Entertainment and events

Bedford Corn Exchange

Places of interest

Bedford's main church is St Paul's Church, which is situated in St Paul’s Square in the town centre. John Bunyan and John Wesley both preached in this church. From 1941 to the end of the Second World War the BBC broadcast their daily service from St. Paul's. Another church of note is St. Peter's Church in St Peter's Street and contains some of the oldest architectural remains in Bedford.

The Cecil Higgins Gallery has collections of watercolours, prints and drawings, ceramics, glass and lace.

Situated next to the Cecil Higgins Gallery is Bedford Museum, which has local history collections.


Entertainment and events

There are a number of theatres in Bedford including the Bedford Corn Exchange, Bedford Civic Theatre and the University of Bedfordshire theatre.

There are several local live music venues including Esquires, The Angel, and The Pad which have regular bands and acts from all over the UK as well as local live music. The nightlife is lively, with a number of bars and clubs situated along the High Street. Each August in Bedford Park a popular musical event called 'Proms in the Park' is held.

An event called ‘The River Festival’ is held every two years, with the river as a focal point. The event lasts for two days and includes sports, funfairs and live music. It is the second largest regular outdoor event in the UK and is beaten in numbers only by the Notting Hill Carnival. The Bedford Regatta each May is Britain's largest one-day river rowing regatta.

For more information on Bedford, visit http://www.comearoundtobedford.co.uk.