Events at POP
POP STUDIO4 Open Studio Event Poster
OPEN STUDIO BIG WEEKEND
Friday 21 March 5pm - 9pm, Saturday 22 March 10am - 5pm, Sunday 23 March 10am - 4pm
POP STUDIO4, 4 Market Hall, The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS
Mo Rahman, Talia Giles, Fiona Wilson, Emily Baxter and Giacomo Verdura invite you into their town centre studio to get up-close and personal with their work in progress and studio practices. Opening with a ‘Friday Late’ on the Friday, this new Open Studio Big Weekend format will give you a glimpse into the life of a Bedford artist, and is the first of 4 set to take place at POP STUDIO4 in The Arcade this year.
As well as an opportunity to meet the artists in person, there will be live drawing and painting demonstrations by resident artists Fiona Wilson and Mo Rahman across the weekend, and an eclectic selection of fine art and illustration, both original paintings and prints, to browse and buy.
Brought to you from POP STUDIO4 artists:
Emily Baxter
Fiona Wilson
Giacomo Verdura
Mo Rahman
Talia Giles
For any queries about the event, please email popbedford@gmail.com. Keep an eye on social media for updates, or join the mailing list for more news. @popstudio4_ @prideofplacebedford
Previous Events
The Big Fat Salon Hang
Friday 25 - Sunday 27 October 24, 10am - 5pm
Preview: Friday 25 October 24, 6pm - 9pm (to attend the previous, please RSVP to popbedford@gmail.com)
POP STUDIO4, 4 Market Hall, The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS
Since moving into their space in The Arcade, POP STUDIO4, the studio artists have gone from strength to strength. The last weekend of October will see this working studio transformed into a floor to ceiling feast of original art for sale; from framed originals and limited edition prints, to never before seen work, created in the space.
The aim is to provide an unpretentious, welcoming, creative show for Bedford’s residents and visitors across three days: Friday 26 - Sunday 29 October, with a Friday evening late event. This is a chance to see an art exhibit in the space that it’s actually made right here in the town centre! All the diverse work on show will be for sale, with artwork to suit all budgets and tastes, from abstract and figurative painting through to intricate illustration and fantasy work.
THIS IS BEDFORD
Wednesday 16 - Sunday 20 August, 10am - 5pm
Preview: Tuesday 15 August, 6pm - 8pm
Here we are... the final week, our final exhibition 'This is Bedford'
Our time in the space is coming to an end. We're sad it's almost over but overjoyed with how it has gone. The last 5 weeks have been incredible, filled with creativity, curiosity and conversation, and we're looking forward to the very last one.
We are endlessly grateful for everyone who has been involved. People have given their time generously as volunteers and champions, and filled the space with art and creativity as event organisers and participants.
We'd be delighted if you could join us in this final week, here are details of where & when:
'This is Bedford' Grand Finale Exhibition & Preview
With artworks made by local artists and our many visitors during the pop-up, inspired by the town and its people, this exhibition is truly a reflection of Bedford.
Artist Takeover at pop bedford
Mon 7 - Sunday 13 August, 10am - 5pm
An open invite to all artists and creatives local to Bedford to use all three floors of our space to experience the buzz of a shared studio environment.
£10 (for as many days/times as you like)
TAROT FOR SELF CARE WORKSHOP
Sunday 30 July, 10.30am - 12pm
Tues 8 August, 7 - 8.30pm
Led by Emma Dellow of Enlighten Therapies. We will pull cards from a variety of decks and share our thoughts, ideas and questions. Let’s get some creative conversations going!
£7 to attend (book online)
SPEAK UP and SPEAK OUT
Wednesday 9th August, 7.30-9.30pm
PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP and open mic with local poet and spoken word artist Abbi Jinks.
Come and learn some tips and techniques for performing words on stage. Get ready to speak up and speak out!
Tickets £10, £15 or your choice! No lower limit.
Create and explore: Seed bombs and herby Play Dough for families
Thursday 10 August, 10am - 12pm
A family friendly event, come and get creative using mother nature's resources and create wild flower seed bombs and herby playdough.
Come explore and create with the Good Life Garden!
Pay what you can! Everybody is welcome :-)
FAMILY TAKEOVER AT POP BEDFORD
Thursday 10 August, 12.30pm - 5pm
Creative fun for all the family
All materials provided.
This event is free, just drop in.
Bootsy's Burlesque Feel Good Workshop
Thursday 10 August, 6.30-7.30pm
An introduction to burlesque workshop, focusing on feeling good and celebrating you!
£9 to attend - Booking required
Introduction to Bedford Radio
Sunday 13 August, 6-7pm
Come and meet some of the team and find out all about the station and their vision for a local radio station for Bedford.
FREE open to all
Exploring Colours with Kaye Leidoskope
Monday 21 August, 10-10.45am
Join Kaye Leidoskope to explore the colours of the rainbow in this lively & lovely interactive storytelling session. Expect songs, crafts and dancing – perfect for your little one to learn to love colours.
Free (but pre-booking needed
LOWD (Legacy of Windrush Descendants Exhibition)
The British Government announced the 22nd June as National Windrush Day and the Legacy Of Windrush Descendants (LOWD) have hosted the events since then.
2023 marks 75 years since the arrival of the 1,027 passengers to British shores aboard HMS Windrush.
People from the Caribbean have played an integral role in the positive contributions and development of Bedford's multi-cultural population. The presence of Black people in Bedford goes back as far as the 18th century. The Windrush generation came to support the 'Motherland' to get back on its feet via invitations from London Brick Company, British Rail, the National health Service, United Bus Company, Vauxhalls and many engineering companies.
By sharing the stories of Bedford's Windrush community, LOWD will enhance the Bedford's history of multi-culturalism. So far LOWD’s Windrush events have featured characters from the community who have helped break-down barriers or helped put Bedford on the ‘map’; such as, an opera performance of ‘Rush’ written by Bedfordian songwriter Des Oliver and sung by Opera Singer Alison Buchanan (who recently appeared in Season 3 of Netflix's 'Bridgerton'), Keith King who started the Bedford West Indian Cricket Team to break down barriers, Vincent Campbell to opened the first shop to sell Caribbean resources and open up the taste of the Caribbean to the wider community.
Over the decades Windrush generations have met, married, and formed families with people from other cultural communities. LOWD’s mission is to educate, inform and ensure accessibility to the history of Windrush descendants therefore promoting equality through opportunity of learning. Heritage is to be shared.
The Windrush events are also to commemorate the memory of the late Cllr Patrick Solomon, who played an integral role in proposing the ‘Windrush Motion’ which was passed with the backing of Full Council in 2020.
“The inclusion in the opening weeks of POP Bedford gives us the opportunity to showcase the history of the Caribbean community to a wider audience in Bedford.
We are also hoping that we get as many people as possible to participate in the ‘BIG Lowd Painting’ workshop on Saturday 22 July”– Pauline Stepney – Secretary - LOWD
Dates
Until Sunday 23 July
Opening Times
Weds - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Cultural Roots Sounds System Museum
Cultural roots sound system started in 1979 by a group of friends in Bedford, self funded by means of doing paper rounds and the like. As with this industry, technology changes and evolves, with old equipment being replaced with newer technology.
At the time, keeping the old equipment was a necessity, in case the new pieces broke down. Never at the time did we think they would in later years be of interest. To our surprise the history of soundsystem is so important now. We now have decided to display our old equipment along with other memorabilia of days past to jog the memories and hearts of yesteryear, showing how important soundsystem is to the Carribean people residing in England.
We now travel the country showing our museum, this year being particularly potent with the 75yr Windrush celebrations. Talia invited us to come and display part of the collection at POP Bedford as part of the Pride Of Place project so do come and enjoy and see first hand what it takes to build and run a reggae sound system.
The museum is on a journey to celebrate 75th Windrush anniversary
This year is this 75th Windrush anniversary, and weat the Harper suite celebrating Windrush and working with Talia, of POP Bedford as part of the Pride of place Bedford project 12th July - Sun 23 July
Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 28 July 2023
The Higgins museum from 7th October 2023 in to 2024
Dates
Until Sunday 23 July
Opening Times
Weds - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
The Big LOWD PaintinG
Join LOWD (Legacy of Windrush Descendents) for a free day painting together to create a legacy artwork to celebrate 75 years of Windrush and the Caribbean community of Bedford.
The event picture is from the last co-created artwork. This time we're working on a new heritage image which highlights the incredible contributions that our Windrush generations made to Bedford such as NHS workers, factory workers, starting cricket teams with symbols that show the importance of Cultural Roots Sounds System museum over the last 40 years within our community.
We will be joining all of the painted canvases together to create one giant image. We can't wait to show you what we will be painting!
The LOWD exhibition and the Cultural Roots Sounds System Museum are currently on show at POP Bedford until Sunday 23 July. Both are free to visit.
Date
Saturday 22 July
Between 10am - 3pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Materials provided. Just turn up and join the conversation
Beds Urban Sketchers x high street explorations
Come and join the Bedford Urban Sketchers on this free, interactive drawing day and discover the high street from a new perspective. Have your sketch added to the gallery wall and the chance to become part of an archive documenting our high street during its regeneration.
Using High Street Exploration cards as prompts, set off on your own journey in the town centre and draw your surroundings. This might include looking up and drawing the tops of buildings, or outdoor meeting space or hidden details normally missed by passer’s by.
- Enjoy sketching outside at your own pace
- Experience the joy of outdoor ‘Urban Sketching’ and practice the art of observation
- Work alongside the Bedford Urban sketchers who regularly draw urban and green spaces
- Take time to be more mindful of the beating heart of our community and how it’s changing to adapt to our times and needs
- Have the chance for your drawing(s) to become
Collect your drawing kits and see all the work made from the community of Bedford from us at:
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, Bedford, MK40 1PL
Opening times:
10am - 5pm
Good to know:
> This event is free and for all age groups (including children) and drawing skill levels.
> Materials for sketching will be provided, but If you sketch regularly, you are encouraged to bring your own drawing/painting materials and drawing board.
> A3 project paper will be provided for everyone
The Bedford Urban Sketchers are a local group of global organisation Urbansketchers.org - a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a global community of artists (including beginners) who practice on-location drawing. We meet once a month in a new location with the mission to raise the artistic, storytelling and educational value of on-location drawing.
To join the Bedford Urban Sketchers group and become part of a growing community, head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/bedsurbansketchers
The prompt cards were designed by artists Ellie Shipman and Katy Hawkins and aim to be applicable to exploration and reflection on aspects including: the visual identity, design accessibility, community and senses experienced on Bedford, or in fact any high street.
Opening Times
Saturday 15 July and Sunday 16 July
Between 10am - 5pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
make a bedford brick with artist in residence lisa tilley
Join our first Artist in Residence Lisa Tilley to create a collaborative artwork that will be show in the exhibition: 'This Is Bedford' in our final week of the pop-up.
Lisa is a local artist and trained textile designer. Mainly known for her sustainable accessories brand ‘U Old Bag!’ Lisa also creates art using her wide range of textile skills and runs workshops widely.
This time she needs your help to work together to build a ‘non wall’.
Guided by Lisa, anyone can come along to join in craft sessions in the space, where we will be using drawing materials with stitch to decorate a cloth brick each, based on what Bedford means to you. The brick works, (like what we did there?), will later be hand-pieced together by Lisa to create one large soft wall installation, that will be exhibited at POP Bedford.
All ages and abilities are welcome! The aim of this project is to celebrate Bedford’s wonderfully diverse community, so please bring your mum, dad, your nan, kids and your neighbours - this project is for everyone so do come along and get involved.
Creative sessions are free and will be on:
Fri 21st July, 10am - 5pm (drop in anytime or pre-book to avoid disappointment).
Sun 23rd July, 10am - 5pm (post 1.30pm will be led by volunteers).
Sessions can be pre booked on eventbrite or just turn up. If a large group, please book to avoid disappointment. Works can also be made at home for those with access difficulties, please get in touch with Lisa for more details: workshops@uoldbag.com
If you are unable to make Fri 21 or Sun 23 July, please contact Lisa and we can arrange for you to collect some materials to work with in your own time.
Participants are also encouraged to bring their own photos of Bedford for our inspiration wall, it could be anything and everything that makes Bedford for you.
Date
Friday 21 July, 10am - 5pm
Sunday 23 July, 10am - 5pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Surfaces - an exhibition exploring the female experience
Surfaces is a joint exhibition of work from Tanya Chayka and Lauren Saunders-Love, exploring concepts of touch as it relates to the female experience. Both photographers have adopted a fragmented approach, in that they focus on small areas of the body, in this case the skin or hair.
The exhibition explores the overall experience of womanhood such as the constant pressure of being viewed and perceived by feminine looks. A lot of women get stuck in the circle of being objectified and trying to live up to the standards of beauty, which only further relinquishes their true inner power from them. Lauren and Tanya represent a different approach to what it means to be, and look like a woman and include women of different ages, shapes, forms and mindsets as subjects in their work.
Date
Wednesday 26 July - Sunday 30 July
Private view & meet the artists: Tuesday 25 July, 6pm - 8pm, open to all
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Bedford Pots with Artist in Residence Amanda Silk
Make your own “Bedford Pot” and find your inner potter. Join our Artist in Residence for the week Amanda Silk for some “live” action throwing on the pottery wheel. You will be guided through your own mini-session to create your own vessel which you can then decorate with images that inspire you about Bedford.
You will be able to take your pots away with you on the day or temporarily donate it to the grand finale exhibition at the pop-up called ‘This Is Bedford’ – an exhibit running from 16-20 August 23 of all the co-created artwork in the space.
Open to all ages from 5yrs + (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 16-17yr olds can be dropped off and picked up but contact details must be left)
12 spaces are available on both the morning and afternoon session.
Date
Wednesday 26 July, 10am - 12pm // 1-3pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
CREATIVE EXCHANGE HOSTED BY BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS
#CreativeExchange is a new informal meet-up for Bedfordshire creatives where you can network with like-minded people. The meet-ups provide opportunities for creatives to share ideas and opportunities with each other and discuss art and creativity in the local area.
In this session; we will discuss the importance of art in Bedford. We will be joined by artists Clemance Debaig and Quilla Constance, who will discuss their latest pieces. Ami Aubrey will discuss the processes behind making these engaging artworks and their importance to Bedford.
Creative Bedfordshire is a free network for bringing the creative and cultural industries in Bedfordshire together to connect, learn, share and debate.
Date
Thursday 27 July, 6-8pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
'Mini Streets' with Artist in Residence Amanda Silk
Join our Artist in Residence for the week Amanda Silk to clay create your own house or building as part of the ‘Bedford Mini Streets’ sculpture. Bring along a sketch or photo of your home and be guided by Amanda and our lovely volunteers to make and decorate your piece.
We would love you to donate your work to form part of the grand finale exhibition ‘This Is Bedford’ on 16-20 August at POP Bedford alongside all of the other amazing creative projects held at the pop-up. Of if you prefer, you are able to take your pieces away with you on the day.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Ages 5yrs and up (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 16-17yr olds can be dropped off and picked up but contact details must be left)
Date
Friday 28 July, 10am - 12pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Bedford’s’ Everyday People Clay Sculpting with Artist in Residence Amanda Silk
Join our Artist In Residence Amanda Silk and clay sculpt yourself or someone special to you locally to form part of the POP Bedford grand finale exhibition: This Is Bedford
We would love to know about the person you have chosen. Do they live in Bedford or are they just passing through? Are they an historical figure? Perhaps it is your favourite teacher, a friend, or a relative? Do you have any memories you can share about your time in Bedford with this person?
We would love you to donate your work to form part of the This Is Bedford exhibition on 16-20 August at POP Bedford alongside all of the other amazing creative projects held at the pop-up. Of if you prefer, you are able to take your pieces away with you on the day.
Ages 5yrs and up (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 16-17yr olds can be dropped off and picked up but contact details must be left)
Date
Saturday 29 July, 10am - 12pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Live sculpting with our artist in residence Amanda Silk
Amanda Silk is a local artist and maker, growing up in Bedford who currently works creating with groups, schools and others, from her home studio using the magical material of clay!
Amanda has been inspired to ‘make and chat’, whilst having clay conversations about the people of Bedford and their own personal stories. She will be using clay to reflect individual personalities and using imagery to inform her work, with each piece having its own narrative.
Pieces will be on show at the final exhibition ‘This Is Bedford’ – the grand finale to POP Bedford showcasing all the collaborative work made during this short pop-up.
Follow Amanda at Amanda Silk Ceramics
Date
Saturday 29 July, 1-4pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Tarot for self care workshop
Tarot for Self Care led by Emma Dellow of Enlighten Therapies.
We will spend some time exploring the Pentacles, the Wands, the Swords & the Cups, the Court cards as well as the Major Arcana ... thinking about how you relate to them.
We will be working intuitively so there’s no right or wrong, and no need to rely on tarot books or websites ... the real answers show up when you check in with yourself and how you are connecting with the cards in that moment.
We will pull cards from a variety of decks and share our thoughts and ideas and questions ... let’s get some creative conversations going!
Finally, we will think about how we can incorporate the tarot into a regular self care practice ... looking at pulling intentional daily cards, simple spreads and using cards as an imaginative journal prompt for deeper self reflection.
There are so many ways we can use the magic of tarot everyday, and they are all really personal, inexpensive and thoughtful ways to bring some conscious space into a hectic, modern lifestyle.
I love working with the cards and seeing where they take me and I can’t wait to share the tarot love and curiosity with you.
Session: £7
Dates: Sunday 30 July or Tuesday 8 August
Please contact Emma directly in the meantime with any questions or to reserve a place at emma@enlightentherapies.com
Date
Sunday 30 July 10.30am - 12pm
Tuesday 8 August 7 - 8.30pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Roblox Scripting Taster Session
Join us for an exciting ✨Roblox Scripting Taster Session✨ where you can dive into the world of game development! Whether you're a 8 year old kid or an adult, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning how to create their own games on Roblox.
During this in-person session, AstrophsicaDev (your instructor) will guide you through the basics of Roblox scripting. You'll learn what Roblox is, how to use Roblox Studio and assemble blocks of code to create a functional racing game!
Don't worry if you've never coded before – we'll provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.
Requirements
You must be at least 8 years old
You will need to bring your own Laptop and charger
You must have a Roblox account
You must have Roblox Studio installed. Follow this guide to download the software (MacOS and Windows only). Chromebook is not supported.
The taster session costs £20 per laptop you bring. This means up to 2 people can share the same laptop (such as a parent and child or 2 kids).
This event is LGBTQ+ friendly and open for anyone over the age of 8. Any unfair treatment such as bullying will not be tolerated, and you will be asked to leave the event without a refund.
Date
Tuesday 1 August, 2-4pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Exhibition: A Journey Through Two Cultures
An exhibition of work by Cliff Harvey and Vaughan Dean.
A photographic record of the extraordinary dedication show by British Born Children of Asian Descent from Nritham Dance Academy; embracing Indian storytelling through dance, while growing up in a Western Culture.
Free Entry
Dates
Wednesday 2 - Sunday 6 August
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Mini Artists - Little Dinosaurs Studio
Pop - Up sessions for you and your children! Be inspired by the artwork on the wall and create your won. Try painting, collaging, colouring and playdough. A calm and creative space for you and your children to tinker with different art materials. Have a cup of tea and chat with other families. Let someone else worry about cleaning the paint pallets!
£6 per child, £4 for siblings & under 12 months are free
Spaces limited - booking is essential
Date
Wednesday 2 August, 10am - 11am
Saturday 5 August, 10am - 11am
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Create and Explore: Flower Crowns and Sensory Play
Come explore and create with The Good Life Garden!
A family friendly event, make a flower crown, or explore herbs and flowers through sensory play. All ages welcome (baby toys also provided!)
Hi, my name is Meg and I'm a qualified teacher, as well as mum to two smallish children. I have an enthusiasm for gardening and the great outdoors, as well as a love of arts and crafts. The Good Life Garden's 'create and explore' sessions give families the chance to spend time together and get to know one another, whilst getting creative using mother nature's resources!
3rd August: flower crowns and sensory play with flowers and herbs
View the Facebook page for this event -here-
Pay what you can if you can. Everybody is welcome!
Date
Thursday 3 August, 10am - 12pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Modern Girl: Film Screening
Grace Hall presents her short documentary, Modern Girl, as part of Pride of Place Bedford; a 6 week programme of events produced by local artists, creatives and community groups. Grace was born in the Midlands and lived in London for 10 years before moving to Bedford last year; she hopes this is the first of many future events in which she can creatively engage with her community and share her work.
The evening will be an informal viewing of the film, with an opportunity to ask Grace any questions about the film afterwards. Doors will open at 6.30pm; please feel free to BYOB - there will be nibbles available, as well as bottle openers and glasses.
Watch the trailer for Modern Girl -here-
Date
Thursday 3 August
Times
Doors: 6.30pm
Film Screening: 7pm
Q&A session: 7.30-8pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
'HOMETOWN BIRDS' With artist in residence Anne-Marie Abbate
You are invited to join artists Anne-Marie Abbate and Sara Turner as they become our first joint Artists in Residence at Pride of Place. Their project is called ‘Hometown Birds’
More than 100 languages are spoken in Bedford, making it a truly multicultural town shaped by migration. ‘Hometown Birds’ is based on the migratory patterns of birds along with the incredible skills of homing pigeons, to reflect, in a light-hearted, positive, and accessible way the incredible multicultural nature of Bedford town.
Anne-Marie (a visual artist) and Sara (a performance artist) will lead two friendly and inviting creative workshops accessible by all ages and abilities. Please come along and decorate a homing pigeon in the colours of your cultural heritage using paper and fabric collage, all materials will be provided, all you need to bring are the stories of how you
and/or your family settled in Bedford. This will result in the first stage of an installation of collaged pigeons which contain clues to the cultural roots of the maker.
Come along, get creative and tell us your story about your journey to Bedford.
Sessions can be pre booked on eventbrite or just turn up. If a large group, please book to avoid disappointment. Works can also be made at home for those with access difficulties,
Ages 5+
Please get in touch with Anne-Marie for more details: amabbate@yahoo.com
Date
Fri 4 August, 10am - 5pm
Sun 6 August, 10am - 5pm
This activity will last approximately 45 minutes.
Drop in anytime or pre-book to avoid disappointment
CLIMATE & GREEN COFFEE MORNING
Join us for a Climate Coffee Morning at Pride Of Place Bedford hosted by Friends of the Earth Bedford.
Do come and join in the conversation, even if you just want to listen to what others are saying.
There is no set discussion and anyone can contribute. You are free to pop in/out as you wish throughout the morning.
Date
Sunday 6 August, 10am - 12pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
ARTIST TAKEOVER AT POP BEDFORD
An open invite to all artists and creatives local to Bedford to use all three floors of our space to experience the buzz of a shared studio environment.
You can work on your own projects, or, join in on a collaborative piece that will be exhibited in our grande finale exhibit ‘This Is Bedford’ with work created across the six week pop up. Opportunities for skill swaps, forming new friendships and exploring new ideas.
Age 18
Open to all artists and creatives local to Bedford.
Attend for an afternoon or two or join us for the whole week.
Know an artist that might be interested? Help spread the news!
Dates
Mon 7 - Sun 13 August, 10am - 5pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Speak Up and Speak Out - performance workshop and open mic
This a rare chance to improve your skills in performance and experience the setting of an open mic night, all in one go!
Abbi Jinks is a local writer, performance poet and spoken word artist and she is passionate about helping others to use their voice to share their words and be seen and be heard.
Abbi’s skills and experience in presenting, performing and coaching will all come together in this evening session to encourage and inspire people to use their voice to ‘Speak up and Speak out’.
This is for any creative who wants to practice speaking up and sharing their work.
This is a 2 part session with a poetry performance workshop first, followed by an open mic where participants can share their words. This is a safe space to try out new skills for getting on the stage and speaking out your own words.
Not a poet? No worries? Bring some other words to share!
This is a great chance to improve your public speaking and presenting skills for any occasion. And it will be FUN!
Tickets £10, £15 or your choice, no lower limit :)
Date
Weds 9th August, 7.30-9.30pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Come explore and create with the Good Life Garden!
Hi, my name is Meg and I'm a qualified teacher, as well as mum to two smallish children. I have an enthusiasm for gardening and the great outdoors, as well as a love of arts and crafts. The Good Life Garden's 'create and explore' sessions give families the chance to spend time together and get to know one another, whilst getting creative using mother nature's resources!
A family friendly event, come and get creative using mother nature's resources and create wild flower seed bombs and herby playdough.
All ages welcome (baby toys also provided!)
Pay what you can! Everybody is welcome :-)
Earlier event:
3 August: flower crown and sensory play with flowers and herbs
Date
Thursday 10 August, 10am - 12pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
FAMILY TAKEOVER AT POP BEDFORD
As part of our 'Artist takeover' week where the whole space will turn in to a shared artist studio environment, we are opening the doors on Thursday 10 August to children and their adults!!
Explore your creative sides together and unleash your inner artist. Choose from a mountain of materials, and paint, draw, glue, collage and make art together in our amazing town centre space.
This session will be led by local artists Anne-Marie Abbate and Fiona Wilson.
Drop in anytime during 12.30pm - 5pm
Date
Thursday 10 August, 10am - 5pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Bootsy's Burlesque Feel Good Workshop
Bootsy leads this fun and empowering session, where you will learn the showgirl basics of shimmies, bumps, grinds and more! No need for dance experience; the focus here is enjoyment and celebration.
Burlesque artist Bootsy Bonafonte is the good-time rebel showgirl. A force to be reckoned with, she serves up plenty of old Hollywood glamour with rock and roll. Her repertoire includes classic and neo-burlesque, and her performances create a contagious sense of the fantastical. A regular with House of Burlesque, 100 Watt Club and other production houses throughout London and the U.K., she is a delight that audiences love.
Please wear comfortable (and fabulous if you so choose) clothing, and bring some water with you. Option to wear heels for the session, just make sure you can move/walk comfortably in them.
Attendance to this event - £9 per person
Date
Thursday 10 August, 6.30-7.30pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Introduction to Bedford Radio
Bedford Radio is the local radio station for Bedford, currently online and launching on DAB soon.
Come and meet some of the team and find out all about the station and their vision for a local radio station for Bedford.
Open to anyone who might want to support the station, listen to the station, get involved as a volunteer on-air presenting, off-air producing, behind the scenes or if you just want to find out more about life running a radio station.
Find out more about the station at www.bedford.radio or check out facebook, twitter, or Instagram
Listen to Bedford Radio Phone or Tablet: RadioPlayer or TuneIn app, Smart Speaker: "play Bedford Radio" or Online: www.bedford.radio
Both events are free and open to all
Dates
Weds 2 August, 6-7pm
Sunday 13 August, 6-7pm
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
Exploring Colours with Kaye Leidoskope
Join Kaye Leidoskope to explore the colours of the rainbow in this lively & lovely interactive storytelling session. Expect songs, crafts and dancing – perfect for your little one to learn to love colours.
Kaye Mahoney is a performer, arts & crafts workshop leader and events producer. Since moving to Bedford two years ago she has run children's activities with The Higgins, Central Bedfordshire Libraries & Full House Theatre.
The session is for pre-schoolers (1 to 5 years) and they're grown-ups. Please contact us if you would like to bring older sibling
This event is free but pre-booking needed.
Date
Monday 21 August, 10-10.45am
Location
POP Bedford, 5 Midland Road, MK40 1PL
