Within about a half hour’s drive from Harrold there is an amazing wealth of entertainment and cultural events and facilities. National and international orchestras perform in seasons of concerts and individual musicians, artistes and performers provide exciting live entertainment. A nationally famous concert venue and an internationally renowned orchestra are located in the local area. Music is presented not only in the theatres and concert venues but throughout the local area through special music or art festivals.
Music
Bedford Choral Society
Bedford Choral Society presents a wide range of choral music to suit all taste. Programmes include works from the full choral repertoire, classical and modern, as well as a selection of shorter or lighter works from all generations.
Bedford Marianettes
Traditionally the Marianettes produce two musicals a year as well as a pantomime, many concerts, old time music halls in the Trinity Arts and Leisure, Bedford.
Bedford Music Club
Presents monthly classical music chamber concerts from October to March on Thursday evenings at either Bedford High School for Girls or at the Bunyan Meeting Free Church.
Bedford Town Brass Band
With three bands, Town Band, Concert Brass and Progress Brass accommodate players of all abilities and in addition, we have a ten piece group, Decibels. All bands rehearse at the Bunyan Meeting, in Mill Street, Bedford.
County Youth Orchestra
Established in the early 1970’s, the members of the County Youth Orchestra come from both private and state schools throughout the county. Competition for places is very keen.
Milton Keynes City Orchestra
The orchestra presents an annual season featuring the great classics, with the emphasis on entertainment and on making live classical music accessible to all. Concerts take place in Milton Keynes Theatre in the heart of the city.
Northampton Concert Band
The leading community band in Northamptonshire and one of the top bands of its kind in the country. It has a high standard of musicianship and performance, and has won several awards in national wind band festivals.
Northampton Symphony Orchestra
A top amateur symphony orchestras with membership is drawn from amateurs, teachers, former professionals and students they perform in an Northampton’s many classical music venues with top professional soloists.
The Philharmonia Orchestra
The Philharmonia Orchestra presents six concerts a season at the Bedford Corn Exchange, where it has been resident since 1995, as well as a full and varied programme of education and community activity in the local community.
Rushden Town Band
A First Section brass band, based in Rushden, having been promoted to First Section in January 2017. The band qualified for the National Finals into take place in September 2017.
ShowCo Bedford
ShowCo Bedford was formed in 2004 by the members of the Bedford Amateur Operatic Society. Since 2002, we have performed at The Place theatre – an exciting venue that we now use for our rehearsals and productions.
Music Venues
The Barn, Hill House Farm, Carlton
This is a venue for Summer concerts taking place between May and August, concerts by renowned musicians. The series of concerts provides fine music of all kinds played in peaceful surroundings.
The Castle, Castle Way, Wellingborough
The Castle is a lively music venue and theatre and cinema which is home to both professional touring companies and community groups. A wide range of musical acts are featured.
The Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford
The Corn Exchange hosts a varied programme of live musical entertainment throughout the year, including performances from the world class Philharmonia Orchestra who hold a residency here.
The Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton
A large and recently refurbished venue which attracts music of all kinds, including ballet from top touring companies, symphony orchestras, opera, West-end musicals, and popular performers.
The National Bowl, Watling Street, Milton Keynes
The National Bowl is an open air live music venue, a huge grass, seatless amphitheatre, in the heart of the city which stages concerts often featuring major bands.
Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes
The theatre accommodates a vast range of productions, from large-scale West End musicals, to symphony concerts, ballet and opera, including an annual visit from Glyndebourne on Tour and the Welsh National Opera.
The Stables, Wavendon, Milton Keynes
The Stables is Milton Keynes’ premier live music venue offering excellent live music for all tastes – jazz, blues, folk, rock, classical, pop and world music. A wonderful purpose-built auditorium seats 396 people.