Get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the golden age of swing as May Blossom, Vintage Songbird, and Bedford Borough Council presents the Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend. This special free event will honour the legendary bandleader and his enduring musical legacy. There is also a Glenn Miller Memorial Dance on the Saturday evening with the Harborough Big Band.
The event will be in Harpur Square and the Harpur Suite, Bedford town centre, What3words location: ///jump.dress.town. Activities will be running on both Saturday 14 December, 10am-5pm and Sunday 15 December, 10am-4pm. This weekend promises to transport attendees back to the golden days of swing and big band music, commemorating 80 years since Major Miller disappeared over the English Channel during a flight to Paris.
A weekend of music, dance, and history
This commemorative weekend offers a unique opportunity to explore Glenn Miller's connection to Bedford and his significant contribution to the Allied war effort.
Visitors can:
- Learn about Glenn Miller's history: Discover fascinating facts about his time in Bedford and his broadcasts with the BBC.
- Enjoy free dance classes throughout the day in the Harpur Suite: Take part in free Lindy Hop, Social Foxtrot, and Barn Dance classes.
- Experience a free tea dance 2-4pm both days in the Harpur Suite: Relax and enjoy live music performed by May Blossom, the Vintage Songbird, performing his timeless swing tunes and other fabulous songs from the 1940’s.
- Explore historical exhibits: Immerse yourself in the wartime era with military vehicles and visit the NAAFI in Harpur Square.
- Take a guided tour: Join a ‘World War II in Bedford’ walking tour with the Bedford Association of Tour Guides, leaving the Harpur Suite at 11am each day. Learn about the town's connection to Bletchley Park. These walks must be booked in advance on The Higgins Bedford website.
- Visit The Higgins Bedford and view their World War II display.
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning & Prosperity, said; “We are thrilled to host this special event to commemorate Glenn Miller’s legacy. This weekend will offer something for everyone, from those who would like to learn about local history to those who just enjoy the music. We invite everyone to come and celebrate the music that defined a generation.”
Sallie Phillips, who is organising the event on behalf of Bedford Borough Council, said; "I am really excited to pay tribute to Glenn Miller, who was based at Bedford during World War II and his connection to the town is still celebrated by the local community. The Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band performed for Allied forces throughout Europe and the music still resonates with people of all ages today.
“This memorial weekend is not only a celebration of his incredible contribution to music, but also a reflection of Bedford's unique place in wartime history."
Learn more about this and other events in Bedford town centre this December at www.bedford.gov.uk/Christmas2024. Free parking is available for the first four hours at Lurke Street and Allhallows multistorey car parks on Saturday and parking is free all day on Sundays in Council-owned town centre car parks.
The Glenn Miller Memorial Dance is planned for the evening of Saturday 14 December. There will be a magical evening of live big band music, dancing, and nostalgia in the Harpur Suite. The Harborough Big Band will perform classic Glenn Miller hits, transporting you back to the glamorous era of the 1940s. Doors open at 7.30pm and the dance ends at 11pm. Tickets are £20, for more information and to purchase your tickets, please contact Sallie Phillips on 07973 713568.
Further to these activities in Bedford, there will also be an 80th Anniversary Service for Glenn Miller at the Twinwood Aviation Museum, Clapham. This will go ahead on Sunday 15 December at 1.55pm, the precise time that Glenn Miller’s flight departed from RAF Twinwood Farm. The service will last 25 minutes and refreshments will be provided. The Museum Tower will open at 1pm and remain open until 3.30pm with access to the Glenn Miller Museum and Control Room.
Let's come together to honour the memory of Glenn Miller and celebrate the timeless music that continues to inspire.