Why Bedford?
Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire, a historic market town on the River Great Ouse, around 50 miles north of London. It has a walkable centre, riverside gardens and a strong literary heritage, which makes it a fitting second stop for TaleRow after Market Harborough.
A town with stories to tell
Bedford is closely linked with John Bunyan, who was imprisoned in the town for 12 years from 1660 and wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress there. A few things worth a look when you visit:
- The John Bunyan Museum and Bunyan Meeting on Mill Street, which tell the story of the author and preacher.
- The Embankment, the gardens that line the River Great Ouse through the centre of town.
- The Higgins Bedford on Castle Lane, a museum and art gallery in a converted brewery.
- Castle Mound, the remains of Bedford’s medieval castle, close to the river.
- The nearby village of Elstow, Bunyan’s birthplace, with its 15th-century Moot Hall.
Taking part
We are looking for independent authors and bookish traders. We are also looking for authors to run children’s workshops and readings, and talks and readings for adults. Author tables are £40 for a 5ft table and £45 for a 6ft table, and bookish trader tables are £50. Authors who are registered for Market Harborough receive 10% off their Bedford table.
Venue confirmation will follow shortly. To hear about booking as soon as it opens, please register on our Express Interest page.
Getting here
Bedford is easy to reach by rail, road and on foot.
By train
Bedford station has direct trains to London St Pancras International, with East Midlands Railway services taking around 40 minutes and Thameslink services around an hour. The station is also served by London Northwestern Railway, and the town centre is within walking distance. Bedford St Johns, on the Marston Vale line, is a second, smaller station in the town.
By road
Bedford sits where the A6, A421 and A428 meet. From the M1, leave at junction 13 and follow the A421 to Bedford. From the A1, take the A421 and A428 from the St Neots area. There are car parks in the town centre, and we will share parking and unloading details for exhibitors once the venue is announced.
On foot
Bedford’s centre is compact and easy to walk around, and the riverside Embankment makes for a pleasant route between the station, the shops and the sights.
