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Your Visit

Bedford Corn Exchange is now fully open

Bedford Corn Exchange is now operating again as a full-capacity theatre. We are delighted to be able to welcome back performers and theatre-goers to the venue.

 

We have a number of measures in place to make sure the venue is as safe as possible for our audiences, staff and performers. Please do not visit if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Advised to wear a face covering when inside the venue, unless you are exempt.

 

Please note that the Box Office on Harpur Square is not currently open for in person bookings or enquiries. If you have any queries about your booking please email us at cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk or call us on 01234 718044.

 

The door times for all performances are an hour before the show is due to start and we will be checking everyone as they come in. Please arrive as early as possible, as there may be queues. 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS;

 

What should I do if I test positive for, or have symptoms of, COVID-19 before a performance? Am I entitled to a refund?

 

If you test positive for COVID-19 please stay at home and do not attend the performance. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please stay at home and book a PCR test. See the stay at home guidance for more details but do not attend the performance.

 

We are not offering refunds to customers who are self-isolating for the full-scale, main performance programme.

 

I have been told to self-isolate, what should I do?

 

If you are contacted directly and asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace for a period of time that includes a performance you were due to attend, please do not attend the performance. Please follow the stay at home guidance and help protect your fellow theatre-goers and the wider community.

  

Further Information About Your Visit

 

There are a number of other measures in place at the venue to help ensure the safety of audiences, performers and staff.

 

  • Advised to wear a face covering when inside the venue, unless you are exempt.

 

  • Please use the hand sanitiser stations available at the entrance to and around the venue.

 

  • Signage is in place to help customers move safely around the venue. Please follow signage where required.

 

  • There is an enhanced cleaning programme in place.

 

  • Please bring limited belongings (remember your face covering) – a cloakroom service is not currently available.

 

Our staff will be on hand to assist and direct you. Please be patient with us, as getting people into the venue and to seats safely may take a little longer than usual.

 

Rescheduled and Cancelled Performances

 

Bedford Corn Exchange continues to work with promoters to reschedule dates for performances, where it becomes apparent that the original or new planned date can’t go ahead as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

If you hold tickets to an event which is postponed, your tickets will remain valid for the new date. We will refund your ticket if you are unable to attend the rescheduled date and refunds will be given for any shows that are cancelled.

 

Please keep an eye on our website for the latest information about any rescheduled shows. Where a show is rescheduled or cancelled, we will be contacting customers to inform them. Please bear with us during this time as we have a large number of customer to contact.

 

Refunds will be made to the original card that tickets were purchased with. If this card is no longer valid then you must advise the box office at the time of requesting a refund.

 

We have box office staff working to administer refunds, change tickets over to new dates and respond to emails and phone messages. If you have any queries about your booking please email us at cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk or call us on 01234 718044.

Bedford Corn Exchange
St Paul’s Square
Bedford MK40 1SL

Box Office
Harpur Suite
Harpur Square
Bedford MK40 1LE

Box Office Opening Times
Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Telephone: 01234 718044

Email: cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk

Location

Bedford Corn Exchange is located in the centre of Bedford, on St Paul’s Square directly opposite St Paul’s Church. The venue also includes the Harpur Suite, home to the Box Office, which is located on Harpur Square opposite the Harpur Shopping Centre and next door to Bedford Central Library.

Parking

If you’re visiting Bedford Corn Exchange we recommend the following car parks, which are a short walk from the venue.

  • River Street Mult Storey Car Park, River Street, Bedford MK40 1PX – Open 24 Hours
  • Lurke Street Multi Storey Car Park, Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ – Open 24 Hours
  • All Hallows Multi Storey Car Park, Brace Street, Bedford MK40 1LX – Open Mon-Sat 7:00am to 8:00pm, Sun 9:00am to 6:00pm

Bedford also has a Park & Ride service. For more information on parking visit www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel

Travel Information

By Rail
Bedford Corn Exchange is a 10-15 minute walk from Bedford railway station. A taxi service is available at the station.

For information on train services visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

By Bus
Bedford Corn Exchange is a couple of minutes walk from Bedford Bus Station. For information on local bus services visit www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/public-transport/

Coach services operate from Cambridge, Oxford and Northampton. For more information visit www.stagecoachbus.com

By Car

  • From the M1 – exit at Junction 13 and follow the A421 towards Bedford. Follow signs for the Town Centre.
  • From the A1 (North) – exit at the Black Cat Roundabout and follow the A421 towards Bedford. Follow signs for the Town Centre.
  • From the A1 (South) – exit at the Sandy Roundabout and follow the A603 towards Bedford. Follow signs for the Town Centre.

How to Book

Bookings can be made online, in person at the Box Office, or over the phone on 01234 718044. All tickets booked by phone are held at the Box Office for collection before or on the day of the show. We accept most major credit and debit cards, except American Express.

Concessions are available for most BCEX Presents shows (these are shows that are promoted by Bedford Corn Exchange) for the following groups:
• Under 16s
• NUS card holders and full-time students
• Senior Citizens (over 60s)
• Disabled people
• Serving and retired Armed Forces personnel
• Unwaged people.
Proof of eligibility will be required at the time of booking.

Children under 2 years of age are admitted free to BCEX Presents shows. Booster seats can be provided.

Fees & Cancellations

All online bookings are subject to a £3.15 transaction fee. All bookings over £8.00 made in person or via telephone are subject to a £2.12 transaction fee. This fee is applicable per booking, not per ticket. VAT is included in the price of all tickets purchased on our website or via the Box Office.

In common with general theatre practice, we regret that tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded after purchase, except where a show is cancelled. For further information visit our Terms & Conditions page.

Seating

Please note that the seating format for a show may be flat, tiered, standing, a mix of flat and tiered seating, or cabaret style.

Lift Access

There is lift access from Number 13 to the Main Auditorium. A lift is also available from street level at the side of the Corn Exchange to the Main Auditorium and interval bar area.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets in all parts of the venue. Baby changing facilities are also available.

Bars

We have four bars across the venue, stocked with a variety of beers, ciders, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Please be aware that Food and Drink can not be brought into the venue from outside unless you have a medical exception that can be shown on arrival. Thank you for your cooperation.

Made in Bedford @ Number 13

Made in Bedford, an eco-café and shop, operate from here during the daytime. Made in Bedford promotes and sells the work of local artists and makers, and provides a cafe serving vegan and vegetarian food using seasonal, locally grown produce. For more information visit www.madeinbedford.uk

Made in Bedford Opening Times
Wednesday – Sunday: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Cloakroom

Cloakroom facilities are available for selected shows and events.

Access

Bedford Corn Exchange aims to be accessible and welcoming to all. Please contact the Box Office on 01234 718044 if you have any access requirements you would like to let us know about when booking your ticket.

Entering the Venue

Access to the Main Auditorium for evening shows is generally at street level via Number 13, next door to the Corn Exchange. The Harpur Suite and Box Office can be accessed via a ramp at street level.

A limited number of disabled badge holders’ parking spaces are available next to the venue in Mayes Yard (off St Paul’s Square).

Lifts

A lift is available to take customers to the Main Auditorium level available at street level to the side of the main Corn Exchange building (entered from Mayes Yard). A lift inside the venue provides access to the Balcony, Howard Room bar, and toilet facilities on the lower ground floor.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets in all parts of the venue, with disabled toilets in the main Corn Exchange building, Harpur Suite and Number 13. Baby changing facilities are also available.

Steward Support

Please speak to a Steward or a member of our staff if you need anything during your visit. They will be happy to help.

Disabled Spaces

We have dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, available together with adjacent seats for carers or companions. Please let us know your requirements when you book so we can secure these seats for you.

D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Customers

There is an induction loop system in the Main Auditorium. Please switch your hearing aid to the “T” position to use the system.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs (including Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs) are welcome at the venue and water can be provided. Please advise the Box Office when you book your ticket to that we can ensure adequate provision is made.

Carers

Carers are admitted free to all BCEX Presents shows.