Parents and carers across Bedfordshire are invited to join us for a free, informative event to help families spot the signs of child criminal exploitation, county lines activity and knife crime.
Not My Child: A parent’s guide to exploitation, knife crime and county lines returns to Luton next month, taking place on Wednesday 15 April, from 6pm to 9.15pm, at Lealands High School.
Book your place via Eventbrite Not My Child: A parent's guide to exploitation, knife crime & county lines Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 from 5:45 pm to 9:15 pm | Eventbrite
Children and young people can be targeted by criminal gangs in ways that are subtle and not always easy to recognise. Not My Child aims to give parents and carers practical, realistic advice on what to look out for, how exploitation can begin, and where to turn for support if you’re ever worried about a child in your life.
You will hear from frontline experts and people with lived experience, including:
• Ivison Trust - a national charity supporting families of children who have been exploited
• Everyone’s Gang - a local youth organisation working to prevent young people becoming involved in crime
• A policing expert who specialises in knife crime and the influence of social media on gang activity
There will also be a market stall area where you can speak directly with support services and charities, pick up resources, and find out more about the help available locally and nationally.
Exploitation can happen to anyone, and the more alert we are as communities, the best chance we have of identifying concerns early and helping to keep young people safe.
To find out about the work we are doing to tackle exploitation and county lines, visit our Lost Boys campaign page on our website Lost Boys | Bedfordshire Police
Bedford, get ready - the first big headline act for TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions 2026 has just landed. Kicking off the summer in style, we’re thrilled to announce UK reggae icons UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will return to Bedford Park on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a huge open-air show. Tickets go on general sale Friday 26th September at 10am from smmrsessions.com/bedford but fans can access presale tickets 24 hours early by signing up to the Cuffe & Taylor presale at CuffeandTaylor.com
We’re excited to announce that Miles Kane and Arkayla have been confirmed as the support acts for Paul Weller’s upcoming show at Bedford Park, Bedford.
Harpur Centre is delighted to announce its next exciting Kid’s Club event – Wonderful Wreaths – taking place on Saturday 27th September 2025, from 10am – 4pm.
If you live in the areas surrounding Bedford Railway Station, Bedford Borough Council is holding a community engagement session to continue its engagement around the updated proposals from East West Rail (EWR).
Bedford Borough Council is inviting all prospective candidates and their agents for the May 2027 election to attend a dedicated meeting aimed at ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.
The Harpur Centre is gearing up for another wild adventure as the much-loved, critter-themed FREE Kid’s Club returns on Saturday, January 10th 2026. Back for its third appearance, the Exotic Critter Kid’s Club promises even more unforgettable animal encounters for families to enjoy.
On Saturday 9th August, Milton Keynes Bowl shook to its core as Pendulum returned with what many fans are already calling one of the most explosive live shows the venue has seen in years. Known for their powerful fusion of drum & bass, rock and electronic energy, the Australian outfit turned a warm summer night into a full-blown sensory storm.
Bedford Borough Council is encouraging residents to recycle their real Christmas trees responsibly this winter, using the Borough’s free drop‑off points. Recycling trees in this way supports Bedford Borough’s efforts to keep neighbourhoods free from fly-tipping and improve the local environment.
An open invite has been issued for people of all ages to boost their mental and physical health by taking part in the 2025 Bedfordshire and Luton Wellbeing Games.
Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue are excited to announce that applications for Wholetime Firefighters will go live mid-January 2026!
Bedford Borough Council is likely to start work on a new Local Plan, to ensure it is best placed to get the maximum benefit from the expected arrival of Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Bedford’s brightest star returns to his roots for TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions 2026
Alzheimer’s Society urges people to check in on loved ones with dementia during sunny spell as they are more prone to dehydration.
As autumn leaves fall and winter draws near, Bedford Borough Council, alongside the Environment Agency, will be taking part in Flood Action Week - a national campaign running from 13 to 17 October designed to raise awareness and help communities prepare, protect, and feel confident in the face of flood risks.
Bedford Borough Council has announced a special celebration for Armed Forces Day on Sunday 29 June 2025. Residents and visitors are warmly invited to Bedford town centre for a memorable day honouring serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military charities.
A scheme which helps local people to create and run small, sustainable enterprises which aid older adults and those with disabilities has been extended.
The next Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park event will take place on Sunday 8 June from 10am to 7pm at Bedford Park, next to Bedford Pavilion.
Bedford Borough Council is inviting all residents to take part in the Bus Survey 2025. It is open now and runs until 5pm on Friday, 19 December 2025. The Council is asking for feedback on local bus services - whether residents currently use buses or not.
You can help shape the future of Bedford town centre, with passionate business owners needed to join the new Town Centre Advisory Board.