WHAT'S ON

Tickets £3.95 per person, concessions £3.35 - Booking Essential. Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art for a lunchtime tour of some of the highlights of the exhibition.

www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Book_Online/Book_Online.aspx

Come along and support your local crafters.

Market Square, Ampthill MK45 2EH

View and purchase original and unique artwork by local professional and amateur artists. Opportunity to speak with artists at work.

Refreshments and homemade cake. FREE ENTRY. New members always welcome to join the group.

www.stneotsartgroup.com

Roxton Village Hall, High Street, Roxton, MK44 3EB

SATURDAY 11 TO SATURDAY 18 APRIL

Michelle’s artwork uses subtle texture and muted tones with splashes of colour to give the feeling of a time and place. Her work has ethereal qualities and is unstructured, using layers, stencils and mark making to add interest.

FRIDAY 20 APRIL – THURSDAY 14 MAY

General Exhibition of work by all gallery members.

Open Monday-Saturday 10.30-5pm; Sunday 11-3pm. Closed on Bank Holidays and on 10 & 19 April for exhibition changeovers.

The Eagle Gallery, 20 St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2NN

David Johnson will be demonstrating how to paint forest light in acrylics

Log onto our website at www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for further information.

Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB

9am till 12 noon Years 5 & 6

1pm till 4pm Years 7 & 11

Flitwick Youth hub (The Hub), Dunstable Rd, Bedford MK45 1HP

A new exhibition of original work by local artists and makers.

20 St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2NN

An exciting range of art by local artists.

The Basement at Bunyan, Bunyan Meeting Church, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU

Join us for The Big Bedford Swish, an evening of sustainable style in support of the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association (PSPA). For those not in the know, a swish is a clothes swap – you donate quality items you no longer wear and exchange them for something new-to-you.

For more info visit Eventbrite - The Big Bedford Swish in aid of PSPA

Bedford Greenacre Independent School,

Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7FZ

All veterans welcome.

Bedford North End Club, 60 Roff Ave, Bedford MK41 7TW

Free help and repairs from local volunteers. Electricals, clothes, DIY, bikes, gardening and toys. Hub Club café will be open for drinks, cakes and snacks.

Project 229, 227-229 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8DA

This year’s event will feature a range of new stalls and activities including crazy golf, a coconut shy, nerf target shooting, a mobile bar and inflatable sumo wrestling. Visitors can also enjoy returning favourites such as face painting, inflatables, animal petting, festival glitter, a magic show, Tappy Toes, food vans, craft stalls and a large second-hand sale, along with plenty more attractions for all ages.

Marston Moreteyne Community Centre, Great Linns, Marston Moretaine MK43 0DD

Monthly meeting. All veterans welcome to attend.

Horse and Groom, High Street, Clapham MK41 6EQ

Entry £6. Includes tea, sandwiches, home-made cake and friendship.

For information call Myriam on 07590 558275

Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP

Parkside Hall needs new trustees and volunteers to keep the hall running, all interested are welcome to attend.

Parkside Community Hall, Woburn Street, Ampthill MK45 2HX, (Meeting Room 2, please use the rear meeting room door)

Ukrainian Easter Traditions

Join us to explore the Easter heritage behind the Ukrainian objects displayed before this exhibition finishes and share your own Easter traditions.

Free Entry, Refreshments £1, No Need to Book

The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

Talk: A Healthy Interest Two of our retired medical and nursing members will be sharing some of their memories, collection of memorablilia, experience oof healthcare over the decades and their other local interests.

Members free; Visitors Welcome £6.00 (Cash only)

St Andrew’s Church, Ampthill MK45 2EW

In partnership with ‘castle comedy’. Tickets £15*, booking fee applies. Over 18’s only. Licensed Bar.

With performances by Lee Hurst, Olaf Falafel, Michael Akadiri and Paul Revill.

Tickets can be booked via therufuscentre, Ticketsolve.com

The Rufus Centre, Flitwick MK45 1AH

A chance for men suffering with anxiety, depression and grief to talk with other fellow sufferers.

The Wingfield Club, 37 Church Street, Ampthill MK45 2PL

Easter Hunt. Craft Activities. Refreshments. Face Painting and Face Glitter. Second-Hand Sale.

Marston Moreteyne VC School, Forest End Site, Great Linns, Marston Moretaine MK43 0DD

Monthly meeting.

All veterans welcome to attend. Horse and Groom, High Street, Clapham MK41 6EQ

Join us for an evening of style & discover the stunning clothing, jewellery, and accessories from Pure Heart Boutique showcased in a fabulous fashion show that will leave you inspired.

Tickets £10 (includes a glass of fizz & nibbles) available from Val 07971 866829

Melchbournevht@gmail.com or Pure Heart Boutique, Milton Ernest Garden Centre.

Melchbourne Village Hall, Park Road, Melchbourne MK44 1BB

Entry £6. Includes tea, sandwiches, home-made cake and friendship.

For information call Myriam on 07590 558275

Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP

All veterans welcome.

Bedford North End Club, 60 Roff Ave, Bedford MK41 7TW

Come and join a community litter pick and help tidy the river banks and surrounding areas.

Meeting point is St Marys Garden, next to Town Bridge and behind Bedford College

Free car parking is available for all volunteers in the Borough Hall car park. All equipment is supplied, but please wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. For more information, email volunteering@bedford.gov.uk

Children can get creative this Easter at the Forest Centre with a fun craft session on 10 April. Young crafters will decorate their own wooden stand-up bunny using a range of craft materials and take their creation home.

Tickets are £4 per participating child. www.marstonvale.org/Event/easter-kids-crafts-10th-april-2026

The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR

Enjoy a magical Easter treat as award-winning magician Krisgar returns with his popular magic and puppet show. Featuring interactive tricks, comedy and plenty of audience participation with his cheeky sidekick Tricky Teddy, it’s fun for all ages, with tickets priced at £6.50.

The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR

Wootton Village Hall, Church Rd, Wootton MK43 9EU.

Easter Bunny arrives in true Shuttleworth style - by aircraft! With a range of activities from face painting to garden games, children’s rides and magic shows as well as an egg hunt in Shuttleworth’s Swiss Garden.

Enquiries@shuttleworth.org or visit www.shuttleworth.org/events

Event price: £17.50 (adult) £15.00 (member) £12.50 (child)

Shuttleworth, Alder Drive Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9DT

Comedy show suitable for ages 4 – 11 years old, duration approximately 60 minutes

Tickets Adult £12*, Children £10*, Family tickets £40* (covering 2x adults, 2x children). £1 booking fee applies*. Tickets can be booked via therufuscentre,Ticketsolve.com

The Rufus Centre, Flitwick MK45 1AH

Adults must stay accompanied.

Flitwick Wood, Tennyson Road Entrance

Families can enjoy an at Millennium Country Park on 2 April. Children can follow a fun trail around the Forest Centre gardens, searching for hidden bunnies and helping return the Easter eggs before the Bunny’s big party. Complete the trail sheet to receive a certificate and small prize.

Tickets are priced per child. www.marstonvale.org/Pages/Events/Category/events-whats-on

Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, MK43 0PR

Come along and visit a wide variety of different craft stalls, an Easter egg hunt for the under 12’s. Free activity table for the children, raffle, tombola, guess the number of eggs in the jar, name the bunny. Or just take a break with a refreshment and delicious cake. Free entry

Shortstown Village Hall, Southcote, MK42 0QL

£3 on the door. EARLY BIRD ENTRY £6 9am, avoid the crowds!

For more information, fast track advance tickets visit www.vip-24.com/venues/bedford

The Harpur Suite, 3 Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40 1LE

Come and find a bargain! Entry £1

Chapter House, St Andrew’s, Ampthill MK45 2EW

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of music at our monthly organ concerts, held on the last Sunday of each month from April to September. The first concert of the season welcomes back guest organist David Williams, a talented and well-known local performer who will present an enjoyable programme. Entry is free, with donations welcomed to help maintain the organ. Refreshments will be available. All are warmly invited to attend. The Church will be open from 2.15pm.

St Lawrence’s Church, Church End, Willington MK44 3PX

Vocals, popular, jazz, sing-along. £5 entry (children free)

Bletsoe Village Hall, Memorial Lane, Bletsoe MK44 1QX

Enjoy an evening of classical music performed by Element Strings in the elegant surroundings of Shuttleworth House. £35.00 per person

Enquiries@shuttleworth.org

More information on our upcoming events www.shuttleworth.org/events

Shuttleworth, Alder Drive Biggleswade SG18 9DT

We’ll be throwing a party to celebrate Record Store Day with brilliant super limited records, those legends Roll Your Own Records on the decks and damn good vibes. So whether you are an early bird queuer or leisurely browser come and celebrate, we’d love to see you.

www.sliderecordshop.com/pages/record-store-day-2026

9 The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS

Motets by J S Bach and works celebrating the 400th anniversary of John Dowland and the 450th anniversary of Thomas Weelkes. Conductor Gary Mudd.

Tickets £10 at the door in aid of church funds.

St Peter de Merton Church, De Parys Ave, Bedford MK40 2TX

Shuttleworth House are bringing you all the ABBA hits you know and love lined up for a fantastic tribute night, as well a Mediterranean style meal, themed cocktails and a photo-op backdrop opportunity. £64.00 per person (adult only)

Enquiries@shuttleworth.org or visit www.shuttleworth.org/events

Shuttleworth, Alder Drive Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9DT

A weekend celebrating the best of independent cinema, designed for Bedford’s film enthusiasts, along with filmmakers, cast and crew.

The weekend kicks off on Friday night with the Opening Ceremony - all about Bedford! Doors open from 6pm with a welcome drink, networking and music from Soundscape & Downtempo Jazz DJ Richard Compton. Screenings begin at 8pm to celebrate some of the ‘Best of Bedford’ short films, with a few words from the filmmakers.

Tickets quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873666740

The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, 26 St Peter’s Street, Bedford, MK40 2NN

THURSDAY 9 APRIL

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey – Film

THURSDAY 16 APRIL

All My Sons – Theatre

TUESDAY 21 APRIL

The Magic Flute RBO – Opera

For tickets and timings Phone: 01234 824571

Email: stevecole@stevingtoncinemaclub.uk

Stevington Village Hall. Court Lane, Stevington MK43 7QT

Tickets from £10.95*, booking fee applies.

Multiple screening dates and times available.

Tickets can be booked via therufuscentre, Ticketsolve.com

The Rufus Centre, Flitwick MK45 1AH

TUESDAY 7 APRIL 7.30PM

Sarah Flynn on The Neiger Brothers and Egyptian Revival Jewellery

St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Road

TUESDAY 21ST APRIL 7.30PM

Dr Helen Langdon on Salvator Rosa

St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Road

TUESDAY 28TH APRIL 7.30PM

Jane Ewart on An American Aristocrat and His Remarkable Collection of English Silver: Lord Fairhaven’s silver at Anglesey Abbey

Venue to be confirmed. For more information visit

www.friendsofthehiggins.org/events-and-lectures

One of the most powerful choral masterpieces ever written, Verdi’s Requiem is often described as an opera in all but name. Whether you know Verdi’s operas or not, come and experience the full force of this highly charged emotional music! There is so much to enjoy: the thunderous and electrifying Dies Irae, which you may recognise from film scores; the lush and operatic solo quartets; the piteous Lacrymosa; and the luminous simplicity of the Agnus Dei. This music will take you on a journey from loss, terror and turmoil to hope and peace. Something that may chime with us all in these troublesome times. Our choir of over a hundred voices is conducted by Ian Smith and accompanied by Bedford Sinfonia.

Tickets: £20 & £17 (£1 less for concessions). Students £5 and one accompanying adult £5. Includes a free programme. Available from: tickets@bedfordchoralsociety.org.uk or wegottickets.com/BedfordChoralSociety or the Box Office, Bedford Tel: 01234 718044

bedfordchoralsociety.org.uk/

Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL

With Live Band ‘Kelly’s Eye’.

Includes Cilli Con Carne.

Tickets £15 from Harrold Post Office or ticketsource.co.uk/harroldcentre

Stevington Village Hall, Court Lane, Stevington MK43 7QT

Join Paul Barwick for a fascinating talk on Eddie Chapman, the notorious criminal who became the double agent known as “Agent Zigzag.” After offering his services to Nazi Germany during the Second World War, Chapman returned to Britain, turned himself in to MI5 and worked as a double agent for the Allies. This remarkable true story reveals one of the most unusual episodes in British espionage history.

Visitors £5. Friends of the Cemetery Free fosterhillroadcemetery.co.uk/event/eddie-chapman-the-life-and-crimes-of-double-agent-zigzag/

Free refreshments available afterwards. Donations welcome.

The Chapel, Foster HIll Road, Bedford MK41 7TD

Walk: Secret Ampthill with any town of the age of Ampthill there are going to be those interesting little features that you probably walk past every day and never notice. This walk explores the town and highlights the hidden gems and why they are there. Member £5.00 Visitors £10 Booking essential. Contact membership@adps.org.uk

Dr Iain Boulton from Lambeth Council will talk about wetland creation and restoration in the UK’s biggest city. All facilities at ground level, parking on site.

Everyone welcome, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance: Adults £3 (cash only), Under 18’s FREE. More info: group.rspb.org.uk/bedford/

Biddenham Village Hall, Nodders Way, Biddenham, Bedford MK40 4BJ

Free walks, approx 3 miles. No need to book. 10.00am start unless otherwise noted.

10 April: West car park. Ampthill Park. MK45 2HX.

24 April: George Inn. Maulden MK45 2DF.

mikef@bedsrcc.org.uk

Join our expert volunteer birders for a three-hour birdwatching walk this April at Millennium Country Park and Wetlands Nature Reserve. Discover the sights and sounds of spring as migratory birds return for the breeding season. Look out for warblers including Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat, and listen for the unmistakable calls of the Nightingale and Cuckoo as summer begins to arrive. Bring your own binoculars if you have them. Parking charges will apply.

If you have any questions about this event please call 01234 767037 or email us at info@marstonvale.org.

www.marstonvale.org/Event/spring-migrants-bird-walk-4th-april-2026

Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, MK43 0PR

Please note change of start time for afternoon walks – Spring walks start 13:30. Morning walks start at 10am

Come and join us for a walk. We walk every Saturday afternoon approx. 6 miles and Saturdays twice a month in morning for approx. 12 miles

Or try our “Ramble” on first Saturday morning each month – slightly shorter, slower pace

April Walks

4th am “Ramble”, Riseley, 4.5 miles, pm Milton Ernest 6 miles birthday walk no 4

11th am Harrold, 12.5 miles, pm Roxton, 7.5 miles

18th am London Walk “Unlock Churches”, 7.5 miles, pm Old Warden, 7 miles

25th am Sharnbrook 13 miles, pm Great Denham, 6 miles,

Contact; Margaret Sawyer 07780933729 Facebook; North Beds Ramblers

www.ramblers.org.uk/north-bedfordshire

‘Churchyards, Cemeteries and the Victorians – Black Feathers to Black Underwear’

Kevin Varty is a regular and very popular speaker and this talk will definitely not fail to amuse and enlighten. The Victorians had an obsession with death which is difficult for us to understand. This illustrated talk shows how overcrowded churchyards led to changes in the Burial Acts, the subsequent growth of private cemeteries and how Victoria’s own private grief influenced the whole nation. The talk covers all aspects of mourning, funerals and even explains the correct use of “Dr Winn’s Black and Blue Reviver”. There will be examples of Victorian jewellery on display as well as some more unusual mourning items, mostly black!

Refreshments will be available after the talk. These are free, but a small contribution to the Friends is always welcome. This talk is free to Friends of the Cemetery. £5 Visitors.

Register here www.fosterhillroadcemetery.co.uk/event/churchyards-cemeteries-and-the-victorians-black-feathers-to-black-underwear/

Foster Hill Road Cemetery, Foster Hill Road, Bedford, MK41 7TD

A magical gathering to celebrate renewal, creativity, and the bloom of spring.”

A family friendly day out with alternative & magical traders. Craft tables for the children. FREE entry. Delicious food & drink plus more!

The Harpur Suite, Harpur St, Bedford MK40 1TP

The best independent makers, collectors, designers, and creatives from your area.

With a wide selection of products, including ceramics, illustrations, candles, jewellery, vintage collections, and more.

£2.50 Entry Under 12’s – FREE (no need for a ticket). Pre-booked tickets will ensure priority entry to the event.

Tickets from Eventbrite - Bedford’s Craft & Flea Makers Market

Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL

A magical gathering to celebrate renewal, creativity, and the bloom of spring.”

A family friendly day out with alternative & magical traders. Craft tables for the children. FREE entry. Delicious food & drink plus more!

The Harpur Suite, Harpur St, Bedford MK40 1TP

The best independent makers, collectors, designers, and creatives from your area.

With a wide selection of products, including ceramics, illustrations, candles, jewellery, vintage collections, and more.

£2.50 Entry Under 12’s – FREE (no need for a ticket). Pre-booked tickets will ensure priority entry to the event.

Tickets from Eventbrite - Bedford’s Craft & Flea Makers Market

Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL