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Brought to you by The BedfordBID

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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The Rolling Stones Now

The Rolling Stones Now

Come see the band who have been strutting, pouting and riffing now for over 25 years! So put on your dancing shoes and join in the rock’n’roll party!

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Bedford Craft & Flea Fair

Bedford Craft & Flea Fair

At Bedford Craft & Flea Fair you’ll find a huge selection of products, from illustration to vintage bric-a-brac, plants to jewellery, sustainable products to food, ceramics and more!

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Bottomless Brunch at The Nazar Lounge

Bottomless Brunch at The Nazar Lounge

Head to Nazar Lounge for a delicious 2 course meal, bottomless Prosecco plus live entertainment!

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Bedford Craft Market

Bedford Craft Market

Take a trip into town and discover the Bedford Craft Markets, with its stalls selling items such as candles, clothing, jewellery, homewares and pottery, and more. The Craft Markets are on the second Saturday of every month up until October.

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Bedford Guided Walks: I Never Knew That

Bedford Guided Walks: I Never Knew That

Bedford Guided Walks’ calendar of fun and informative tours continues, with ‘I Never Knew That’, encompassing all you never knew about Bedford!

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Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market

Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market

Welcome to the famous Bedford Flea, your one-stop shop for all things flea, art and produce. Bedford Flea are the purveyors of quality, with the emphasis on locally made, grown and sourced products from some of our most skilled small businesses and hobbyists.

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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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Rich Hall: Shot from Cannons

Rich Hall: Shot from Cannons

Fresh on the heels of his critically acclaimed memoirs, Nailing It, Montana’s transatlantic messenger returns with new rants, knife-edge observations, thrilling musical interludes and an ever-formidable knack for laughs on the fly.

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Bedford Creative Arts (BCA) Community Portrait Exhibition

Bedford Creative Arts (BCA) Community Portrait Exhibition

The FREE Community Portrait exhibition explores the history of photography and features images taken by local school-age children, Bedford College students, community groups and professional photographers.

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Halloween Cruise up the Ouse

Halloween Cruise up the Ouse

For a wicked time over Halloween, join Impakt and the John Bunyan Boat for a Spooktacular fundraising Halloween Cruise!

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Rise of The Empress

Rise of The Empress

Immerse yourself in an engaging narrative of discovery that digs deep into the lives, experiences, and perspectives of two Black women navigating the world as they know it and the world they would like to see.

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The Arc’s ‘Christmas in October’

The Arc’s ‘Christmas in October’

The Arc’s Christmas in October events are epic! Head along and get a FREE glass of fizz on arrival. There’ll be a full drinks menu on offer including some Christmas specials – boozy hot chocolate, perhaps? Burgers and live music, plus all of The Arc’s beautiful Christmas bits and bobs makes this the right way to head into the Festive season!

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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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Underneath with Billy Cocks, Jimmy Allen & The Journeymen

Underneath with Billy Cocks, Jimmy Allen & The Journeymen

After a stellar summer event at Herd All Day-er, the Underneath team are back again for the Autumn instalment of Underneath in the basement. Herd are delighted to say the DJ’s are now firmly on the map and expect the energy on this party to be through the roof.

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Bedford Guided Walks

Bedford Guided Walks

The Norman Conquest of Britain witnessed the introduction of castles to the landscape and a major castle in Bedford was built in the 12th century. Walk through the old castle grounds, see the mound on which it once stood and hear the story of the castle and its demise in the siege of 1224.

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Headfest at The Quarry Theatre

Headfest at The Quarry Theatre

Headfest lands at The Quarry Theatre on 21st and 22nd October 2024. Brought to you by BBC Three Counties, Headfest is designed to encourage good mental health and wellbeing, and features guest speakers, workshops and much, much more.

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Big Red Bath

Big Red Bath

BBC Headfest presents the Big Red Bath at The Quarry Theatre. A FREE interactive workshop for pre-schoolers, with family favourites, Full House Theatre. Full House Theatre will be joined by award-winning children’s author Julia Jarman as she reads from her book Big Red Bath. Performances will be held at 10am, 1pm and 3pm.

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Headfest at The Quarry Theatre

Headfest at The Quarry Theatre

Headfest lands at The Quarry Theatre on 21st and 22nd October 2024. Brought to you by BBC Three Counties, Headfest is designed to encourage good mental health and wellbeing, and features guest speakers, workshops and much, much more.

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Wine Tasting at BlueGlass

Wine Tasting at BlueGlass

The Blue Glass continues their wine tastings with a selection of home-grown English wines. Prices include a selection of red and white wines plus a sharing platter.

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Wedding Open Evening

Wedding Open Evening

Wedding Open Evenings run from 6pm-8pm in-house and are run by the professional wedding co-ordinators at Bedford Swan Hotel. Joining…

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Halloween at The Rose

Halloween at The Rose

This Halloween, The Rose is summoning the spirits with a ‘Spook-tober’ Bottomless Brunch and a hauntingly good line-up of exclusive drinks.

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Murder for Two

Murder for Two

An anarchic musical murder mystery with a twist: one actor investigates the crime, whilst the other plays all the suspects! And they both play the piano throughout!

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Murder for Two

Murder for Two

An anarchic musical murder mystery with a twist: one actor investigates the crime, whilst the other plays all the suspects! And they both play the piano throughout!

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Halloween Party, Cellar Bar style!

Halloween Party, Cellar Bar style!

The Cellar Bar is where the Halloween Party is at! Get into the spirit of the spooky season in their spellbinding venue, Halloween cocktails and shots, plus prizes for best dressed. Time to get your ghoul on!

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Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

On October 5th and 26th, Lydia Riade comes to the Nazar Lounge for a live set from 4pm. Enjoy smooth sounds while dining on the delicious selection of Turkish food that Nazar is famous for!

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Bedford Sings presents The Big Sing Concert

Bedford Sings presents The Big Sing Concert

At Bedford School, Greg Link (Apollo 5) is going to lead local choirs from Bedford as they work together, perform and learn new songs. Choirs invited include: Alive and Singing, Carers’ Choir, Opus 18, Rock Choir, and Unisong. And the best bit? You don’t need to be in a choir to take part!

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Bedford Sings presents The Big Sing Workshop

Bedford Sings presents The Big Sing Workshop

At Bedford School, Greg Link (Apollo 5) is going to lead local choirs from Bedford as they work together, perform and learn new songs. Choirs invited include: Alive and Singing, Carers’ Choir, Opus 18, Rock Choir, and Unisong. And the best bit? You don’t need to be in a choir to take part!

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Bottomless Italian Tapas at La Terrazza

Bottomless Italian Tapas at La Terrazza

Bottomless, delicious Italian Tapas, every last Saturday of the month at La Terrazza.

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Halloween at Herd

Halloween at Herd

It’s that time of year again for Herd’s annual Halloween fancy dress party, prize for the best fancy dress. Three rooms of music, free entry, what’s not to like. Make sure you arrive early – it’s always roadblock!

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Halloween Kids’ Club at the Harpur Centre

Halloween Kids’ Club at the Harpur Centre

Get ready for a ghoulishly good time at Harpur Centre’s FREE Halloween Kid’s Club Event! A hair-raising day of Halloween fun, when kids can unleash their creativity by decorating their own delicious gingerbread mummies to take home!

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Spiral Freerun Halloween Jam

Spiral Freerun Halloween Jam

Head to Spiral Freerun for an electrifying afternoon of parkour and freerunning fun at our Halloween Jam! These jams bring together athletes of all abilities, aged between 6-14 years, to train, share, and push their limits in a vibrant, high-energy space.

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Spiral Freerun Halloween Adults Jam

Spiral Freerun Halloween Adults Jam

The FREE, invite only Halloween Jam showcases the mainstream parkour community within the UK about the team, what they do, and why they’re an excellent establishment to visit to level up your training.

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Love Bedford Halloween Trail

Love Bedford Halloween Trail

Love Bedford are excited to announce the return of their Spook-tacular Halloween Trail, ‘witch’ will be taking place over October Half Term from Saturday 26th October until Sunday 3rd November.

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Poppy Appeal

Poppy Appeal

The Poppy Appeal launch takes place on Saturday 26 October in the Harpur Centre, Bedford. Come together and see what we can raise in 2024!!

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Halloween Brunch at Slug & Lettuce

Halloween Brunch at Slug & Lettuce

Book now for a Wicked-inspired Halloween Brunch at the Slug & Lettuce that’ll have you spellbound! There’ll be a magical bottomless brunch, complete with spooky new cocktails and devilishly good shots!

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The Life & Times of John Bunyan

The Life & Times of John Bunyan

Bedford Guided Walks’ calendar of fun and informative tours continues, with The Life & Times of John Bunyan.

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The Jewel in the Crown with Bedford Guided Walks

The Jewel in the Crown with Bedford Guided Walks

Bedford Guided Walks continues with their busy programme for 2024. Each walk lasts approximately two hours where you can learn about the characters and buildings which make up Bedford’s thousand year history. The Jewel in the Crown talks about the construction of the Embankment and its surrounds along the ‘jewel’ that is River Great Ouse.

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Spiral Freerun Halloween Camps

Spiral Freerun Halloween Camps

Spiral Freerun have completely revamped their camp structure to offer more variety, more excitement, providing an experience for all abilities and interests. This year, make your Halloween a thrilling one!

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Bedford Sings presents Entente Cordiale

Bedford Sings presents Entente Cordiale

Cantamus Chamber Choir Conductor Henry Vann, music by Vaughan-Williams, Lili Boulanger, Maurice Duruflé.

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Monster Collage

Monster Collage

Head to The Higgins Bedford and join local artist Katie Allen to create a Monster Collage.

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Bedford Borough Family Hubs & Children’s Centres Festival

Bedford Borough Family Hubs & Children’s Centres Festival

Come along to Harpur Square for a fun-filled day packed with exciting activities for all the family. BedfordBID/Love Bedford are…

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Spiral Freerun Halloween Camps

Spiral Freerun Halloween Camps

Spiral Freerun have completely revamped their camp structure to offer more variety, more excitement, providing an experience for all abilities and interests. This year, make your Halloween a thrilling one!

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Wizard Wands with Creative Days

Wizard Wands with Creative Days

Creative Days arrives at The Higgins Bedford, showing you how to make your own Witches and Wizards wand – so get those spells ready, it’ll be magic!! Sessions at 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm.

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Clay Pumpkin Tealight Holder

Clay Pumpkin Tealight Holder

For more spooky activities at The Higgins Bedford, creative practitioner Anne-Marie Abbate will be showing you to make a clay pumpkin tealight holder for Halloween. Sessions at 11.15am, 2.45pm and 2.15pm.

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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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Choir of Clare College Cambridge

Choir of Clare College Cambridge

The Bunyan Meeting is proud to be hosting the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, who will be performing A Child’s Prayer: Music about Youth and Childhood.

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Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

Swift Official DJ Night at Nazar

It’s DJ night at The Nazar Lounge. Swift Official joins the regular performers and DJs at Nazar, who have an excellent reputation for their delicious Turkish food and fabulous atmosphere.

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Spiral Freerun Halloween Camps

Spiral Freerun Halloween Camps

Spiral Freerun have completely revamped their camp structure to offer more variety, more excitement, providing an experience for all abilities and interests. This year, make your Halloween a thrilling one!

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Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

Lydia Riade Live at Nazar

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

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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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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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