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.

 Miles Kane is a razor-sharp singer-songwriter with a flair for timeless British rock. Blending punchy guitar hooks, stylish melodies, and a swagger all his own, he’s built a career that nods to classic influences while sounding effortlessly modern. Whether solo or as one half of The Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane brings charisma, attitude, and unmistakable cool to every track.

 Rising Manchester band Arkayla arrive with serious momentum, having burst onto the scene with a string of acclaimed singles and dynamic, sell-out live shows. Praised by CLASH, 1883, Earmilk, Radio X’s John Kennedy and BBC Radio London’s Gary Crowley, their sound weaves layered guitar textures with vivid, emotive lyrics. Drawing from a broad range of influences, Arkayla’s immersive, dream-leaning style marks them out as an exciting new name to watch.

Altogether, this stellar line-up promises a standout evening at Bedford Park, before the iconic Paul Weller takes to the stage for what’s sure to be a show not to be missed.

Paul Weller is returning to Bedford Park. After his sold-out show in 2022, the legendary singer songwriter has agreed to come back as the headline act for TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions. On Sunday 5th July 2026, Bedford will welcome one of British music’s most respected artists to the stage, as the town strengthens its growing reputation as a leading destination for live music.

Over the course of a career that extends back five decades, the songs of Paul Weller are woven into the tapestry of British music. His body of work stands comparison with formative heroes such as John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ray Davies – a canon that takes in a total of 28 studio albums. And while it’s tempting to dwell on past achievements – the Brit Awards, the Ivor Novellos and the number one albums (eight in total), Weller’s avowed credo leads him to view his creative past rather like a motorist might look in the rear-view mirror – foot on the pedal, in constant forward motion.

For Weller it was that modernist outlook that informed his music as far back as his earliest recordings with The Jam. The trio he formed with Bruce Foxton (bass) and Rick Buckler (drums) achieved instant success with their 1977 debut single In The City. The album with which it shared its title has come to be regarded alongside Never Mind The Bollocks and London Calling as one of the musical lodestones of the punk era.

After dissolving The Jam at the peak of their powers, Weller – still only 22 – swiftly re-emerged alongside keyboard player Mick Talbot in The Style Council. The duo’s lineup would expand to take in drummer Steve White and vocalist Dee C. Lee, resulting in a string of hits that included Shout To The Top and My Ever Changing Moods – songs that Weller regularly plays to this day.

As a solo artist, Weller forged his own path with acclaimed albums including Wild Wood and Stanley Road, which helped shape a new era of British guitar music. His creative restlessness has continued into the 21st century with records like 22 Dreams, On Sunset, and his latest album 66 (2024) — a vibrant, life-affirming work that reaffirms his enduring influence and commitment to artistic progression.

For all of that, the thing that gets Paul Weller out of bed is the promise of what’s next, be it another electrifying live show tracing a line through the ever-changing moods of his canon or another day in his Black Barn studio. Every new song is a chisel-strike into a stone which will eventually sculpt a self portrait. A self-portrait that will only be finished when he has written his final piece of music. And between this moment and that one, there’s everything to play for.

Get ready to welcome ‘The Modfather’ himself back to Bedford Park. For those who were there in 2022, you’ll know why this is a night not to be missed - and if you missed him last time, now’s your moment to see one of the true greats live.

Tickets are on sale now. Available at https://www.smmrsessions.com/locations/bedford