Desperate Journalist return to Esquires after a sell out show back in January 2022. The band formed in 2013 in North London. Their self released ‘Cristina’ EP and energetic early live shows soon caught the attention of ‘most indie man alive’ Simon Williams who promptly signed them to Fierce Panda records. Over a decade and 4 albums later, the post-punk foursome (Jo, Rob, Simon and Caz) have built a growing loyal fanbase around the UK and across Europe. Following on from the success of ‘Maximum Sorrow!’, 2023 saw the band play their biggest shows to date, supporting Suede on their sell out Autofiction tour. The band’s 5th album ‘No Hero’ arrives this September and promises to be both their most ambitious and accessible material to date.

Desperate Journalist + Enjoyable Listens

Jasmine Therapy Centre

In the late nineteenth century, a young governess for two orphaned youngsters becomes convinced that their lonely manor house is haunted and that the children are possessed by the spirits of a former caretaker and governess. Along with the housekeeper, she works to discover the truth behind her fears.

EPSG:4326

The Innocents

The Place Bedford

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

Maruja is an evocative force that transports listeners to a world of diversity and gritty realism. Improvisation provides the backbone of Maruja’s compositions, compelling instrumentation and culturally relevant lyrics speak in tongues; creating a myriad of whispered secrets.

Maruja

This winter, singer-songwriter Billy Nomates will be touring a one off show called UNDERGROWTH in intimate venues across the UK!

Billy Nomates – Undergrowth UK Acoustic Tour

Bedford Choral Society – Mendelssohn – Elijah

Bedford Corn Exchange

Seeking relaxation and mindfulness in Bedford? My name is Yanni and I would like to invite you to join us for a relaxing Sound Bath at The Place Theatre  from 7 to 8 PM.

A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants are “bathed” in sound waves produced by various healing instruments. As you recline comfortably, you’ll be enveloped in the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, rattles, chimes, and drums.

Sunday Sound Bath

He is best known for his television appearances in programmes such as The Choir which focus on singing and introducing choral music to new participants. Gareth is also Patron of the Military Wives Foundation, set up to support the choirs that have been springing up in garrisons around the world since the programme The Choir: Military Wives aired.

Gareth Malone – My life through Song

Vengeful spirits, murderous revenants and gruesome promises kept from beyond the grave – every horror imaginable is conjured in this uniquely terrifying experience. Nightmares is a gothic show that will leave you quaking in your seat… and dying for more!
The show features three of the most spine-tingling tales ever written – 'The Judge’s House' by Bram Stoker, 'The Kit-Bag' by Algernon Blackwood and 'John Charrington’s Wedding' by E Nesbit.

Nightmares

Milton Jones

This event sends us back to California in the 1960s and 1970s as the hippies took over the Sunset Strip. With the house prices too costly in the centre of town, a creative hub emerged in Laurel Canyon; an area overlooking Los Angeles in the Hollywood Hills. Just some of those who took advantage of this cheaper living space included members of The Byrds and The Doors as well as Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Carole King…

Juicebox 1264 presents Carole King’s Tapestry

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.

Death Cafe

Join Kaye Leidoskope for these lively & lovely interactive storytelling sessions for under-fives and their grown-ups. Expect songs, games, crafts and dancing …perfect for little ones to creatively learn through play!

Kaye Leidoskope (aka Kaye Mahoney) is an experienced performer and workshop leader who loves to help little ones (and big ones!)  to create and learn. She also runs Puggle Club, the preschooler’s creative arts programme at The Higgins, and you can follow her on social media to find out more athttps://www.instagram.com/k.leidoskope/andhttps://www.facebook.com/k.leidoskope/

Exploring with Kaye Leidoskope – Exploring Sounds

In October Balaam And The Angel will release their first newly recorded studio material for 30 years.

BALAAM & THE ANGEL + Guests

ONE NIGHT IN DUBLIN will come to Bedford when The Wild Murphys will set up Murphy’s Pub at Bedford Corn Exchange, guaranteeing one glorious night of high-energy Irish Music and more than a little bit of Irish Craic.

One Night in Dublin

We’ve got a stonkin coupla bands coming to help us see out the night, first up, Ex-Demented guitarist Dick Thomas brings his new act all the way from Wales, The Resurrected!

Henry & The Bleeders

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 with the Philharmonia Orchestra, featuring the extraordinary talents of Santtu-Matias Rouvali as conductor and Jess Gillam on saxophone. This special concert, taking place on Saturday, 30th November 2024 at 7:30 pm, promises a lineup of irresistible tunes and captivating performances.

The evening will commence with Shostakovich's suite from his satirical operetta, "Moscow, Cheryomushki," arranged by Cornall, showcasing humor, lilting waltzes, and fiery dances. Following this, Jess Gillam will take the stage to perform Glazunov's Saxophone Concerto, a piece that has significantly contributed to the saxophone's prominence in classical music. Known for her dynamic performances, Gillam's rendition of this 1934 concerto is eagerly anticipated.

After an interval, the concert will conclude with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, "Pathétique." This passionate symphony, a masterpiece by the composer, remains one of the most beloved works in the classical music repertoire.

Tickets are priced between £15 and £40, with priority booking available for Friends of the Philharmonia. General booking opens at 10 am on Tuesday, 23rd April. This event is suitable for audiences from the age of 7, and the total running time is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.

Before the concert, attendees are invited to a free Insights Talk with Jess Gillam at 6:30 pm in the Harpur Suite, offering a deeper understanding of the evening's program.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of live classical music at the Bedford Corn Exchange, located at 13 St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL. For more information and to book your tickets, please contact the Philharmonia Box Office at 0800 652 6717, Monday to Friday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Bedford: Santtu and Jess Gillam

Special Kinda Madness are back at Bedford Esquires on Sat 30th November for their annual gig with their classic take on Madness and The Specials.

Special Kinda Madness!

Our last Read Poets Society for 2024 – thank you to all those who have attended and contributed this year. Join us for the last event of the year as we explore “Yet Another Chill”

Events in Bedford

Desperate Journalist + En...

Bedford Esquires

The Innocents

The Place Bedford

North Bedford and Milton ...

The Place Bedford

Maruja

Bedford Esquires

Billy Nomates – Undergrow...

Bedford Esquires

Bedford Choral Society – ...

Bedford Corn Exchange

Sunday Sound Bath

The Place Bedford

Gareth Malone – My life t...

Bedford Corn Exchange

Nightmares

The Place Bedford

Milton Jones

Bedford Corn Exchange

Juicebox 1264 presents Ca...

Bedford Esquires

Death Cafe

The Place Bedford

Exploring with Kaye Leido...

The Place Bedford

BALAAM & THE ANGEL + Gues...

Bedford Esquires

One Night in Dublin

Bedford Corn Exchange

Henry & The Bleeders

Bedford Esquires

Philharmonia Concert

Bedford Corn Exchange

Bedford: Santtu and Jess ...

Philharmonia Orchestra

Special Kinda Madness!

Bedford Esquires

Read Poets Society – Dece...

The Place Bedford