Bedford Fringe Festival returns with five days of comedy, theatre, music and more

Bedford’s biggest celebration of performance and creativity is back – and bigger than ever.

From Wednesday 23 to Sunday 27 July, the Bedford Festival Fringe will take over the town with a packed programme of live music, theatre, dance, film, spoken word and stand-up comedy.

Now in its 18th year, the event — known locally as Bedfringe — features more than 90 events across five venues, primarily at The Quarry Theatre and The Place Theatre, and attracts artists from across the country, many of whom are en route to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

This year, organisers have put a strong focus on inclusivity. The festival’s opening day has been designed especially for SEN families, with an open-air, fully inclusive event where children, young people and adults can feel completely at ease and enjoy the performances in a relaxed environment.

A launchpad for future stars

Over the years, Bedfringe has become known as a testbed for rising stars and emerging acts. Comedians like Josh Widdicombe, Joel Dommett, Lost Voice Guy, and Jack Whitehall have all previously appeared at the festival before making it big on the national stage. Many acts use the event as their final warm-up before heading to Edinburgh.

Highlights from this year’s line-up

There’s something for everyone in this year’s programme, but here are just a few standout picks from festival director James Pharaoh MBE:

• Alfie Moore – Former copper turned comedian brings his brand-new show to The Quarry Theatre, Saturday 26 July at 7.30pm (£13.50).
• Max Fulham – Viral ventriloquist takes to the stage with ‘Full of Ham’ on Saturday 26 July at 6pm (£10).
• Matt Parker – Maths made hilariously entertaining in ‘Getting Triggy With It’, Thursday 24 July at 7.30pm (£10).
• Paul Foot – Quirky comic returns with ‘Barbaric Fantasies for Bedford’ on Friday 25 July at 7.30pm (£13.50).
• Bloody, Bloody Kansas – A gripping new play exploring the disturbing true tale of the West’s first serial-killing family, showing Thursday and Friday 24–25 July at 6pm.

For families, music lovers, theatre enthusiasts and fans of all things offbeat and original, there’s plenty to choose from. The BRAVE Youth Theatre’s take on Macbeth and Tap the Barrell’s foot-stomping country session are both happening at The Place Theatre on Friday 26 July.