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It's certainly feeling like summer!
There's a huge amount planned for this month and lots of amazing free events and activities for families to enjoy.
We're especially looking forward to the Bedford River Festival 2024 and you can find the full programme, packed with free family fun, below.
Other highlights include the Bedford Summer Sessions with Tom Jones, Pete Tong, James, and Nile Rodgers & Chic. There's the Italian Festival, Eid in Bedford and the launch of this year's Summer Reading Challenge and so much more too!
Did you know that many of our teams send their own email bulletins to share news, updates and events, here's a link for anyone interested in receiving updates from Bedford Corn Exchange:
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All month
This new exhibition features more than 100 pieces of artwork created by pupils, aged 4 to 18, from over 40 schools across Bedford Borough.
The children were asked ‘what does your ideal community look like?’ and with the help of professional artists have made some amazing pieces of work.
It's free to visit The Higgins Bedford, and don't forget it's open on Saturday and Sunday too!
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Led by qualified members of the Bedford Association of Tour Guides, each tour promises an engaging and entertaining journey through various aspects of Bedford's heritage.
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Day
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Date
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Walk
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Wednesday
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3 July
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Tales of the Tower & Steeple: Tour of St. Paul’s & St Peter’s
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Sunday
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7 July
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Bedford’s Movers & Shakers: A Bromham Road Walk
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Sunday
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14 July
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Bedford in World War II
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Sunday
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28 July
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I Never Knew That
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Wednesday
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31 July
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The Rise & Fall of Bedford Castle
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Every Tuesday
If you have children under seven who love listening to or acting out stories then come along to Toby's Tall Tales at Queens Park Family Hub. Join in with your child as Toby brings stories to life through reading, actions, puppets, bubbles and more!
Sessions are free (funded by Bedford Borough Family Hubs), just turn up!
Toby also makes a visit to The Higgins Bedford on Sunday 16 July from 2.30pm. There is no need to book for this one but do try and get there early as it can get busy!
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Wednesday 3 and 17
This community café is run by local volunteers, offering free tea, coffee and biscuits. It's visited by local services and organisations, who share information about what support is available for residents run free activities for children and adults.
It runs every two weeks on a Wednesday, in term-time, from 12.15pm to 2.15pm.
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Wednesday 3
There's an extra special reason to visit our wonderful market in Bedford town centre this Wednesday. Between 12pm and 2pm you'll be able to purchase some locally grown produce from school children who grew it themselves.
Children from Cauldwell Primary, King’s Oak Primary, The Priory Primary and The Place took part in the Young Marketeers programme throughout June. This involved summer gardening and market trader training sessions in each school.
The programme has been delivered by School Food Matters (a food education charity) and Bedford based Food etc. and the market day will be their big finale.
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Every Thursday
Come and get mucky with your little ones at The Good Life Garden. There are two sessions every Thursday, for under 5's and 5 to 11 year olds.
Plant seeds, make mud pies, look for wildlife and more!
Sessions are free (funded by Bedford Borough Family Hubs) and places are limited so please book in advance:
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Thursday 4
Tom Jones performs at Bedford Park as part of the Bedford Summer Sessions.
Support comes from Beverley Knight, Stone Foundation, and Storry.
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Friday 5
Their aim is to capture the feeling of a live Coldplay performance, the music, the visuals, the energy and the atmosphere.
In 12 years the band have over 600 gigs under their belts across the length and breadth of the UK and abroad in over twenty different countries worldwide - accuracy, musicianship, dedication and passion for Coldplay’s music.
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Friday 5
Pete Tong performs at Bedford Park as part of the Bedford Summer Sessions.
Support comes from Groove Armada, Arielle Free, Five Past 5.
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Friday 5
Join Puggle and friends for free, fun and creative activities inspired by art in the exhibitions.
It’s a drop-in activity, so no need to book. Just pop in any time from 10.30am to 12pm or from 1pm to 2.30pm and stay for as long as you like.
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Saturday 6
James Orchestral Performance comes to Bedford Park as part of the Bedford Summer Sessions.
Support comes from Johnny Marr, Inspiral Carpets, and The Magic Numbers
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Sunday 7
This popular festival will bring a celebration of Italian culture to the town centre with food, drink, craft, entertainment, and car displays.
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Sunday 7
Nile Rodgers & Chic perform at Bedford Park as part of the Bedford Summer Sessions.
Support comes from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, DECO, and DJ Spoony
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Saturday 13
These Saturday craft markets will have different local craft traders and free workshop/performance every second Saturday on the Silver Square and along the whole Silver Street!
From soap flower gifts, up-cycled jars and glasses, wax melts to handmade bags and clothes, hand-painted plant pots and knitwear, you'll find a variety of high-quality and original items that showcase our local crafters’ passion and expertise.
The market runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
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Saturday 13
Children can get creative in Bedford Borough Libraries this summer with the Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers!
It's free to join and is all about reading for fun and improving children’s reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays as they earn rewards.
There will also be free crafts for children in all libraries every day of the summer holidays, as well as regular activities like Lego Club, Sunday Funday, and Story Time.
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The Summer Reading Challenge is developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries.
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Saturday 13 and Sunday 14
Join thousands in celebrating Eid in Bedford with free games and activities, international food court, bazaar, games and competitions.
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Sunday 14
Your one-stop shop for all things flea, art & produce.
Bedford Flea pride themselves on being the purveyors of quality with the emphasis on locally made, grown and sourced products, from some of our most skilled small businesses and hobbyists.
This market runs on the second Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm.
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Sunday 14
Celebrating Polish talent from 11am to 5pm.
Join PBIC Bedford and take part in free Polish themed art workshops, enjoy performances from Polish artists and try some traditional Polish food!
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Tuesday 16
Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art for a half hour tour of some of the highlights of the Edward Bawden & Me exhibition.
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Wednesday 17
Join the Keeper of Social History for an introductory tour of the highlights of The Higgins Bedford featuring Bedford’s heritage.
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Thursday 18
Bedford Castle remembered 800th Anniversary
As part of this year’s anniversary we celebrate 800 years of the Castle mound. Come and enjoy a chat about castle life and times, and share stories of your favourite castles near and far.
It runs from 11am to 12.30pm is free entry, there's no need to book so just turn up!
Refreshments will be available for £1.
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Thursday 18 to Sunday 28
Bedfringe returns!
Bedfringe features performances of theatre, comedy, dance, poetry and more for all ages.
Over the 11 days the Quarry Theatre on St. Peter's Street will stage more than 150 events, breaking an all-time-record.
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This biennial event returns with a splash, packed full of free entertainment and activities for families and people of all ages.
Check out the programme to discover the full line up of events but here's a really brief summary of the areas this year:
Main River: Raft and Dragonboat racing, boat parades and the wonderful illuminated boat parade, Jet Boots displays.
Russell Park: The Main Stage, Craft and gift marquee, British Farming NFU Area, picnic area, crazy golf, play area, giant inflatables and traditional funfair rides.
St. Mary's Gardens: Family Island bursting with family friendly activities and workshops, plus an additional SEND Family Area. There's also the Aventure Village with Canoe Trail providing various outdoor adventurous activities.
Mill Meadows: Trade stalls, Community Stage, and an all new Arts & Culture Area. There'll also be giant inflatables and water activities, plus over the bridge on Everard Meadow you'll find the Giant Funfair.
Town Bridge: Bands on the Bridge bring you concert and brass bands.
Water Sports Arena: Near to the Butterfly bridge you'll find the daring canoe ramp demonstrations, zorbing, stand up paddle boarding and more.
Castle Mound: Green Earth Village brings an eclectic mix of wellbeing, nature, performance, vegan products, food and arts. There's also a Green Earth Kids area with talks and workshops and the Sunrise Stage with local up-and-coming musicians.
Sports Island: Alongside Longholme Lake you'll discover sporting and martial arts demonstrations, a stage full of action with acrobatics and dance performances, 'have a go' activities and more.
The Embankment: Browse the Festival Market with a multitude of trade stalls and the new addition of the Bedford Music Hub Stage.
Bedford High Street: Explore the Bedford Festival of Motoring and discover CODE, a physical theatre production in Harpur Square.
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Wednesday 24
Bedford is currently delivering several regeneration, transport, and skills-led projects within the scope of a £22.6m grant, including public realm improvements to St Paul’s Square, Midland Road and Greyfriars areas and transport infrastructure improvements throughout the town centre.
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Thursday 25
On the 25 July 1949, at 3pm, Cecil Higgins Art Gallery opened its doors for the first time.
Join us as we celebrate 75 years of Mr Higgins’ remarkable collection and learn more about its origins in this special tour with the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art.
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Friday 26
EAT Feast will have an array of international flavours from established food trucks and caterers in the local area, coming together to celebrate good food and great company.
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Sunday 28
This promises to be an evening of non-stop action with all of your favourite heroes and villains of LDN Wrestling!
It’s every man for himself. Friend against friend and foe against foe. Anything goes as the wrestlers battle for supremacy.
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Sunday 28
Browse the beautiful collection of crafts, gifts, cakes and scented candles on the last Sunday of every month, until the end of October!
The craft market runs from 10am to 3.30pm.
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Tuesday 30
This session gives you the opportunity you to speak with a member of our team in an informal and relaxed environment from 7pm to 8pm.
Whether it's something you might be considering now, or for sometime in the future, it gives you the chance to ask questions and learn about all things fostering.
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Wednesday 31
Have you ever found archaeological objects whilst digging in the garden or metal detecting and would like to know more about them?
The Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquies Scheme, run by the British Museum can help.
They will be in The Higgins Bedford from 1pm to 3pm, do pop in and have a chat.
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Do you find maths a bit scary or do you know someone who would like some support?
Although it can sometimes feel challenging we all use numbers every day – at work, at home and when we’re out.
These different workshops help people to:
- build confidence managing money
- confidently use maths at home and at work
- shop for less and learn to cook to suit your lifestyle
- support your children with homework
- unlock new career and learning opportunities
- achieve an accredited maths qualification.
As part of the Government’s Adult Numeracy programme known as Multiply, Bedford Borough Council has received funding to offer courses that will help you to improve your skills and confidence with maths.
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Up to 4 hours each day at Allhallows Car Park.
First two hours parking free Monday to Saturday in Queen Street Car Park.
Up to two hours every Sat. in all Council town centre single and multi-storey car parks.
All day every Sun. in Council-owned town centre car parks.
Every day after 6pm in all town centre car parks, except for River Street.
Free on-street parking after 6pm, Monday to Saturday, except for Castle Lane which is 11pm.
Don't forget that bus fares are just £2, and the app operated secure cycle shelter is available on the corner of the Harpur Centre opposite St. Paul's Church - email highways.helpdesk@bedford.gov.uk with your full name, address, and contact number to register an account and find details of the app to gain entry.
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