Bedford Park’s annual turn in the spotlight is once again upon us as it plays host to the Bedford Summer Sessions, kicking off tonight with Scottish legends, Simple Minds.
Over the next 10 days, thousands of visitors will descend on the park, arriving by train, car and on foot.
If you’re heading to any of the concerts, here’s all you need to know about access to the park, where to park and temporary road closures to ensure the safety of gig-goers…
Access to Bedford Park
Entry gates to the park are clearly signposted for all concert goers.
For anyone visiting the park, the majority of the east side of the park, from the bandstand and Pavilion, is inaccessible to the public and fenced off, the circular path around the park is still accessible and can be used.
Parking
The closest multi-storey car park is Queen Street. It’s just a ten-minute walk away, it will be open 24 hours a day for each event.
Parking is free for the first two hours and from 6pm-8am. Other 24-hour car parks are Lurke Street and Allhallows, both free for the first four hours and also from 6pm-8am.
Road closures and traffic management
Park Avenue will be closed to vehicles on the evening of the events from 9pm so that it is safe for pedestrians to leave the park. The road will reopen once safe to do so.
To allow for a safe pick up/drop off area for taxis, family and friends, a one-way route will be implemented from 9pm with vehicles coming from the south of De Parys Avenue to collect passengers and exiting via a left turn at the north of De Parys Avenue to Roff Avenue and back to town.
No fireworks
There will not be fireworks at these events, but there will be some on-stage pyrotechnics during the Proms concert.
Who’s on and when…
Thursday, 3 July: Simple Minds with support from Alison Moyet & KT Tunstall
Saturday, 5 July: Rag’n’Bone Man with support from Gavin James & Elles Bailey
Sunday, 6 July: Proms in the Park (family-friendly picnic-style concert) featuring The London Gala Orchestra, with Russell Watson & Lesley Garrett, plus the Bedford Choral Society, Rock Choir, and Pilgrim’s Pre-prep Choir.
Thursday, 10 July: The Human League with support from Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey & Blancmange
Friday, 11 July: Café Mambo Ibiza with Melanie C, Jax Jones & Fedde Le Grand
Saturday, 12 July: Supergrass with support from The Coral & Willie J Healey
Sunday, 13 July: McFly with support from Twin Atlantic & Devon
Find out more about things to do in Bedford in our weekly What’s On Guide, published every Wednesday.
