Get ready to discover the fascinating stories of Bedford.

Along with the Bedford Association of Tour Guides, we are excited to announce the start of a new season of guided walking tours.

These fun and educational tours are led by expert guides who will take you on a journey through time. Learn about famous figures like John Bunyan, what life was like in Bedford during World War II, and even the secrets of Bedford Castle. 

Shows daily

Thursday: 6pm only

Friday: 5pm and 7.30pm

Saturday: 2pm and 5pm

Sunday 2pm and 5pm

Bank Holiday Monday 2pm only.

Adults £14, Children/Seniors £10, under 2's go free. 

A drop-in workshop for children under 5 years of age. No need to book.

Just pop in any time between 10.30am-midday or 1-2.30pm and stay for as long as you like.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Celebrate Free Comic Book Day with local artist, Tom, who will be at the library with his fantastic idea generating wheel spinners to help you create awesome comic book characters.

Remember to visit Close Encounters in the town centre to pick up some free comics too.

Walk in the footsteps of John Bunyan with this 21st century version of Vanity Fair.

Funfair, ice cream, 60+ craft and charity stalls, music, entertainment, maypole dancing, street food, grand raffle, Bedford Brass, procession, May Queen, cream teas and refreshments……and much more!

Visit the ancient Abbey Church, view the exciting plans for the Hillersden Hall, and participate in a tradition that has been happening in this place for over 100 years

Come and spend the day immersed in Comic Con culture with lots of people dressed as their favourite characters.

There will also be retro gaming, facepainting, board and card game areas.

We are hosting a special VE Day 80 Flag Raising Ceremony at Harpur Square, 10.30-11.15am.

This dignified event will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, a pivotal moment in history when the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender brought an end to World War II in Europe.

The ceremony will include a one-minute silence at 11am, followed by the raising of the VE Day 80 flag—a symbol of national celebration, reflection, and remembrance.

The event is hosted by Bedford Borough Council in partnership with the Bedford Branch of the Royal British Legion. The service will be conducted with the support of a serving member of the military, a bugler playing the Last Post and Reveille, and a piper from the Bedford Pipe Band who will perform ‘Celebratum,’ a piece specially composed for VE Day commemorations across the UK.

Please join the Royal British Legion as they commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

From 7pm, 132 Bedford Road, Kempston, MK42 8BQ

Join artist Sam Williams for a free workshop using collage and junk modelling to explore ideas for sculpture along the Kempston riverside.

No experience needed, just bring your creativity, open to everyone over eight years old!

Please book your place in advance.

Junior Gym and Junior Sports Hall activities are available for young people aged 11–17, at John Bunyan Sports and Fitness. 

Activities are held from Tuesday - Friday between 3.30-6pm, and on Saturdays, from 9am-11am, midday-2pm and 3pm-5pm.

Junior Basketball, Junior five-a-side football, junior badminton and junior table tennis are all available to book online, on the app or in person. The sports hall is available for drops-ins within these times to play with friends!

Please book places in advance.

These Saturday craft markets will have different local craft traders and free workshop/performance every 2nd Saturday on the Silver Square and along the whole Silver Street!

From soap flower gifts to up-cycled jars and glasses, wax melts to handmade bags and clothes, hand-painted plant pots to knitwear, you will find all high-quality and original crafts that showcase our local crafters’ passion and expertise.

The market runs 9.30am-3.30pm.

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. 

Events are offered for fours and eights across all categories from J14 upwards including Novice and Senior.

Unlimited rides for £11, adult spectators pay £1 entry.

There are two daily sessions from 12-3pm and 3.15-6.15pm.

New rides and on site food court.

Your one-stop shop for all things flea, art and 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, this month due to refurbishment works in St Paul's Square the market will be in Harpur Square.

We are hosting a further VE/VJ Day 80th Anniversary celebration on Sunday 11 May. This will include a parade through the town led by the Bedford Pipe Band, a church service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Church, the raising of the official VE Day 80 flag at the Old Town Hall, and a troop inspection with presentations in Riverside Square.

These events pay tribute not only to those who served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces but also to the vital contributions of the Home Front during the war.

Join trained actor and teacher Toby as he engages children with immersive story reading.

He'll also help children create their own stories using puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery.

Ideal for ages up to seven, children must bring along an adult.

Toby's Tall Tales begins at 2.30pm. Please be aware, space in the gallery is limited and is offered on a first come first served basis.

Arms and Armour event. Come and check out the fascinating history of war and memorabilia.

For further detail please email info@arms-and-armour-uk.com

Drop-in with Bev Fowlston from Bedfordshire Geology Group, 11am – 1pm.

Do you have geology specimens that you would like identified? Bring in your best rock, fossil, mineral and crystal finds and Bev will help to answer your geology.

Sessions run 11am-1pm and are limited so please  book in advance by emailing thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk

The Greyfriars Junction will be reconfigured as part of the Bedford Town Deal's Transporting Bedford 2030 project, funded by the Towns Fund grant.

The scheme aims to create development opportunities at the former police station site and enhance infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

Residents and visitors can find more information about the project at upcoming information stalls:

• Wednesday, 14 May, 12–2pm: Outside Peacocks clothing store, near Bedford Bus Station (what3words: ///frosty.ships.pink)
• Thursday, 15 May, 5–7pm: Greyfriars, outside Beckett Court, next to the car park (what3words: ///honey.brightly.springs)
• Saturday, 17 May, 12–2pm: Outside Peacocks clothing store, near Bedford Bus Station (what3words: ///frosty.ships.pink).

These events provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project and share their thoughts on how to make Bedford an even better place to live and work.

This is a fun and friendly group who meet each month to share stories and make new friends. It's free and there's no need to book, everyone is welcome along!

The theme this month is: 80th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War

Join us to hear and remember some of the stories captured from local people about their experience of World War Two and share some of your own family stories. Refreshments will be available for just £1.

Celebrate Pyjamarama from BookTrust and come to a Rhyme Time or Bounce and Rhyme session in pyjamas, slippers, onesies, or just bring a bedtime cuddly.

Bounce and Rhyme are relaxed and fun sessions for new-borns up to crawlers.

Rhyme Time sessions are suitable for toddlers who are up and walking, through  to pre-schoolers.

There's lots of singing, shaking musical instruments, giggling and gurgling, and bubbles!

These sessions are part of our Year of Reading, check the Year of Reading calendar to find out about other events and activities taking place.

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity will offer weekly sessions to promote wellbeing among parents in the peri-natal period – during pregnancy and the first year of baby’s life.

The group will support the wellbeing of parents and parents-to-be by offering group nature-based activities that encompass the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Connection, Be Active, Learn, Take Notice and Give Back.

Kempston Craft Market is back on every last Sunday at Saxon Centre, 10am-3.30pm. 

Browse the beautiful collection of crafts, gifts, cakes and scented candles which is perfect in the lovely springtime.

An event for every Lego fan.

Stalls selling rare and long retired Lego sets.

Dedicated minifigure stalls and an activity area for children to play.

These online sessions allow you to speak with a member of our team in an informal and relaxed environment from 7pm on Microsoft Teams.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about all things fostering.

Please book in advance so the team can send you a link to the meeting.

Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on Holiday with Smurfette, Dora, Pip and Posy, Blue from Blues Clues and You!, Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus two of your Milkshake! presenters for an all-new adventure!

Pack your bags and jump aboard the Milkshake! train as we go on an all singing, all dancing holiday together! It’s a family show not to be missed!

Are you ready to feast your senses on Bedford’s best street food?

On the last Friday of the month from March to September, the very best street food traders from across the county come together to bring happy crowds flavours from around the world.

These youth clubs run during term time, 5.30-7.30pm each week:

Kempston, Hillgrounds Road - Tuesdays

Wixams, Lakeview Village Hall  - Wednesdays

Great Denham, Community Centre - Thursdays

There are games, arts and crafts, snack, projects. A perfect way for young people to spend time with friends!

The club is for young people in school years 7 and above.

Check out the latest brochure from Bedford Corn Exchange 

Some highlights for May:

Legends of American Country Show

Bedford Sinfonia

Jaguar Skills

The Anglia Comedy All Stars

Man in the Mirror - A tribute to Michael Jackson

Sing the Musicals

21st Century Tennessee

Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra

Bamberg Beer Festival

Dinosaur Live: The Big Jurassic Storm

Milkshake Live!

Enjoy up to four hours of free parking each day at Lurke Street and Allhallows Car Park.

First two hours parking are free in Queen Street Car Park.

Up to two hours parking every Saturday in all Council-owned town centre single and multi-storey car parks.

Free parking all day every Sunday in Council-owned town centre car parks.

Don't forget that bus fares are just £3, and there are plenty of places to lock your bike in the town centre.

There's also the secure cycle shelter on the corner of the Harpur Centre, 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.