A member of the team will be in the Bedford Borough What's On, Visitor Information Centre, on Silver Street on the first and third Wednesday of each month, 11.30am-1.30pm.

Pop in and learn about the work the team does, the importance of partnership working, and ways you can report concerns.

Have your say

Children from six local primary schools, and The Place Programme, have spent the past few months growing produce from seed with support from expert gardeners as part of Young Marketers.

Children harvest and sell their produce to shoppers, putting their new gardening, teamwork and marketing skills into practice while learning more about where food comes from.

Visitors to Bedford Charter Market can expect to find the children selling a colourful selection of seasonal produce, such as broad beans, globe artichokes, herbs, peas, radishes, salad and strawberries.

Find the stall on the square, midday-2pm.

Founded in 1876 by Charles Wells, the business began at Horne Lane Brewery, brewing beers and growing a thriving pub estate.

In 2019, it moved to Brewpoint and rebranded as Wells & Co., marking an exciting new chapter.

Visit the display and discover more about their 150-year journey.

Horne Lane Brewery © Wells & Co

A chance for families with children five and under to get creative, have fun, and socialise!

It’s a free drop-in activity, so no need to book. Just pop in any time between 10.30am-12pm and 1-2.30pm and stay for as long as you like.

Please be aware that some activities might not be suitable for children under 36 months and that all children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and join in the fun!

All activities are subject to availability, if the room is getting a bit full, we might ask you to wait until there is space.

The Bedford African Community Event is giving a vibrant celebration of African culture, food, music and community!

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with family and friends, featuring live performances, traditional dishes, cultural showcases and much more, 1-6pm.

There'll be traditional songs, drums and dance, storytelling for adults, stalls, African food and drink.

Fairground, stalls, food and drink, live entertainment, DJ, and a sponsored firework display.

Starting at midday, it's free entry, and the fun continues through to 10pm.

Dogs allowed on lead, no glass or alcohol to be brought on site. No under-16s unless accompanied by an adult.

Children aged 5-12 years old can enjoy a fun hands-on introduction to coding, logic and creativity through games and stories in these hour-long afternoon sessions.

Places are limited, so booking is essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and adults do not need to book a place.

Celebrate the richness of later life at the Later Life Festival - a day dedicated to wellbeing, connection, and community, 11am-2pm.

Discover helpful information, inspiring talks, local services, and enjoyable activities designed to support healthy, active, and fulfilling living.

Join us to connect, learn and celebrate this vibrant stage of life together.

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 questions, 2-4pm.

Please book your place in advance by emailing thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk

A drop in event, 10am-1pm, for anyone interested in archives, local history or genealogy and would like to ask us any questions.

Come and have a chat about how we can help with your research or family documents.

Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art, Victoria Partridge, for this marmalade cat-filled talk about the wonderful art of Kathleen Hale, part of the Noel Carrington exhibition.

It last an hour, starting at 11.30am and booking is essential. Tickets are £7.75 per person, and £6.20 for concessions.

Orlando A Trip Abroad, 1939 © The Estate of Kathleen Hale

These monthly Saturday craft markets have different local craft traders and a free workshop/performance every second Saturday on Silver Square and 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 high-quality and original crafts that showcase our local crafters’ passion and expertise.

Join the Summer Reading Challenge at Bedford Borough Libraries, running throughout the summer to Saturday, 5 September.

This year’s theme, ‘Read To The Beat’, invites children to embark on a free, imaginative reading adventure uniting the magic of stories with the power of music.

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to stay engaged with books by earning rewards as they read, such as a certificate and a medal.

There are also free crafts and activities in our libraries throughout the summer!

Children can enjoy this immersive story-reading experience at 2.30pm, which uses resources such as puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and please be aware that space in the gallery is limited and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The session is free, and there's no need to book, ideal for ages up to 7.

With recent heatwaves breaking records, what does the latest climate and nature science mean for Bedford Borough, and for our everyday lives? For you, for your children, our communities, and the nation? 

Parents for Future Bedfordshire have organised a free community screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, a powerful new film bringing together nine of the UK’s leading scientists and experts to explain the latest evidence, why it matters, and what it could mean for all of us.

Admission is free, but it will be useful to know the number planning to attend, so please book in advance.

Doors open 6.30 with a 7pm start    

Hidden in secret drawers inside the Edward Bawden Gallery are hundreds of prints, drawings and ephemera.

Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art for a delve through some of them.

The session is a perfect opportunity to see well-known works, as well as pieces that have never been on display before.

Please book in advance.

Visitors can enjoy the grand parades of cabin cruisers and narrowboats, the illuminated boat parade on Saturday evening, the Dragon Boat Races on Saturday and the Raft Races on Sunday, alongside a busy water sports arena with activities including paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking.

At Mill Meadows, visitors can enjoy a lively hub of activity with the Community Stage, showcasing local music, dance, storytelling, poetry, visual art and crafts across the weekend.

The area will also feature trade and promotional stalls, food options, river viewing spots and family-friendly creative activities, making it a great place to stop, explore and enjoy Bedford’s local talent.

Throughout Saturday evening, visitors can look forward to a real festival atmosphere as the river comes alive with the illuminated boat parade on Saturday night, along with music, entertainment and a packed schedule of activities into the evening.

It’s one of the highlights of the weekend and a great way to experience the festival after dark.

For the music stages, there’s a full weekend of live entertainment across Bedford River Festival.

The Main Stage at Russell Park will feature a mix of local and touring acts, while the BBC Music Introducing Stage on The Embankment will showcase emerging talent from the region.

Harpur Square will host the Music Service Stage with Bedford Music Hub and local schools, and Mill Meadows will offer community performances from Bedfordshire groups and artists.

Head to the Sports Island, over the Butterfly Bridge, to discover some fantastic activities with Better. Better manage the leisure centres in Bedford Borough, and they're giving you a taste of some of the sessions they offer all year round.

Enjoy Yoga with Mo on Saturday 10-10.45am. Mo will take you through a gentle yet effective yoga class that focuses on mindful movement, controlled breathing, and full-body awareness. Drawing from practices like Ashtanga Yoga and Yin Yoga, this session helps release tension, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. Ideal for both beginners and experienced participants.

On Sunday, 11-11.45am, join the group exercise. Join the amazing Better instructors for a dynamic and energising fitness class that combines strength, cardio, and fun all in one session, featuring Legs, Bums and Tums, Body Combat, Zumba, and Pilates. Come along, get involved, and experience the energy of the festival with Better.

This free drop-in event is suitable for children aged 6-9 and features four mini activities for children and their parent/carers to collaborate and create using LEGO bricks.

No booking required and the event is free, if the room is busy please wait a short time until there is space. 

These LEGO Build & Talk events help families spark playful conversations around gaming and wellbeing. 

As part of the annual Council for British Archaeology Festival, we are hosting a free crafting session inspired by the medieval kiln display and our proximity to the former Bedford Castle.

Families can have a go at creating a heraldic shield design, make your own small clay pot, brass rubbing or calligraphy to produce your own illuminated letter in a medieval style.

This drop-in session runs 12-3pm and is suitable for children aged 5-12 years old.

Looking to try something new, get active, or return to hockey after some time away? Bedford Hockey Club is welcoming players of all abilities to its upcoming Back to Hockey Sessions this summer.

Designed for beginners and returning players alike, the sessions provide a fun, friendly, and supportive environment where participants can build confidence, improve fitness, and meet new people. No previous hockey experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome.

The sessions are open to anyone aged 13 and over, are £5 each, and will take place on 22 & 29 July, and 5 & 12 August at Bedford Hockey Club, Chester Road, Bedford, MK40 4HL.

For more information or to register interest, contact Taryn da Silva via WhatsApp or phone on 07483 866346

Meet Gilroy Gregory at the this free drop-in event, as well as an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book, 11.30am-1pm.

Gilroy will be reading extracts of his book and answering questions about the exhibition in person in the gallery, come and join us.

Rides and inflatables for children.

Pay for a wristband and enjoy unlimited rides during your session

Families can create a tiny garden to take home, perfect for fairies and elves to live in.

Join one of three hour-long workshops through the day, tickets are £6.05 per child and the activity is suitable for ages 5-12 years old - please book in advance.

Explore the archaeology of Bedford Castle and how it has informed our understanding about the medieval fortress that once dominated the town.

The talk runs 11.15am-12.15pm, and there's also an optional 30-minute walk outside in the Castle Gardens

Tickets must be booked in advance and are £7.75 per person, concessions £6.20.

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.  

After the success of our first Archaeology Detectives, we have added more hands-on activities whilst retaining the pot reconstruction and the excavation pit.  

There are three workshops throughout the day suitable for children aged 5-12.

Please book your children's place in advance, tickets are £3.90 per child.

Families with children aged 5-12 can have great fun watching wool turn into felt.

Create a self-portrait using the wet felting process.

There are three workshops throughout the day, please book your space in advance. Tickets are £6.05 per child.

Looking to try something new, get active, or return to hockey after some time away? Bedford Hockey Club is welcoming players of all abilities to its upcoming Back to Hockey Sessions this summer.

Designed for beginners and returning players alike, the sessions provide a fun, friendly, and supportive environment where participants can build confidence, improve fitness, and meet new people. No previous hockey experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome.

The sessions are open to anyone aged 13 and over, are £5 each, further sessions run 5 & 12 August at Bedford Hockey Club, Chester Road, Bedford, MK40 4HL.

For more information or to register interest, contact Taryn da Silva via WhatsApp or phone on 07483 866346

Have a go at plasticine printing. 

Be guided by artist Katie Allen to press plasticine into a range of textured surfaces like shells, leaves, Lego bricks and then make a series of prints.   

There are three workshops throughout the day, please book your space in advance. Tickets are £6.05 per child.

Families are invited to come along to our libraries to enjoy a free crafts, such as making your own guitar or carousel.

There will also be activities such as Lego club, Kids club and Story Times.

Step into the world of John Bunyan when you visit this 15th-century timber-framed market hall, set on the village green in the centre of the delightful village of Elstow.

Originally built to serve Elstow Abbey as a market house, Moot Hall features beautiful period furniture and has exhibits illustrating the life and traditions of 17th-century England.

It's open to visitors each Saturday from April to the end of October, 1-4pm and Bank Holiday Mondays, 1-4pm.

If the curator is available, they may open the Hall on request, see details on the noticeboard on Elstow Green.

Admission is free but, if you enjoy your visit, please leave a donation (suggested minimum donation of £4 per person).

People in Bedford Borough donate garden tools, kitchen appliances, home tools, just about anything to the library that they’ve decided they don’t use very often, don’t have the space for, or just don’t want anymore.

They first check they are in good working condition and are safe (PAT testing where applicable), then add these to the online library, and lend them to members.

Find the team every Wednesday 12-2pm and Saturday 10am-12pm. Their home is on the second floor of Bedford Central Library. They welcome visitors, even if you just want to come in for a chat!

The Bedford Repair Cafe is a pop-up community repair cafe run by volunteers.

Bring broken household items - like electronics, clothing, bicycles and furniture to be fixed for free.

Stay active and social with our Senior Badminton drop-in sessions.

Pre-book online or pay at reception!

Every Monday 11am-12pm, every Tuesday 9:30-10:30am, every Wednesday 10am-11am. Sessions are £6.15 per person.

Celebrate with football, fun and friends out on the grass football pitch or in the sports hall.

Your party includes use of the indoor sports hall or a grass football pitch for 1 hour, followed by use of a designated party area for 45 minutes, along with the selfie station for capturing some special memories.

You can choose to have a party host who will check in at set points during your booking and lead organised football games, alongside time for free play. Alternatively, you may run the session independently. 

You can also choose to have your party catered or bring your own food and cater it yourself.

Moot Hall is now open for the 2026 season every Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday, 1pm to 4pm.

Step into the world of John Bunyan when you visit this 15th-century timber-framed market hall, set on the village green in the centre of the delightful village of Elstow.

Originally built to serve Elstow Abbey as a market house, Moot Hall features beautiful period furniture and has exhibits illustrating the life and traditions of 17th-century England.

It is also possible to arrange a visit, by appointment, by emailing moot.hall@bedford.gov.uk 

Stay active and social with these senior drop-in sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Enjoy badminton, pickleball, short tennis and table tennis at your own pace!

Pickleball and Short Tennis - £4, Table Tennis - £4.20 , Badminton - £6.15 (Discounted rates of up to 30% for Leisure Card holders)