A Death Café is an informal gathering of people (often strangers) to talk about death over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The topic of discussion is generated by the group and there is no agenda, objective or prescribed theme. A Death Café is an open, accessible and confidential space for those interested in talking about anything in relation to death.

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Death Cafe

The Place Bedford

We’re very excited to be bringing The Magic Numbers back to Esquires for the first time since their s*ld out show in 2018!

The Magic Numbers

Jasmine Therapy Centre

After the brilliant ‘3.5’ edition with English Teacher this year, we thought we better bring back another Ceremony, because why wait until the Summer for festivals – why indeed? Early February it is then!

Ceremony 4.5 – A new music alldayer

Discover a day dedicated to your health and happiness, wellness companies, expert information and a vibrant community. Explore holistic approaches to enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Come, recharge, and find your path to a balanced life!
Whether you want to find a new hobby, understand more about holistic therapies or find a local class, this is the place for you!

Wellbeing Fair

Two estranged sisters meet after twenty years. In a remote cottage over a single night they bury the hatchet. As their dying father lies in the room next door they’re forced to confront who they were and who they’ve become. When the only person they have left in common disappears, is their relationship worth saving?

This darkly comic tale examines how a sibling can be both your best friend and your worst enemy. And asks the question: how can you forgive the past when you can’t even agree what it looks like?

Roll up, roll up. . . a scintillating night out of sparkling entertainment – the UK’s longest running burlesque show – is back touring the nation. And, it’s bigger than ever.

Join us for the good old-fashioned night out as we bring you the ultimate variety show, blending stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque to light up all your senses.

An Evening of Burlesque 2025

Bedford Corn Exchange

On Saturday 8th February we welcome back one of the UK’s finest AC/DC Tribute Bands back to Bedford Esquires. Whole Lotta DC are an authentic representation of AC/DC, a thundering rhythm section, the unmistakable vocals & charisma of Brian and Angus’s searing lead work and naughty-boy antics recreate a live AC/DC show in stunning fashion.

WHOLE LOTTA DC! (The Ultimate AC/DC Tribute)

Norman wants to go on an adventure to impress his friends, so when two famous animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, he decides to follow them into the mountains. But when Norman discovers a rare red squirrel, one of the explorers decides to take the glory for themselves, leaving Norman stranded in a cave. Now it’s up to Fireman Sam to save the day and ensure everyone is safe on their camping adventure!

Fireman Sam The Great Camping Adventure

North Bedford and Milton Keynes Poetry Stanza is a monthly group that meets to discuss their poetry, to learn together, develop their skills and approaches. It’s open to all adults. It’s a workshop format with occasional guests to support a themed session and is linked to the Poetry Society.

North Bedford and Milton Keynes Poetry Stanza

Since arriving on the tribute scene back in 2019, Moments Of Pleasure have rapidly emerged as one of the most acclaimed tribute bands in the UK.

Moments of Pleasure: The Music of Kate Bush

Money for Nothing was formed in 2000 as a tribute to one of the world’s premier rock bands – Dire Straits. The abundant energy and the excellence and musicality of their performance makes Money For Nothing a “must see” for any rock enthusiast or Dire Straits fan. The line-up features top-class and experienced musicians that make this band a worthy tribute to Dire Straits. The band have studied Dire Straits in great depth to re-create their tribute to be as close as possible to the real thing and a respectful tribute to their idol and guitar legend.

Money for nothing

We are very pleased to be bringing She Drew The Gun back to Esquires for the first time since their sold out show in 2019!

SHE DREW THE GUN + Guests

A feast of THE finest House & Garage, Ibiza Anthems, Trance & Old Skool Classics from the 90’s.

Good Times presents ‘The Classics’

Marvel! As I offer new insights into the hot topics of the day such as the demise of the SCART lead, The Culture Wars, the differences between crab sticks and rhubarb and the origins of Tirimisu! 

HARRY HILL: New Bits & Greatest Hits

The people have spoken! Not only do we have a new Government, but by popular demand The Pub Landlord is back for another round of Guv Island, with some freshly brewed material on the menu.

“Country, the UK, lost its way, seeks life partner/mentor/inspiration. Good sense of humour essential. No timewasters, tedious show-offs or offend-o-trons need apply. HR free zone.”

Al Murray

Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5 would make it into many listeners’ top ten. It begins with a whisper from horns and timpani, which spreads through the woodwind section in a glorious evocation of sunrise. The second movement is a set of variations on a simple, wistful theme. Then comes the moment Sibelius fans have been waiting for – the magnificent ‘swan’ theme of the finale, with its jubilant horn chords and sweeping strings. Sibelius wrote it after witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of 16 swans in flight: “One of the great experiences of my life! God, how beautiful,” he wrote in his diary.

Philharmonia Concert

Join us at the Bedford Corn Exchange for an unforgettable evening of classical music as Osmo Vänskä conducts Mendelssohn, featuring the talented Mao Fujita on piano. This special concert, taking place on Friday, 21 March 2025, at 7:30 pm, promises to be a highlight of the musical calendar.

**Event Details:**
- **Date:** Friday, 21 March 2025
- **Time:** 7:30 pm
- **Location:** Bedford Corn Exchange, 13 St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL
- **Tickets:** £15 - £40
- **Priority Booking:** Available for Friends of the Philharmonia. General booking opens at 10 am on Tuesday, 23 April.

**Program Highlights:**
- **Missy Mazzoli:** These Worlds In Us
- **W.A. Mozart:** Piano Concerto No. 25, K. 503, featuring Mao Fujita
- **Felix Mendelssohn:** Symphony No. 5, 'Reformation'

The evening will commence with Missy Mazzoli's poignant "These Worlds In Us," a piece dedicated to her father and reflecting on themes of memory, grief, and love. Following this, the young and exceptionally talented pianist Mao Fujita will take the stage to perform Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 25, a masterpiece of the Classical period celebrated for its beauty and complexity.

After the interval, the orchestra will present Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5, 'Reformation.' This rarely performed symphony, never published during Mendelssohn's lifetime, is a profound celebration of the Protestant Reformation, rich in religious allusions and warming melodies.

**Additional Information:**
- **Running Time:** 1 hour 40 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
- **Recommended Age:** From 7 years
- **Programme Notes:** Free printed programmes available at the venue. Digital programme notes will be accessible a week before the concert.
- **Box Office:** Philharmonia Box Office: 0800 652 6717 (Monday to Friday, 10 am - 5 pm)

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the brilliance of Osmo Vänskä, Mao Fujita, and the Mendelssohn Philharmonia in the beautiful setting of the Bedford Corn Exchange. Secure your tickets early to ensure the best seats for an evening of exquisite music and unforgettable performances.

Bedford: Osmo Vänskä conducts Mendelssohn

The nation’s favourite psychic is back on tour! Sally has been wowing theatre audiences young and old around the world for over 12 years. Her show will have you on the edge of your seat, as she continues to bring mediumship into the 21st century. Whether you know her from her hit TV series, through watching her on Celebrity Big Brother or reading one of her best-selling books, there is nothing quite like seeing Sally live on stage.

Psychic Sally

We’re super excited to have space-ravers, HENGE land back at Esquires next March as part of an extensive tour of our solar system. Last seen in town battling the council noise pollution overlords on The River Festival main stage, now is your chance to come and see a proper Henge show in all its glory!

HENGE

The Persian Comedy Powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show NAMASTE where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet.

Events in Bedford

Death Cafe

The Place Bedford

The Magic Numbers

Bedford Esquires

Ceremony 4.5 – A new musi...

Bedford Esquires

Wellbeing Fair

The Place Bedford

Kin

The Place Bedford

An Evening of Burlesque 2...

Bedford Corn Exchange

WHOLE LOTTA DC! (The Ulti...

Bedford Esquires

Fireman Sam The Great Cam...

Bedford Corn Exchange

North Bedford and Milton ...

The Place Bedford

Moments of Pleasure: The ...

Bedford Esquires

Money for nothing

Bedford Corn Exchange

SHE DREW THE GUN + Guests...

Bedford Esquires

Good Times presents ‘The ...

Bedford Esquires

HARRY HILL: New Bits & Gr...

Bedford Corn Exchange

Al Murray

Bedford Corn Exchange

Philharmonia Concert

Bedford Corn Exchange

Bedford: Osmo Vänskä cond...

Philharmonia Orchestra

Psychic Sally

Bedford Corn Exchange

HENGE

Bedford Esquires

Omid Djalili: Namaste

Bedford Corn Exchange