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Bedford Summer Sessions returns what can we expect?

BBC Published Jul 2, 2026 Reviewed Jul 4, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
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About 30,000 people are expected to attend this year's Bedford Summer Sessions in the centre of Bedford.
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Four concerts will take place from 2 to 5 July in Bedford Park, a Grade II listed park in Bedford.
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Conservative councillor John Wheeler, Bedford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for customer experience, stated that changing car park opening hours is "to make it easier, safer and more convenient for those attending".
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The Bedford Summer Sessions is a cashless event, and attendees may bring only one sealed water bottle of up to 500ml or one empty reusable water bottle to fill at free refill stations.
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The Lurke Street multi-storey car park has 790 spaces and is one of several council-owned car parks offering free parking after 18:00 during the Bedford Summer Sessions.
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The Allhallows multi-storey car park has 430 spaces and is one of several council-owned car parks offering free parking after 18:00 during the Bedford Summer Sessions.
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The River Street multi-storey car park has 465 spaces and will be open 24 hours during the Bedford Summer Sessions, but offers no free parking after 18:00.
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Bedford Borough Council is keeping its Queen Street Car Park open overnight for the Bedford Summer Sessions, with free parking after 18:00 during the concerts.
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Gates for the main concerts at the Bedford Summer Sessions open at 17:00, and all entertainment will finish between 22:00 and 23:00.
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About 30,000 people are expected to attend this year's Bedford Summer Sessions in the centre of the town.

Four concerts will take place from 2 to 5 July in the picturesque Grade II listed Bedford Park.

The main acts include Bedford's very own Tom Grennan, Deacon Blue, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, and Paul Weller.

From timings to parking, read below to find out more about the events.

The event is being held in Bedford Park, Park Avenue, MK41 7SS.

As it is an outdoor event, music goers have been asked to dress for the weather and, if it is sunny, to put on sunscreen.

Organisers have said that if it rains, the events will still go ahead and will only be cancelled "if the conditions become dangerous". Guests are asked not to bring umbrellas.

Children 16 and under can attend. They must buy a full-price ticket and be accompanied by an adult with a ticket.

Children aged two and under can attend for free and do not need a ticket.

There is no parking available on the site, but Bedford Borough Council said it is keeping its Queen Street Car Park open overnight for the concerts.

During the concerts it will be free after 18:00.

All council-owned Bedford town centre car parks are free on Sundays.

Other council-owned 24-hour car parks, all with free parking after 18:00, and within a 10-15 minute walk of the venue, are:

River Street multi-storey car park, MK40 1PX (465 spaces), will be open 24 hours but there is no free parking after 18:00

Conservative councillor John Wheeler, the authority's portfolio holder for customer experience, said changing the opening hours is "to make it easier, safer and more convenient for those attending".

Gates for the main concerts open at 17:00 and show times are "always subject to change", organisers said.

All entertainment will finish between 22:00 and 23:00.

Food and drink should not to be taken into the venue, but one sealed water bottle, with a maximum of 500ml, is allowed. One empty reusable water bottle, can be taken in and filled up at free water refill stations.

Do not bring cash as the event is cashless, organisers added.

One foldable chair is allowed per person in designated areas towards the rear of the arena. They are not allowed within the VIP Terrace Garden or The Retreat.

Dogs are not permitted, unless they are an assistance dog.

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