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Discover the Best of Bedford

Love Bedford is your comprehensive guide to everything unique in Bedford town centre. It’s a vibrant showcase of businesses, exclusive offers, exciting events, culture and heritage, the latest news and everything that makes this town truly special. Love Bedford also contains a directory for essential services, how to get here and where to stay. What’s more, you can sign up to receive our regular e-newsletters with offers, discounts and up-to-date news about town!

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Dreamboys 2024

Dreamboys 2024

Brace yourself for an electrifying night at Bedford Corn Exchange and indulge in the immersive and seductive dance show, ‘Dreamboys: Stripped Back 2024’.

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Peter Braithwaite – Rediscovering Black Portraiture

Peter Braithwaite – Rediscovering Black Portraiture

Artist, broadcaster and writer Peter Brathwaite began reimagining more than 100 artworks featuring portraits of Black sitters as part of the online #GettyMuseumChallenge to use household objects to restage famous paintings. This FREE exhibition runs from 18th May 2024 until 2nd February 2025.

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Murder at the Museum

Murder at the Museum

Fun Palaces at The Higgins Museum continues. Experience Murder at the Museum until the end of January 2025. Discover the hidden characters and clues and piece together the story to solve the crime.

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Bedford Creative Arts (BCA) Community Portrait Exhibition

Bedford Creative Arts (BCA) Community Portrait Exhibition

At The Higgins Bedford, a FREE event running from 28th September until 23rd February 2025, The Community Portrait exhibition explores the history of photography, from 1840s glass-plate techniques through to current digital techniques, and examines a potential future involving AI.

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Portuguese Wine Tasting at Decant

Portuguese Wine Tasting at Decant

Head to Decant Wine & Cheese Bar for an evening of tasting a range of fine Portuguese wines.

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Laura Menozzi at Nazar

Laura Menozzi at Nazar

Singer and songwriter Laura Menozzi, arrives at The Nazar Lounge. She joins the regular performers and DJs at Nazar, famous for their delicious Turkish food and fabulous atmosphere.

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Murder at the Museum

Murder at the Museum

Fun Palaces at The Higgins Museum continues. Experience Murder at the Museum until the end of January 2025. Discover the hidden characters and clues and piece together the story to solve the crime.

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Wedding Open Day

Wedding Open Day

The Wedding Open Day at The Bedford Swan Hotel & Spa is back again. In addition to viewing this beautiful venue, you will be able to speak to the planners and suppliers to ensure your special day is truly special.

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Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market

Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market

One last chance to visit the famous Bedford Flea in 2024! At this one-stop shop for all things flea, art and produce you can do some early Christmas shopping, find a gift for family or friends, eat some amazing street food and enjoy the ambience.

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Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Day unites people across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth.

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Bedford Flea Christmas Market

Bedford Flea Christmas Market

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the institution that is the Bedford Flea! Find unique and special gifts for Christmas at their glorious stalls, which present an array of vintage clothing and homewares, affordable art, craft and jewellery, skincare, food, and drink.

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Armistice Day

Armistice Day

Riverside Square all are invited for a short ceremony commemorating this pivotal moment in history. Arrive at 10.40am to observe a poignant two-minute silence, followed by an inspection of the Standards by the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant.

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Purple Tuesday

Purple Tuesday

The Purple Tuesday movement takes centre stage each year in November. It serves as a celebratory day, promoting accessibility and inclusivity. Stay tuned for further information about how Bedford gets involved.

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Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

DJ Swift Official returns to The Nazar Lounge to get the party started. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, put this one on the calendar. The Nazar Lounge has an excellent reputation for their delicious Turkish food and fabulous atmosphere.

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Garrett Millerick Needs More Space

Garrett Millerick Needs More Space

Garrett Millerick Needs More Space, sees comedy’s ‘angriest optimist’ return for a hilarious, honest, and mostly historically accurate, exploration of space travel. In his new hour, Garrett examines his totally insignificant place in the universe and how little we actually know about anything.

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Bedford College Open Day

Bedford College Open Day

Bedford College Open Day gives you the opportunity to see their impressive facilities, chat to the Student Services Team and find out what life is like at Bedford College. And just a short walk away is Bedford town centre, a lively and fun mix of cafes, restaurants, shops and culture!

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Knitting & Crochet at The Higgins Bedford

Knitting & Crochet at The Higgins Bedford

This friendly, informal group meets on the third Tuesday of every month at The Higgins Bedford to knit and crochet together. They sometimes work on their own projects, but also knit for charities and events throughout the year.

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Bedford Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On!

Bedford Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On!

Today’s the day when BedfordBID collaborates with Bedford Borough Council to bring you Bedford Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On! Make an afternoon of it and enjoy the fun and festivities on offer!

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Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

DJ Swift Official returns to The Nazar Lounge to get the party started. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, put this one on the calendar. The Nazar Lounge has an excellent reputation for their delicious Turkish food and fabulous atmosphere.

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Les Miserables: School Edition

Les Miserables: School Edition

Winner of over 100 international awards, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition is presented and performed by students of Bedford School and Bedford Girls’ School. Featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time with some of the most memorable characters to ever grace your stage.

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Portable Antiquities Scheme at The Higgins Bedford

Portable Antiquities Scheme at The Higgins Bedford

Have you ever found archaeological objects whilst digging in the garden, taking the dog for a walk or metal detecting? Would you like to find out more about them? Matt Fittock, the Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme run by the British Museum can help at this FREE event.

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Les Miserables: School Edition

Les Miserables: School Edition

Winner of over 100 international awards, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition is presented and performed by students of Bedford School and Bedford Girls’ School. Featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time with some of the most memorable characters to ever grace your stage.

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One Night in Dublin with The Wild Murphys

One Night in Dublin with The Wild Murphys

The Wild Murphys come to Bedford to set up Murphy’s Pub at Bedford Corn Exchange, guaranteeing one glorious night of high-energy Irish Music and more than a little bit of Irish Craic!

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Les Miserables: School Edition

Les Miserables: School Edition

Winner of over 100 international awards, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition is presented and performed by students of Bedford School and Bedford Girls’ School. Featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time with some of the most memorable characters to ever grace your stage.

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Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade returns to the Nazar Lounge for an evening of live music. Enjoy smooth sounds while dining on the delicious selection of Turkish food that Nazar is famous for!

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Bedford Music Service Town Centre Celebration

Bedford Music Service Town Centre Celebration

Bedford Music Service works in partnership with schools and local music organisations to ensure all children and young people across…

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Les Miserables: School Edition

Les Miserables: School Edition

Winner of over 100 international awards, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition is presented and performed by students of Bedford School and Bedford Girls’ School. Featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time with some of the most memorable characters to ever grace your stage.

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The Love Bedford Express Land Train

The Love Bedford Express Land Train

The Love Bedford Express Land Train returns to take friends and families on FREE rides through the town centre, departing from Silver Square Station!

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The Love Bedford Express Land Train

The Love Bedford Express Land Train

The Love Bedford Express Land Train returns to take friends and families on FREE rides through the town centre, departing from Silver Square Station!

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Bedford Music Service Town Centre Celebration

Bedford Music Service Town Centre Celebration

Bedford Music Service works in partnership with schools and local music organisations to ensure all children and young people across…

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Dara O’Briain: Re:Creation

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Dara O’Briain: Re:Creation

After the huge international success of his last tour, ‘So, Where Were We?’, Dara’s new show ‘Re:Creation’ sees one of Ireland’s finest live comedians back doing his favourite thing: standing in a theatre, telling stories and creating madness with the audience. For one night only on April 9, 2025!

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Colour My Canvas

Colour My Canvas

‘Colour My Canvas’ is the opportunity to paint your own Festive glass and enjoy one of their delicious cocktails plus some tasty nibbles. Cheers!

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Festive Wine Tasting at BlueGlass

Festive Wine Tasting at BlueGlass

Thinking about Christmas and what to bring or serve at one of the many Festive soirees? Then it’s ho, ho, ho, off to BlueGlass you go – to enjoy their Christmas wine tasting. Grab a friend or two and get the season started in style!

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Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church

Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church

The St Paul’s Church Christmas Tree Festival returns in 2024 with this year’s theme being ‘The Magic of Christmas’. From December 4th to 8th you can enjoy music and performances and explore the display of more than 65 beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Plus, there are two additional events to make this Festival even more special!

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An Evening with Ollie

An Evening with Ollie

For a fine start to Christmas season, head to La Terrazza for live jazz, swing and Festive classics with Ollie Corbett.

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The Dark Room

The Dark Room

Welcome to The Dark Room, the world’s only live-action, text-based adventure game. It’s strange, insane and addictive – a choose-your-own-adventure…. so choose it!

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DJ Party Night at The Bedford Swan

DJ Party Night at The Bedford Swan

Celebrate the season in style! Get together with colleagues, friends or family for an outstanding Christmas celebration in the Coach Room at The Bedford Swan Hotel & Spa. Places must be booked and tickets are selling fast!

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Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

DJ Swift Official returns to The Nazar Lounge to get the party started. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, put this one on the calendar. The Nazar Lounge has an excellent reputation for their delicious Turkish food and fabulous atmosphere.

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Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is designed to highlight the importance of small, locally-owned and operated retailers. Bedford town centre boasts a truly amazing array of much-loved independent businesses. Come into town and explore them for yourselves!

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New Zealand Wine Tasting at Decant

New Zealand Wine Tasting at Decant

Head to Decant Wine & Cheese Bar for an evening of tasting a range of fine New Zealand wines.

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Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade returns to the Nazar Lounge. Enjoy smooth sounds while dining on the delicious selection of Turkish food that Nazar is famous for!

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A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

The Quarry Theatre presents Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson, with Dickens’ classic festive fable. Famed for bringing multiple characters to vivid life, Masterson recreates Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, Tiny Tim et al in an enchanting, performance that will dazzle!

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Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church

Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church

The St Paul’s Church Christmas Tree Festival returns in 2024 with this year’s theme being ‘The Magic of Christmas’. From December 4th to 8th you can enjoy music and performances and explore the display of more than 65 beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Plus, there are two additional events to make this Festival even more special!

View Event
A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

The Quarry Theatre presents Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson, with Dickens’ classic festive fable. Famed for bringing multiple characters to vivid life, Masterson recreates Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, Tiny Tim et al in an enchanting, performance that will dazzle!

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Festival Carol Concert with East Anglian Air Ambulance

Festival Carol Concert with East Anglian Air Ambulance

At St Paul’s Church the East Anglian Air Ambulance will be bringing the London Show Choir to perform their Christmas Carol Concert. Come along to support this most worthwhile Festive event.

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Five Star Swing at Christmas

Five Star Swing at Christmas

Swing into Christmas with the unique Five Star Swing Band Show! Enjoy all your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic swing band treatment from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie and Nat King Cole – jazzing up those jingle bells! Tickets are selling fast!!

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Love Bedford – Have Fun!

Love Bedford – Have Fun!

BedfordBID/Love Bedford is delighted to shine a spotlight on all of the children’s Christmas activities in the town centre taking place over this fun, festive weekend, with many of the activities FREE! of charge or offered with a discount. It’s a really great opportunity to do a spot of Christmas shopping and enjoy some fun-time with the children too!

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The Snowman

The Snowman

Enjoy a special screening of the timeless classic animated film, The Snowman, featuring a live performance of Howard Blake’s musical score, specially adapted for brass band and performed for you by the Hitchin Band together with a pianist and young solo singer. Performances are at 10.30am, 11.45am and 1pm and last approximately 30 minutes. Tickets are selling fast!

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The Glenn Miller & Rat Pack Era

The Glenn Miller & Rat Pack Era

Recapture the sounds of a bygone era as the Nick Ross Orchestra presents ‘an unmissable evening of music and song’ the classic big band sound of the 40s and 50s with a liberal sprinkling of very special Christmas Big Band arrangements.

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Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade returns to the Nazar Lounge for an evening of live music. Enjoy smooth sounds while dining on the delicious selection of Turkish food that Nazar is famous for!

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swan hotel and thermal spa and Bedford river and town bridge
Credit: The Swan Hotel & Thermal Spa

The BedfordBID

In 2005 BedfordBID was one of the first Business Improvement Districts in the UK and, thus, one of the first to see the benefits of bringing businesses together and pooling money to improve the town centre.

BedfordBID seeks to make Bedford a cleaner, safer place to be for both residents and visitors. To help our town centre thrive, and to provide a high quality visitor experience. To create a vibrant place to live, work, study and to do business.

BedfordBID’s marketing arm, Love Bedford, delivers and supports events to help put Bedford on the map and to showcase the town centre. These include Christmas events, Easter and Halloween Trails, sponsorship of Bedford River Festival, and regular social media. Along with involvement in cultural and heritage initiatives, such as High Street regeneration, BedfordBID also works to support exhibitions, tours and walks.

About The BedfordBID
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