Bedford Borough Council is pleased to announce that Queen Street Car Park (MK40 2HA) will remain open overnight on key dates during the Bedford Summer Sessions in July 2025. The car park is free to use for the first two hours, and to support the thousands of music fans attending this popular series of concerts at Bedford Park, parking will also be free after 6pm on the following dates:
· Thursday, 3 July – Simple Minds with support from The Feeling
· Saturday, 5 July – Rag’n’Bone Man with support from Joy Crookes
· Sunday, 6 July – Proms in the Park (family-friendly picnic-style concert) featuring The Bedford Park Orchestra
· Thursday, 10 July – The Human League with support from Kim Wilde
· Friday, 11 July – Café Mambo Ibiza with support from DJ Andy Baxter
· Saturday, 12 July – Supergrass with support from The Bluetones
· Sunday, 13 July – McFly with support from The Vamps
Bedford Summer Sessions is a major live music event held in the picturesque Grade II listed Bedford Park, a short walk away from Queen Street Car Park. It features top artists and attracting large crowds throughout July. The concerts run into the evening, making the overnight opening of Queen Street Car Park a real convenience for attendees, allowing them to enjoy the music without worrying about parking restrictions.
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “We want to make sure everyone can fully enjoy the Bedford Summer Sessions, one of Bedford’s most exciting cultural events. By keeping Queen Street Car Park open overnight and offering free parking after 6pm on event nights, we are making it easier for those attending to do so safely and comfortably.”
Additional Parking Information
· All Council-owned town centre car parks are free all day on Sundays, providing extra convenience for weekend visitors.
· 24-hour Bedford Borough Council car parks include:
· Lurke Street Multi-Storey Car Park (MK40 3HZ) – 790 spaces, free parking after 6pm daily, approximately a 10-minute walk to Bedford Park.
· Allhallows Multi-Storey Car Park (MK40 1LX) – 430 spaces, free parking after 6pm daily, around a 12-minute walk to Bedford Park.
· River Street Multi-Storey Car Park (MK40 1UH) – 465 spaces, open 24 hours but does not offer free parking after 6pm, about a 15-minute walk to Bedford Park.
Notices will be displayed at Queen Street Car Park entrances ahead of these dates to inform drivers of the extended hours and free parking offer.
Bedford Summer Sessions continues the legacy of Bedford Park Concerts, bringing world-class live music to Bedford Borough in a beautiful outdoor setting. This parking initiative underlines the Council’s commitment to supporting local events and enhancing the visitor experience.