What’s On in Bedford Borough in October

What's on in Bedford Borough


Our top picks for October

There’s so much going on!


45th Bedford CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival

Bedford Corn Exchange

Wednesday 4 to Saturday 7 October

Beer FestivalDiscover a broad choice of quality real ales and real ciders.

There will be several changes from the last festival, including a new bar layout and more seating downstairs with appetising rolls and snacks from a local supplier.

Learn more

Rivercare Bedford community litter pick

Borough Hall car park

Saturday 7 October

Rivercare

We’re inviting volunteers to help us to litter pick the riverside between 10am and 12pm. There’ll also be scuba divers in the river and kayakers joining us to clear the banks.

The John Bunyan Boat will be providing refreshments onboard so it’s going to be an event bursting with community pride.

We’ll supply all the equipment so just wear suitable clothing and sturdy boots. Meet us at the back of Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP, find us by the river.

There’s free parking available on site for anyone taking part.

Learn more

Fun Palaces

The Higgins Bedford

Saturday 7 October, 11am to 4pm

The Higgins BedfordThe Higgins Fun Palace is delivering free and fun cultural activities to residents of all ages in Bedford Borough.

Meet and greet the curators of the Cultural Roots Sound System Museum, learn the art of willow weaving, discover an art workshop with local artist Fiona Wilson, The Mend Up Crew will be mending clothes and giving advice, plus there’ll be other activities on the day too!

Find out more

Markets in Bedford and Kempston

Bedford Flea in St. Paul’s Square

Affordable art and local produce market

Sunday 8 October, 10am to 3pm

Flea MarketDiscover local produce, affordable art, and a flea section.

Locally grown flowers, fresh bread, artisan food and drink, works by local artists, vintage, collectables and all the treasures. You can also enjoy Mexican street food with free live music performances.


Bedford and Kempston craft markets

Craft Market
Craft MarketGathering talented craft makers together you can explore markets with high quality crafts, arts, gifts, good food and more, both running from 10am to 4pm.

Bedford Harpur Square, Saturday 14 October.

Kempston Saxon Centre, Sunday 29 October.

All markets in Bedford and Kempston

World Mental Health Day 2023

Harpur Square, Bedford

Tuesday October 10, 11am to 3pm

World Mental Health Day 2023The Bedford Borough Council Mindful Sport Team, working with local mental health partners, is running a health and wellbeing event aimed at promoting mental health awareness and support within our community.

It’s an opportunity to talk to mental health professionals and enjoy some activities such as; table tennis, a smoothie bike, gentle yoga for all ages, social line dancing, mindful percussion and the unique experience of a sound bath.

Find out more

Bedford Borough Libraries

Half term events

Monday 23 to Friday 27 October

Bubbles the bearOur libraries have all sorts of spooky fun for families this half term with free crafts and Spooktacular Story Times.

The libraries newest team member, ‘Bubbles the bear’ will also be joining in!

Events will be added to the website soon so do keep checking what’s planned at Bedford Central, Bromham, Kempston, Putnoe and Wootton libraries.

Your local library

The Higgins Bedford

Half term events

Sunday 22 to Friday 27 October

Bugs and BeastiesA different fun family activity is planned for each day…design a bead based on family history, encounter creepy crawlies and spooky beasties, make a colour changing cauldron, dissect an owl pellet to learn about feeding habits, and spin a web to create a spider dreamcatcher.
These sessions are run by local artists, Little Science Lab, The Wildlife Trust BCN, and others.

The Sunday Crafternoon is free, all other sessions are charged and must be booked in advance…they always prove popular so please book early to avoid disappointment!

Find out more and book your place now
Spider Dreamcatchers
Wild potions
Owls and Tiny Skeletons

Philharmonia Orchestra

Bedford Corn Exchange

Wednesday 25 October, 7.30pm

Join the Philharmonia Orchestra as they open their 2023/24 season.

Philharmonia 

Conductor Ryan Bancroft takes to the stage to conduct music by his American compatriots in a concert filled with energy, joy, and mesmerising melodies.

Incredible violinist Renaud Capuçon joins the Orchestra as soloist in Barber’s Violin Concerto, in a programme closing with Copland’s Appalachian Spring: the perfect way to start the Philharmonia’s season.

Book tickets

The Magic of Motown

Bedford Corn Exchange

Saturday 28 October, 7.30pm

Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town!

Seen by over a million people, it’s no surprise that the show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history, even performing for Her Majesty the Queen, as special guests at the Royal Variety Performance.

Magic of Motown

Discover what else is happening in Bedford Borough…