There’ll be music on the streets next weekend as Bedford hosts its first ever busking festival.

The event hopes to launch Bedford as a busker friendly town on the 23rd & 24th July, showcasing some of our best local busking talent as part of the wider Bedfringe Festival. Work behind the Festival has been organised by volunteers with funding to make it happen donated by the public, bringing a real community feel to the event.

Over 2 days, in 8 locations across Bedford town centre, 22 different acts will be performing. As well as musical acts, performers will include the likes of lion dancers, walking tours and even vintage hair stylists!

A programme of activities and acts can be picked up from locations across the town centre, including Bedford Corn Exchange, Box Office and the Tourist Information Centre on St Paul’s Square. However, buskers may move around, so if your expected busker is not at their pitch just follow your ears.

As part of the preparations for the Festival a new Buskers Code has been drawn up to provide advice and guidance to performers about how they can get the most out of busking in Bedford Town Centre, without putting them at risk of causing a nuisance.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson added:

“The programme for the Busking Festival includes a wide range of performers, with lots of entertainment on offer in town over the two days. We are pleased to have been able to work with We Are Bedford to encourage good quality busking in Bedford, in the right locations and with consideration for all…I encourage people to come along, follow your ears and enjoy the atmosphere that the festival is sure to create.”