Bedford Corn Exchange Concerts 2025

Been to many orchestral concerts here over the years, to see local orchestras, plus the Philharmonia of course. Last evening's concert with the Philharmonia, playing Mozart and Beethoven, was excellent. I've deducted 2 stars because for one, the Corn Exchange is looking very shabby, and needs a complete refurbishment, desperately. The other star has been deducted for the value of classical concerts now. We had a seven minute overture, twenty five minute concerto, and a forty minute symphony. So just 71 minutes of music! There was no encore from the soloist and no encore at the end from the orchestra (why not, after the great ovation?). At 71 minutes total, I and many others felt short changed. Is this the normal trend now? When just a few years ago, you would get at least 90 minutes of music. Poor show Philharmonia, and Bedford Corn Exchange, get a face-lift please! Oh an observation, why were people allowed in to the auditorium when the main work was well underway?

The quality of show here is usually excellent. This weekend we saw the Tap Factory which was very enjoyable. The auditorium seating could have been improved we had seats at the back and struggled to see as all seats were on the same level. Other than that the staff are pleasant and the facilities are spotless!!

We saw the Singalong musicals and it was brilliant!! Only negative I would say is not alot of space between the rows of seats so hardly any room to dance.

We came to see the very funny & talented comedian; Joe Avati in his one man (plus special guest appearance of his lovely wife & young son!) on the UK leg of his sell-out show/tour. The venue was perfect as it has great acoustics, well spaced out seating (unlike most London/West-End venues!!) & is not too big to lose that extra special intimacy that a performer can establish with his/her audience. You'll find the venue right slap bang in the very busy centre of Bedford town. So plenty of places to eat/drink within walking distance if required! Only down side was lack of parking near venue, but we found a large (& cheap!) carpark only a short 10 minute walk from venue (opposite the Bedford Town Hall building). So highly recommended!

When looking at the events that are coming up at Bedford Corn Exchange there is never a shortage of the finest National and International talents. From a cover ground of The Spice Girls, to John Lydon, James Manford, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr the list goes on and on. With it being central to Bedford on the market square it is a very easy place to find and the staff are also incredibly helpful, professional and polite. With the small balcony area the Exchange offers good seating and all offers full viewing of the performances on stage. It will never get tiring!