Arts, culture and events

Bedford hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including a music festival, a carnival, Proms in the Park and the Bedford Beer festival where you can sample over 45 different beers.

There are so many places to visit and so many things to see in Bedford. You can visit the Bedford Museum which tells the town’s story from when it was first established by the eighth century Saxon Chief, Beda to the modern day. You can also visit the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Museum which is home to an award-winning collection of fine and decorative arts from the 18^th to 20^th centuries.

What’s more, you can visit the 306^th Bombardment Group Museum at Bedford which houses a huge collection of artefacts that recreate the atmosphere of the nearby airfield during war time. Other museums to visit include the Glenn Miller Museum, Twinwood Airfield and Control Tower, which features an RAF room and a gallery of wartime aviation art.

Renowned as having one of the finest riverside settings in the country, Bedford also offers the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the River Great Ouse from the restored Castle Mound; all that remains of Bedford castle, which was destroyed in the siege of 1224.

Bedford offers a diverse range of cultural activities, arts and events. Others not to be missed on are:

• The Civic Theatre which provides a home to community theatre groups
• The Bedford River Festival is held every other year. It’s one of the largest outdoor events in the UK providing live music, fairground rides and fireworks
• The Festival of Fire and Light and the Victorian Christmas Fair are held every year, ensuring you have a cracker of a festive season
• Bedford Corn Exchange offers a varied programme covering comedy, rock, pop, and classical music from the world-class Philharmonia Orchestra
• The John Bunyan Museum displays a large collection of his work, and his most famous book Pilgrim's Progress
• Farmers markets are held every other week at Harpur Square, giving you the chance to purchase locally produced goods