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Simply Bedford

@simplybedford

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We are #SimplyBedford Connect with local Bedford businesses, communities, charities & individuals.

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The countdown is well and truly on…

Three days. One incredible weekend. Live music, amazing food, local drinks, family fun, and the best atmosphere in the Bedfordshire countryside☀️

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now via the link in our bio – don’t leave it too late!

📍 The meadow at The Mill Coffee Shop
📅 4th–6th September 2026

https://millfest.co.uk/2026

Special thanks to our sponsors this year - @maslinjonesollie + @simongoodacreproperty 🙌🏼

🏷️ #MillFest #Bedfordshire #LiveMusic #FoodFestival #SummerFestival taken in The Mill Coffee Shop by @simplybedford

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2 months ago

While many people are talking about the arrival of Universal Studios, Bedford’s story didn’t start there.

For the past 15 years, one publication has been quietly championing the people, places and events that make Bedford special.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Erica Roffe to the Simply Creative studio to celebrate 15 years of The Bedford Clanger.

Back in 2011, Erica was frustrated by hearing people say there was “nothing to do in Bedford”. She knew that wasn’t true. Behind the headlines was a thriving community of artists, musicians, makers, performers, independent businesses and local events that simply weren’t getting the attention they deserved. So she decided to do something about it.

The Bedford Clanger was born as a free arts and culture magazine with a simple mission: shine a light on everything good happening in Bedford. Its original tagline was “Read it, love it, pass it on.”

Fifteen years later, that mission remains unchanged.

From local exhibitions and live music to community festivals and independent businesses, The Bedford Clanger has become one of Bedford’s most trusted champions of local culture. It has helped thousands of people discover events, support local venues and feel more connected to the town they call home.

During our conversation, Erica spoke about the importance of positive storytelling. Sometimes all it takes is one person discovering a local event, a new venue or a community group they didn’t know existed. That’s how stronger communities are built.

When asked about @simplybedford ’s focus on good news and independent businesses, Erica said it shares the same ethos as The Bedford Clanger. Different platforms, same goal: helping people see what makes Bedford a great place to live.

It’s easy to focus on what’s coming next for Bedford. But it’s equally important to celebrate the people who have been building Bedford’s identity for years.

Congratulations Erica and Clanger Team, and congratulations to The Bedford Clanger on 15 years of championing Bedford’s arts, culture and community.

Here’s to the next 15 years.

#BedfordClanger #SimplyBedford #Bedford #Bedfordshire taken in Simply Creative Agency by @simplybedford

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4 months ago

Bedford, do you think you can handle your spice? 🌶️🔥

This week we put some brave contestants to the test with our 5-dish spicy challenge.

Some came in confident. Some came in hungry. Most left questioning their life choices.

A huge congratulations to Chris, who somehow demolished all 5 dishes in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds and won meal for two and a bottle of wine. Absolute machine. 🏆

The rest? Last seen asking for milk, making peace with their taste buds, and forming a spice-induced support group.

Could you beat the challenge? Tag your spiciest mate and let us know for next round 👇

#RiceStreetFusions #SpicyChallenge #BedfordFood #FoodChallenge #SpiceLovers BedfordEats Bedford by @simplybedford

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5 months ago

It’s just over a week since we met the latest group of people who make Bedford Borough brilliant.

Here’s a look at how the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes ceremony went down, and how some of the finalists, highly commended, and winners felt receiving the recognition they truly deserve. taken in Quarry Theatre at St Luke's by @simplybedford

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5 months ago

Two years ago, Tony opened the doors to Not Another Jungle on Bedford High Street. Today, it’s become far more than just a plant shop and café. It’s become a place people genuinely love.

At the two-year anniversary celebration, one thing was clear from speaking to locals. Bedford’s independent businesses matter.

“It’s become my happy place.”
“It’s made such a difference to the town centre.”
“People come from different cities just to visit.”

That says everything.

Independent businesses like Not Another Jungle give Bedford something the big chains never can. Personality. Community. A reason to actually come into town.

Let’s be honest. Without passionate business owners taking risks and creating spaces people want to spend time in, would Bedford town centre be somewhere people choose to visit? Probably not.

Places like this bring life back to our high street. They create footfall, support nearby businesses, and remind people what makes Bedford special.

Tony’s hard work has built more than a business. He’s built a community.

If Bedford wants a thriving town centre, backing independent businesses is not optional. It’s essential.

Happy 2 years, Not Another Jungle 🌿 taken in Bedford, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom by @simplybedford

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5 months ago

Cadets across four Bedford schools received royal approval this week after being inspected by HRH The Princess Royal.

We went along with the Bedford Independent to watch her meet cadets of the CCF’s at Bedford School, Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford Modern School and Bedford Greenacre Independent School, who had been practising their parade-ground drills for weeks in advance of the visit.

After watching the inspection, with rows upon rows of Bedford cadets standing proudly in their uniforms, we caught up with people there to find out why this visit to Bedford was so special and what it meant to them. taken in Bedford School by @simplybedford

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7 months ago

Bedford Independent Film Festival is now underway at Quarry Theatre, bringing filmmakers, film lovers and the wider creative community together for a weekend of independent cinema.

The organisers shared how much work goes into making the festival happen, from reviewing hours of submissions and debating selections to months of planning behind the scenes. Their goal is to give independent filmmakers a real platform, help them reach new audiences, and celebrate the creative talent coming out of Bedford and beyond.

They also spoke about why events like this matter for Bedford. The festival has shown just how many creative people are in the town, and how important it is to create spaces where they can come together, connect and share their work. For independent filmmakers, having a platform like this can make a real difference.

The festival continues today, Saturday, and tomorrow, Sunday, before closing with the awards ceremony. Head to @bedfordindependentfilmfestival to learn more. taken in Quarry Theatre at St Luke's by @simplybedford

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6 months ago

A lot happens behind the scenes when we’re out creating content. 📸🤳

This time, after filming for @themancave_uk , we followed the smell of fresh fish and chips… straight into Lakeside Fish and Chips in Bedford. We just went for chips with salt and vinegar, but the vibe made it worth the stop.

Not every moment makes the final cut, but these little detours are part of the story.

Would you like to see more of what happens behind the scenes? Do you want to see more of these type of content?

#bedford taken in Lakeside Fish & Chips by @simplybedford

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a year ago

St Cuthbert Street was transformed into a vibrant festive destination on Sunday as local businesses came together to host the street’s first ever Christmas Fair.

Organised by Rosanna from @thestore_bedford , the event saw the road closed to traffic and filled with food stalls, live music, and Christmas activities, drawing large crowds throughout the day.

The fair featured a wide range of independent Bedford businesses, many of which created special menus and offers for the event. Visitors enjoyed festive street food, hot drinks, mulled wine, and live performances, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Speaking at the event, organiser Rosanna said the aim was to celebrate Bedford’s independent business community and bring people together.
“This was our first St Cuthbert Street Christmas Fair, so we didn’t have a blueprint,” she said. “We built on what we’ve done before and focused on creating a festive environment, supporting local businesses, and giving people a great day out. The response has been really positive.”

@simplyc.uk , who supported and sponsored the event, said they witnessed first hand the amount of work required to bring the fair to life.
“We saw the number of obstacles Rosanna had to overcome, from licensing and permissions to coordinating multiple businesses and suppliers,” the agency said. “The scale of behind-the-scenes effort made the success of the day even more impressive.”

The event required months of planning, including licensing, permissions, and coordination between businesses on the street and neighbouring areas. Local traders worked collaboratively to introduce new festive menus and street trading options for the day.

Visitors praised the atmosphere, with several commenting that the street felt comparable to events usually seen in larger cities, while still maintaining a strong sense of local community.

The success of the Christmas Fair highlights the growing demand for community-led events in Bedford and demonstrates how independent businesses can work together to create high-quality experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Organisers hope the event will become a regular fixture in Bedford’s festive calendar. by @simplybedford

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10 months ago

Bedford Business Lunch officially launched last week, created by @simplyc.uk in association with the @bedfordswanhotel. We brought local business owners together in one room to connect properly, share stories, and build real relationships, all while enjoying an incredible selection of dishes from the Swan. It was relaxed, welcoming, and exactly how business networking should feel. This is just the beginning. taken in The Bedford Swan and Thermal Spa by @simplybedford

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10 months ago

Great to host our second exclusive Bedford Business Lunch in association with the amazing Swan Hotel.

A room full of focused conversations, new connections, and familiar faces coming together over amazing food from @penandcobbedford

Follow @simplynetworking.uk for latest updates on our various events including Creative Meet-ups, Simply Creative Workshop and Simply Business Networking taken in Swan Hotel Bedford by @simplybedford

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6 months ago

St Cuthbert Street to Host First Ever Christmas Fair This Sunday

Bedford will welcome a new festive event this Sunday as St Cuthbert Street hosts its very first Christmas Fair.

The road will be closed for the day, allowing local independent businesses to spill out onto the street and create a lively Christmas atmosphere. Visitors can expect food, drink, music, and activities for all ages.

Highlights include:
* Festive street food, burgers, pulled pork rolls, banh mi, pizzas, arancini, oysters, and a festive roast turkey roll
* Mulled wine, hot chocolate, coffee, brownies, and Christmas bagels
* A brass band performing from 2pm on an outdoor stage
* Music throughout the afternoon from Roll Your Own Records
* Family-friendly treats, including free mulled wine for adults and chocolate treats for children at selected venues
* An official after party at The Flute, featuring local brands and DJs

All businesses on St Cuthbert Street will be open, offering both street trading and their regular indoor menus.

The Christmas Fair is a celebration of Bedford’s independent businesses and a chance for the community to come together ahead of the festive season.

Everyone is invited. Bring friends, family, and children, enjoy great food and music, and support local businesses. by @simplybedford

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10 months ago