by Bedfordshire Ramblers, the county wide festival includes interesting and unusual walks including popular Greensand Ridge Path Challenge. Programmes available in July Programmes available in July www.bedswalkfest.co.uk
41st Bedford Beer and Cider Festival
Wednesday 3rd – Saturday 6th October, Bedford Corn 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 3rd November John Bunyan Sports Centre Free entrance. Bedford Indian Community brings together the local Indian community organisations to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Jewellery & clothes, face painting, henna and nail art plus authentic cuisines from North and South India. 01234 314464 or 07787 774167 Facebook: Bedford Indian Community
The Christmas Tree Festival St Pauls Church, Bedford Wednesday 5th Sunday 9th December 2018 Theme ‘Christmas around the World’ The Festival features beautiful real trees, decorated by voluntary services, organisations, local businesses and schools. Entry £2.50 Under 16s free, Group discount available. E: mboakley@hotmail.co.uk or call 01234 340163. In & Around Bedford 2018 53