Our top picks for July

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Saturday 15 July – Saturday 9 September

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge launches in all Bedford Borough Libraries on Saturday 15 July. The theme is Ready, Set, Read! and children aged four to eleven are encouraged to sign up in their local library and earn rewards as they read through the summer. Awards include a certificate, a glow-in-the-dark bookmark and finally, when they have read eighteen books, the much loved medal! There will also be all sorts of free craft activities for families in Bedford Central, Bromham, Kempston, Putnoe and Wootton libraries. Don’t forget children can join the challenge on the Mobile Library too! Follow Bedford Borough Libraries on Facebook and visit their website to learn about these events as they are announced.

Take to the Streets

Saturday 22 July

Discover a whole range of exciting performers as they Take to the Streets in Bedford Town Centre on Saturday 22 July with a fun day of entertainment for people of all ages.

From 11.30am by the Reflections of Bedford statue (the faces) on Silver Street enjoy Opus 18 Community Choir followed by Taeja and Elvis Veira and some soulful R&B.

From 1pm next to the Town Bridge, opposite the Market Square you’ll find Spikey Will, the Man of Danger, followed by Andrea Tweedale, Operatic Soprano.

In Harpur Square from 2.30pm you’ll be able to discover Promethidion Polish song and dance followed by the Nritham Dance Academy.

This event is being delivered as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme. Discover our exciting calendar of upcoming entertainment with Bedford Players Trust.

Creative workshops at The Higgins Bedford

Tuesday 25 July

Children can create their own Franken-Vehicles in this creative creative workshop celebrating all things travel, inspired by the Edward Bawden exhibition. There are three hour-long workshops that start at 11.15am, 12.45pm, and 2.15pm. Each costs £5 per child and must be booked in advance on the website or by calling 01234 718618. Suitable for ages 5 to 12, children must be accompanied by an adult.