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Bedford Summer Sessions is back - what to expect

Alex PopeBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Bedford
Martin McKay Tom Grennan, on the stage wearing a red jumpsuit, with one arm out and the other holding a microphone. He has short curly hair and is wearing sunglasses. Stage lights are behind him. Martin McKay
Tom Grennan will be returning to his hometown for his second Bedford Summer Sessions appearance

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.

What can I expect?

Cuffe & Taylor Jess Glynne, performing on stage, and on two large screens. A large crowd is in front of her. There are lights on the stage and the sky is dark. Cuffe & Taylor
Jess Glynne has performed at Bedford Park twice

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.

What are the acts?

Jamie Carter Deacon Blue, a band, sitting in a row. There is an amplifier in the centre of the group and instruments behind them. Jamie Carter
Deacon Blue is the headline act for the opening gig on Thursday
  • Thursday: Deacon Blue with special guests Lightning Seeds
  • Friday: UB40 ft. Ali Campbell with special guests Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast ft MC Horseman
  • Saturday: Tom Grennan with special guests Brooke Combe and Fiona-Lee
  • Sunday: Paul Weller with special guests Miles Kane and Arkayla

Where should I park?

Cuffe & Taylor A large aerial shot of a park, showing trees, houses, a park, staging, lots of people and large buildings. Cuffe & Taylor
Thousands of people are expected at Bedford Park over four days of concerts

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:

  • Lurke Street multi-storey car park, MK40 3HZ (790 spaces)
  • Allhallows multi-storey car park, MK40 1LX (430 spaces)
  • 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".

What are the timings?

Cuffe & Taylor A close-up of two people in a field, at a concert, one has his arms up, a stage is in front of them, with an act performing on it, other people are around them. Cuffe & Taylor
This year's concert series ends on Sunday 5 July

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.

What am I allowed to take in?

Cuffe & Taylor A visual map of Bedford Park set up for the Summer Sessions. Cuffe & Taylor
There are three main gates into the site

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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