Thursday 08 May (18)

🧒 SEND, Stay and Play in our own way in Flitwick (Children aged upto 12 years)


Time: 13:30 - 14:30

A fun group for children with SEND and their Parents and Carers. Explore our wonderful Children’s Centre in Flitwick while spending time with other parents/carers and young children who have additional needs.

▪️WHEN? NO BOOKING JUST TURN UP.
Weekly on Thursday's.

▪️AGES:

Our, 'Stay and Play in Our Own Way' sessions are open for all families with children aged up to 12. Even if your children are at school, please do still come along to build friendships and gain advice and support from professionals. A member of staff from the SEND Team attends every session, so they are on hand for specific support.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR ANY ENQUIRES
☎️ Telephone 0300 300 8111
📧 Email: flitwick.childrencentre@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

🥊FREE BOX RELEASE FOR AGES 12-19 IN LEIGHTON BUZZARD


Time: 17:00 - 18:00

🥊 Box Release - Run by TACTIC Youth Workers and a Sports Coach, this non-contact boxing program is designed for ages 12-19.

Discover the benefits:
✨️ Discipline
✨️ Self-Defence skills
✨️ Stress Relief
✨️ Confidence – building
✨️ Health & Fitness encouragement

💥 ALL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FREE!

📍WHEN & WHERE?
▪️When
: Every Thursday
▪️Time: 5-6pm
▪️Where: Pages Park Pavilion, Leighton Buzzard

☎️ RESERVE A SPACE - Limited
Call 01525 373838 to reserve your spot.

🌳 Tree Tots at Howe Park Wood, Milton Keynes


Time: 10:00 - 10:50 Price: £1.00

🌳 Outdoor nature play has many proven benefits for pre-schoolers. It supports their development, stimulates their senses, improves creativity, and boosts immunity.

That’s why our Outdoor Learning Team runs Tree Tots, a weekly 50-minute nature play session that enables you and your little ones to join in all kinds of outdoor fun alongside other children, parents and carers.

👩‍🍳 WHAT TO EXPECT
Tree Tots offers a range of seasonal activities designed just for under-5s. You’ll get to join in all kinds of fun things that connect you and your little one with nature – from ‘cooking’ in mud kitchens, balancing on ropes and swinging in hammocks to playing with water, exploring the woods and collecting natural treasure.

📍WHERE/WHEN IT TAKES PLACE
Taking place in a dedicated area of Howe Park Wood every Thursday at 10am (Winter) or 10am and 11am (Summer).

🌧 WEATHER INFORMATION
Tree Tots takes place in all weathers (unless it’s very extreme) because we believe that children should have the opportunity to experience the wild outdoors – whether that’s rain, wind, sun or snow. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather.

👶 AGE: Under 5's

TIME: 10.00am - 10.50am

🎟 TICKETS: £1.00pp (Book via the event link)
Please purchase one ticket per person attending including adults and children. Maximum 3 children per adult. We do not refund bookings.

🏛 Free Panacea Museum in Bedford 2025


Time: 11:00 - 17:00 Price: £0.00

🏡A FREE MUSEUM IN BEDFORD- The Panacea, a beautiful Victorian House.
Discover the amazing story of the unique religious community that created its own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford. The museum has beautiful gardens to walk around.

OPEN:
Thursday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm
(last admission 4.30pm)

📖 SOME INTERESTING HISTORY
The Panacea Society was originally called ‘The Community of the Holy Ghost’, and was made up mostly of women. Its leader was Mabel Barltrop – the widow of an English clergyman, and mother of four children– whose followers called her ‘Octavia’.

Octavia. The founder of the Panacea Society.

During the 1920s, followers of the Panacea Society moved to Bedford to live near Octavia. Eventually, the community was able to combine the gardens of several properties to form ‘the campus’ – a private space between the community houses, with a chapel at its centre.

From this headquarters, the Society operated a religious organisation which reached across the world. Over two thousand people became members of the Panacea Society, in Europe, North America and many parts of the British Empire and Commonwealth.

From its beginning, the Panacea Society expected the end of the world. Society members were convinced that God would soon act to bring about a new age – a period of peace and happiness called ‘the Millennium’.

The Panacea Society was part of a wider religious movement of groups concerned with prophecy. The Panaceans believed that God was speaking to them through Octavia, but her followers did not believe she was the only modern prophet. Rather, they accepted a lineage of seven prophetic voices since the late 1700s – a tradition they called ‘the Visitation’.

🧒 FOR CHILDREN
Children trails, colouring sheets and wooden toys in the activity space in the main museum building 'Castleside'.

FOOD AND DRINK
Tea room serving refreshments, hot & cold snacks with indoor & outdoor seating

🚼 TOILET INFORMATION
Baby changing can be found in a toilet that is big enough to fit a pushchair in

🅿️ PARKING
No parking is available at the Museum, however there is pay and display parking nearby.

♿🅿️ ACCESSIBILITY (Partly accessible)
Accessible info and blue badge holders, click here: https://panaceamuseum.org/visiting/access

CONTACT DETAILS
☎️ Tel: 01234 353178
📧 museum@panaceatrust.org

🇬🇧 Fish & Chips Special for VE Day 2025 - Flitwick Rufus Centre


Time: 12:30 - 14:15 Price: £9.95

🎉 Come and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the Rufus Centre in Flitwick.

🐟 WHAT TO EXPECT
Fish, chips, garden peas and ice cream for £9.95pp. Available untill 14:15pm, no booking required.

💃VINTAGE SINGER PERFORMING:
▪️
12:30pm - 13:30pm

🎉 Mini VE Day Street Party at The Crown in Flitwick


Time: 15:00

🎉 Come and join us for a VE Day mini street party! Outside the front of The Crown, Flitwick from 3pm

🎶 WHAT TO EXPECT
Music, few nibbles and of course the bar will be open! Everyone welcome so why not stop in after school or on your way home from work and say hi!

🔥 Dunstable Downs Lighting of the Beacon 2025


Time: 20:30 - 22:00

🇬🇧 BEACON LIGHTING CEREMONY – 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY
DUNSTABLE DOWNS - THURSDAY 8 MAY 2025


🎉 EVENT DETAILS
Join communities across the UK in marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a special beacon lighting ceremony. 

🔦 IMPORTANT NOTES
Free event, no booking required. It will be dark when you leave – please bring a torch. 

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
No additional entertainment or concessions, as the focus is on paying tribute to those who secured peace.  The National Trust café will serve drinks and cakes. 

🕘 SCHEDULE
▪️9.00PM – Speeches 
▪️9.30PM – Beacon lighting, alongside other locations across the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man 
▪️After beacon lighting – Singing of "I Vow to Thee, My Country". 

ACCESS & TRANSPORT
⛔️ The road leading to the Downs will be closed. Please walk where possible.
🚍 A shuttle bus service will run from 8.30PM to 10.30PM (last shuttle at 10.20PM). 
♿️ Parking is Blue Badge holders only. 

🎥 LIVE STREAM
For those unable to attend, a live stream will be available on Facebook: [@DunstableDownsNT](https://www.facebook.com/DunstableDownsNT). 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
Produced by BBB Group with generous support from:  
✨️ Dunstable Town Council
✨️ South Beds Association of National Trust Members 
✨️ Whipsnade Parish Council

🔥 LIGHTING OF THE BEACON 2025 - Ampthill Park


Time: 20:30

🔥 LIGHTING OF THE BEACON AT GREAT AMPTHILL PARK 2025

DATE:Thursday 8th May 2025 
TIME: 8:30 PM (Beacon lit at 9:15 PM) 
LOCATION: Ampthill Great Park 

🇬🇧 EVENT DETAILS:
Join us to celebrate 80 years of peace in Europe since the end of World War II, accompanied by Ampthill Town Band, the Royal British Legion, and local organizations.  Refreshments available after the lighting. 

🅿️ PARKING
Additional parking available at Ampthill Rugby Club & Ampthill Town Cricket Club. 

💥 Kids Eat Free Carvery at The Old Red Lion - Houghton Regis


Time: 16:00 - 18:00

😋 Alongside our brand new menu launch at The Old Red Lion in Houghton Regis, we’re thrilled to introduce…KIDS EAT FREE CARVERY.

WHEN?
That’s right — every weekday Monday - Friday from 4pm to 6pm, kids can enjoy a free carvery with every paying adult. You can book via the event link or phone on the number below.

Perfect for after-school dinners, stress-free family meals, or spontaneous early evening plans.

Fresh flavours for the grown-ups, tasty favourites for the little ones — and great value all around.

☎️ Phone:  01582 797304

Friday 09 May (22)

🎤 Whitney Houston Tribute at The Orange Tree, Hitchin


Time: 20:00 - 23:00

🎤 The Whitney Houghton Tribute is performance not to be missed at The Orange Tree in Hitchin!! Classic hits and amazing voice!

😋 FEELING HUNGRY?
The Orange Tree serves great food 12pm - 9pm. You can view the menu and. Look a table via the Orange Tree website.
https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/local-pub/orange-tree-hitchin/

☎️ Contact number: 01462 432733

Skelton Nashville Band at The Bird in Hand, Henlow


Time: 20:00

🎶 After a successful debut at the Bird in Hand November 2024, we're back in Lower Stondon for another hoedown on Friday 9th May 2025 from 8pm!

🎶 Drum roll, please...Tickets for... - Stotfold Watermill


Time: 19:00 - 23:30 Price: £12.50

🎶 Live at The Mill is one of the most hotly anticipated live gigs in the area. Tickets sell out fast, so make sure you book quickly!

▪️Ages:
18+

🎉 2025
This year will be a great live music night for pop, rock and indie lovers with Hot Mess and favourites Delorean playing for you, and while you’re enjoying the music, you can sample the fantastic range of beers and ciders at the bar. Live@TheMill is simply the best way to start our 21st Steam Fair.

EVENT DETAILS
🔥 Hot Mess
With over 30 years of performing experience Hot Mess' ethos is to bring songs you don't hear your average band play.

Celebrating songs of the 80s from artists like Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Gerry Rafferty, Tears for Fears, Prince and Human League. Hot Mess will give you a night you'll never forget.

🔥 Delorean
Delorean are Hertfordshire's most exciting 70's and 80’s Rock Act! Their set list features music by some of the biggest rock bands including Queen, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Whitesnake, Bad Company, Guns n' Roses, Van Halen, Def Leppard and many, many more! DeLorean play a blistering set, combining all of your favorites from the greatest periods of Rock History and giving you a night to remember!

🎟 TICKET COST: £12.50
You can book tickets via the event link.

☎️ CONTACT DETAILS:
tickets@stotfoldmill.com

😋AMPTHILL EAT FEAST 2025


Time: 16:00 - 21:00

🎊 Get ready to tantalize your taste buds at the Amthill Park EAT Feast, the ultimate street food extravaganza!

😋 WHAT TO EXPECT
Ampthill Park will transform into a vibrant culinary hub, bringing together a mouthwatering array of international flavors from the best local food trucks and caterers. Whether you’re a fan of sizzling street tacos, gourmet burgers, or delectable vegan and veggie options, there’s something for everyone at this delicious celebration!

🎶 MUSIC
But it’s not just about the food—immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere filled with fantastic music and refreshing beverages. Grab a drink, enjoy the tunes, and soak in the vibrant community spirit as you connect with friends, family, and fellow food lovers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY FRIENDLY
Bring the little ones along, as this event is child-friendly. So why settle for a takeaway on the couch when you can indulge in a feast of flavors right in your hometown? Mark your calendars and prepare for a day of great food, great company, and unforgettable memories at the Ampthill Park EAT Feast!

🪑 WHAT TO BRING...
Please bring, fold up chairs or blankets.

🛝 PLAY PARK
You will also find a play park on the grounds, great to entertain the children!

🐶 DOGS
Dogs on leads welcome

📅 2025 AMPTHILL PARK DATES
▪️
Friday 11th April
▪️Friday 9th May
▪️Friday 13th June
▪️Friday 11th July
▪️Friday 8th August
▪️Friday 12th September 

💦 FREE Bennett's Splash Park in Dunstable 2025


Time: 10:00 - 18:00

💦 Bennetts FREE Splash park is great for a fun day out for all the family with a play park and Cafe onsite.

📆 2025 DATES
▪️Monday 5th May - Sunday 31st August
▪️7 days a week
▪️10am - 6pm

💦 FREE FAMILY FUN
Enjoy the 16 super soaking water features ranging from gentle mists, spray arches and tipping buckets to spray shooter cannons. The Splash Park is designed to be enjoyed by children of all ages from 2 years to 10 years.

Those who are older are asked to act responsibly for the safety of all.
Please note, the Splash Park will have 10 minute intervals where the water will stop to ensure water safety quality checks, why not take this opportunity to refresh at the Splashside Cafe.

❗️IMPORTANT INFORMATION
*Bennett’s Splash Park and Splashside Café may be subject to closure due to unforeseen circumstances due to weather, technical faults or other issues beyond our control. For regular updates, please follow us on Facebook: @bennettssplash *

🍕
THE SPLASHSIDE CAFE
The Splashside Café adjacent to the Splash Park offers an array of food and drinks for all to enjoy such as freshly prepared milkshakes, delicious pizzas, classic fish finger bap and much more! Please note, last orders are 5.30 pm. View the menu here.

🅿️ PARKING - Charges may apply
When driving to Bennett’s Splash, please park in Ashton Square Car Park located off Bull Pond Lane, LU6 3BE.
The Splash Park is a minute walk from here, into Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground. Please take care when crossing the road.
ASHTON SQUARE CAR PARK is owned and operated by Central Bedfordshire Council. Please check the machines for chargeable days and hours.

💥 New Brickz Museum in Milton Keynes 2025


🧱 Whether you're a lifelong fan, looking for a fun day out or beginning your LEGO® adventure, this museum is a celebration of the colorful blocks that have brought joy to millions of people around the world opening from 5th April 2025 - 29th June 2025.

Our community of builders has worked hard to create some amazing and totally unique LEGO® displays for you to enjoy. Our large builds go beyond just size—they take you on an unforgettable journey through epic themes, from daring pirates and mysterious underwater creatures to the vast galaxy of Star Wars and so much more.

🗓 2025 OPENING DATES
▪️Easter Half Term: 5th April - 20th April
▪️Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in April, May & June.
▪️May Half Term: 26th - 30th May
▪️Last day open: Sunday 26th June

🕙 OPENING TIME SESSION SLOTS
Depending on days different slots are available between 10.30am - 5.00pm. You can book on Eventbrite via the event link.

🎟 TICKETS COST:
▪️Adult (16+) : £15.00
▪️Child (5 - 15): £9.50
▪️Under 5: Free
▪️Family (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children): £10.00 per person
▪️ Carers: Free
(For those with proof of disability we will offer a free carers ticket with a full paying admissions ticket)

🤑 COMBO TICKETS
Combined entry to Brickz, Pixel Bunker & National Film & Sci-Fi Museum for the day.
▪️Adult: £32.00
▪️Child: £23.00
▪️Family (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children): £24.50 per person

🚶‍♂️FREE Great Linford Manor Walk - 2025 (No booking required)


Time: 10:30

🌳 Learn about the ancient origins of the park all the way up to the modern era. On your walk, discover hidden gems such as the Veteran Lime Tree, Doric Seat and Ha-ha, which survive from the 18th century English Landscape Garden design of the park and have been recently revealed, revived and restored as part of our National Lottery Heritage Fund project.

😍 FREE: This walk is free but donations to the Friends of Great Linford Manor Park are welcome. No booking is required, just turn up and enjoy!

🕥 TIME: Guided walks are held
on the second Friday of the month at 10:30
and on the last Sunday of the month at 14:00.

🚶‍♀️DURATION: Walks last around 90 minutes.

🥾 WHAT TO WEAR....
Sensible, hard-wearing footwear and outdoor clothing is advised.

♿️ ACCESSIBILITY
On one stretch of the route there are a set of deep steps (leading up to the Railway Walk from the Cascade Pond). Please let the walk leader know if you would prefer to leave the pond via an accessible route. One or two park features are located on grass, which can be muddy when wet. A hearing loop is available on request from events@theparkstrust.com.
Accessible parking is located around the Parklands Pond at What3Words location pencil.parsnips.glosses.

🅿️ PARKING
There are limited parking spaces on the approach to the park from Parklands (see above). Otherwise, please park at the Memorial Hall car park, off Marsh Drive and leave the Arts Centre car park free. What3Words location unite.nipping.places.

🗺 MEETING PLACE: MK Arts Centre car park, Great Linford, off Parklands (St. Leger Drive), MK14 5DZ.

🎱 Globalls Bingo at Revolution De Cuba, Milton Keynes


Time: 19:00 - 22:00 Price: £18.63

🎶 An unforgettable night of Globalls Bingo at Revolución de Cuba, Milton Keynes., get ready to laugh, dance, and win fabulous prizes… some questionable ones too!

▪️Doors open: 18:00pm.
▪️Balls start dropping: 19:00pm

AGES:
18+

💃 WHAT TO EXPECT
Our talented drag queens will be your hosts for the evening, bringing their unique charm and sass to the stage. With a mix of classic bingo games with camp twists and hilarious performances & audience interactions, dance offs and mountains of confetti showers, this event is sure to be a blast.

🎱 BINGO BOOK INCLUDED.....
Your Bingo Book Is included with ticket cost, so gather your friends, put on your best Neon/Glo outfit (prize for best dressed), and get ready to have a fabulous time at Globalls Bingo - Milton Keynes.

FEATURING
🤩 The UK's very best drag queens
🤩 Four games of bingo
🤩 Hilarious games
🤩 Prize for best “neon” dressed
🤩 Crazy prizes

🥂 REFRESHMENTS

Full bar service and food available.

🎟 TICKET PRICE: £18.53 
(including booking fee)

🥩 Bottomless Steak Night at Brickhill Bistro Cafe


Time: 18:00 - 22:00

😮 Get ready for the juiciest night in town! Brickhill Bistro is bringing you unlimited striploin steak, grilled to perfection served with chips and sauces non-stop for 90 minutes until you say stop!

😋 WHAT TO EXPECT
Expect endless tender, flavour-packed steak with classic sides and sauces, served in a buzzing, laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're a rare-lover or well-done fan, we’ve got you covered.

1️⃣ 18:00 - 18:30 Settle down (choose a table)
2️⃣ 18:30 - 20:00 Place the order 
(Medium rare to Well done)
Each person get 90mins of time to eat unlimited amount of steak and chips with sauces
3️⃣ 20:30 - 21:00 Drinks and Good byes!

⏳️
Can you handle endless steak? Let’s find out.  Limited seats available!

🎟 TICKET PRICE:
£28.87 per person (including booking fee)
You can book via the event link through eventbrite.

☎️ Contact number: 01234 268284
🌐 Website: https://brickhillbistro.uk/

🎳 Unlimited Friday Night Bowling in Dunstable


🥳 Friday Party Night – Enjoy UNLIMITED bowling from 8PM – Very Late!

🎳 DETAILS
The weekend starts on Friday night at GObowling!
There’s nothing better than starting your weekend with a stress relieving night out with those closest to you. And at GObowling we have everything you need to make an evening of it! So join us for some great meal/bar deals, a fun party atmosphere, and cheeky prizes to won all night!

🏆 Lots of prizes to be won!!

▪️COST - £15 per person

HOW TO BOOK:
☎️ Call us on: 01582 47 27 27

🎸Classic Punk at The Crooked Crow Bar in Leighton Buzzard


Time: 20:00 Price: £5.00

🎸 Join us for a night of fantastic, classic 70s punk with DJ Jowitt on the decks & live music from The Beaulocks; An energetic tribute to the best of 70's punk and ska at The Crooked Bar in Leighton Buzzard.

⚡️WHAT TO EXPECT
Think, Sex Pistols, The Specials, Clash, The Ramones, UK Subs, Sham 69, Damned, Stooges, Buzzcocks, The Ruts and many more.

🎟 TICKETS COST: £5.00
You can purchase tickets via the event link