Queenโs Park Community Organisation is a grassroots organisation and registered charity (1199226) targeting the most deprived areas in Bedford. We have four objectives, Welfare, Capacity Building, Recreation and Relief of Poverty. As a Bedford Charity, we empower local people to make a difference by building bridges between communities, schools and organisations via our 3 current programmes:
We believe all people should have equal access to the services, funds and opportunities they are entitled to.ย Our Intervention Officers support individuals to navigate statutory and non-statutory services and to manage a wide range of life issues compounded by discrimination, literacy and language barriers, cultural and religious differences.
We support small, inexperienced voluntary groups to set up, become positive influencers for change in their communities, and grow into self-sufficient and sustainable organisations.
QPCO believes that having a youth strategy is core to achieving change in Bedford. This is why we invested in developing a youth programme. As part of that work, we are currently running a social action project to empower young people through a range of recreational and educational activities to learn, get involved in their local area, and help build stronger communities by building bridges between young people and the diverse communities in the area.
Make a donation Get in touchJoin our community and connect with us on our other social media channels to stay in the loop with our latest news, events, and stories from people just like you - because everyone is welcome here!
A big thank you to our amazing community partners! ๐ฃ๐
Weโd like to say a huge thank you to Co-op and Mc Refrigeration Ltd for their generous donation of Easter eggs to support our upcoming Easter holiday activities at the Welcoming Space.
Thanks to their kindness, weโll be able to run a fun Easter egg competition for local children and families during our holiday sessions. ๐ซ๐
Community support like this helps us create free, welcoming activities for children and families in our area, and weโre incredibly grateful for businesses that want to give back.
๐ Keep an eye on our page! Weโll be sharing details of our Easter Half Term activities very soon!
The Welcoming Space is delivered by Queenโs Park Community Organisation with volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford, supporting local families through free, friendly community sessions.
#CommunitySupport #ThankYou #WelcomingSpace #Bedford #WeAreQPCO #CommunityPartnerships
A big thank you to our amazing community partners! ๐ฃ๐
Weโd like to say a huge thank you to Co-op and Mc Refrigeration Ltd for their generous donation of Easter eggs to support our upcoming Easter holiday activities at the Welcoming Space.
Thanks to their kindness, weโll be able to run a fun Easter egg competition for local children and families during our holiday sessions. ๐ซ๐
Community support like this helps us create free, welcoming activities for children and families in our area, and weโre incredibly grateful for businesses that want to give back.
๐ Keep an eye on our page! Weโll be sharing details of our Easter Half Term activities very soon!
The Welcoming Space is delivered by Queenโs Park Community Organisation with volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford, supporting local families through free, friendly community sessions.
#CommunitySupport #ThankYou #WelcomingSpace #Bedford #WeAreQPCO #CommunityPartnerships
๐
Just one month until Bangladeshi Heritage Day!
As part of our Back to Our Roots campaign, QPCO is proud to support Bangladeshi Heritage Day in partnership with @ilearnbedford ๐ฟ๐ค
The event commemorates the historic declaration of independence of Bangladesh on 26 March 1971, a defining moment that began the Liberation War for freedom, dignity and self-determination ๐ง๐ฉโจ
๐ผThis yearโs theme โAshaโ (เฆเฆถเฆพ) โ Hope celebrates the enduring spirit of the Bangladeshi community while looking toward a future of unity, opportunity and cultural pride.
Save the date and celebrate with us.
#BangladeshiHeritageDay #BackToOurRoots #CommunityCelebration #weareqpco
๐
Just one month until Bangladeshi Heritage Day!
As part of our Back to Our Roots campaign, QPCO is proud to support Bangladeshi Heritage Day in partnership with @ilearnbedford ๐ฟ๐ค
The event commemorates the historic declaration of independence of Bangladesh on 26 March 1971, a defining moment that began the Liberation War for freedom, dignity and self-determination ๐ง๐ฉโจ
๐ผThis yearโs theme โAshaโ (เฆเฆถเฆพ) โ Hope celebrates the enduring spirit of the Bangladeshi community while looking toward a future of unity, opportunity and cultural pride.
Save the date and celebrate with us.
#BangladeshiHeritageDay #BackToOurRoots #CommunityCelebration #weareqpco
๐๐ HAPPY ST. PATRICKโS DAY! ๐๐
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us in Harpur Square on Sunday for our St Patrickโs Day Celebration! ๐ฎ๐ชโจ
Despite the windy weather, the square was filled with music, dancing, and community spirit. It was wonderful to see so many people staying to enjoy the live performances and celebrate Irish culture together.
๐ถ A huge shoutout to our fantastic musicians who brought the sounds of Ireland to Bedford: The Castle Session Band / Sheryl Hunter / The Black and Gold / The Also-Rans
๐ A round of applause for the brilliant dancers from Stuart Irish Dance, who brought incredible energy to the square!
๐จ Inside the Harpur Suite, visitors explored our Bedford Irish History and Heritage exhibition, featuring beautiful artwork created by participants from Luton Irish Forum and wonderful poems written by pupils from St Thomas More Secondary School and Sixth Form, created during a creative workshop led by writer and community artist Sarah Turner.
๐ We were delighted to welcome Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford, Mr Ismail Anilmis, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, John Tizard, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Noelette Hanley, CEO of Luton Irish Forum, and Martin Bonner, Headteacher of St Thomas More Secondary School and Sixth Form to the celebrations.
๐ฝ๏ธ A special thank you to Sean OโDonnell and The Kings Arms for serving traditional Irish dishes, along with all the fantastic stalls that helped create the lively atmosphere in the square, including Fealyโs Irish Bakery, Haven Food, Monโs Creative Facepainting, The Stirrup Bar, and The Co-op Kempston.
๐ We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring the event to life. Especially our organisers Samantha Hughes and Rich Taylor, our volunteers, performers, partners, and community groups who worked so hard behind the scenes.
Thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund, Bedford Borough Council, and The Harpur Trust for supporting this celebration, and to Concept Event Solutions for providing stage and sound.
๐ธ View the full photo album on Facebook or our website
Slรกinte! ๐ปโ๏ธ
#StPatricksDay #Bedford #IrishCulture #CommunitySpirit #BedfordEvents
๐๐ HAPPY ST. PATRICKโS DAY! ๐๐
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us in Harpur Square on Sunday for our St Patrickโs Day Celebration! ๐ฎ๐ชโจ
Despite the windy weather, the square was filled with music, dancing, and community spirit. It was wonderful to see so many people staying to enjoy the live performances and celebrate Irish culture together.
๐ถ A huge shoutout to our fantastic musicians who brought the sounds of Ireland to Bedford: The Castle Session Band / Sheryl Hunter / The Black and Gold / The Also-Rans
๐ A round of applause for the brilliant dancers from Stuart Irish Dance, who brought incredible energy to the square!
๐จ Inside the Harpur Suite, visitors explored our Bedford Irish History and Heritage exhibition, featuring beautiful artwork created by participants from Luton Irish Forum and wonderful poems written by pupils from St Thomas More Secondary School and Sixth Form, created during a creative workshop led by writer and community artist Sarah Turner.
๐ We were delighted to welcome Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford, Mr Ismail Anilmis, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, John Tizard, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Noelette Hanley, CEO of Luton Irish Forum, and Martin Bonner, Headteacher of St Thomas More Secondary School and Sixth Form to the celebrations.
๐ฝ๏ธ A special thank you to Sean OโDonnell and The Kings Arms for serving traditional Irish dishes, along with all the fantastic stalls that helped create the lively atmosphere in the square, including Fealyโs Irish Bakery, Haven Food, Monโs Creative Facepainting, The Stirrup Bar, and The Co-op Kempston.
๐ We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring the event to life. Especially our organisers Samantha Hughes and Rich Taylor, our volunteers, performers, partners, and community groups who worked so hard behind the scenes.
Thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund, Bedford Borough Council, and The Harpur Trust for supporting this celebration, and to Concept Event Solutions for providing stage and sound.
๐ธ View the full photo album on Facebook or our website
Slรกinte! ๐ปโ๏ธ
#StPatricksDay #Bedford #IrishCulture #CommunitySpirit #BedfordEvents
โจJoin Us Tomorrow at The Welcome Space! โจ
Whether youโd like company, practical help, or just a place to spend some time, everyone is welcome.
โ Sit and relax, connect, and get support in a warm and welcoming environment.
๐ฒ Play games and enjoy activities
๐ฌ Get support and friendly advice
๐ Learn about carbon monoxide safety, energy advice, and other available support
Did you know about the Priority Services Register? Itโs a FREE service designed to give extra support to people who may need a little additional help. Including older residents, those living with disabilities or long-term health conditions, families with young children, and anyone recovering from illness.
If you think you, a family member, neighbour or friend could benefit, please donโt hesitate to get in touch. Pop along and weโll happily help you get registered.
No appointments needed! If youโre unsure or need advice, come along for a chat โ support is available ๐
๐
When? Every Wednesday
โฐ Time? 1PM โ 5PM
๐ Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10โ12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
For more information visit our website: https://qpco.org.uk/projects/welcoming-space/
๐ โโจ This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queen`s Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation.
#WelcomingSpace #CommunityConnection #BedfordCommunity #WeAreQPCO #CommunityEngagement
โจJoin Us Tomorrow at The Welcome Space! โจ
Whether youโd like company, practical help, or just a place to spend some time, everyone is welcome.
โ Sit and relax, connect, and get support in a warm and welcoming environment.
๐ฒ Play games and enjoy activities
๐ฌ Get support and friendly advice
๐ Learn about carbon monoxide safety, energy advice, and other available support
Did you know about the Priority Services Register? Itโs a FREE service designed to give extra support to people who may need a little additional help. Including older residents, those living with disabilities or long-term health conditions, families with young children, and anyone recovering from illness.
If you think you, a family member, neighbour or friend could benefit, please donโt hesitate to get in touch. Pop along and weโll happily help you get registered.
No appointments needed! If youโre unsure or need advice, come along for a chat โ support is available ๐
๐
When? Every Wednesday
โฐ Time? 1PM โ 5PM
๐ Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10โ12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
For more information visit our website: https://qpco.org.uk/projects/welcoming-space/
๐ โโจ This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queen`s Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation.
#WelcomingSpace #CommunityConnection #BedfordCommunity #WeAreQPCO #CommunityEngagement
Did you catch us on the news last night? ๐ฅ๐
If you missed it, donโt worryโฆyou can relive the magic of our St. Patrickโs Day celebration in Bedford right here! ๐ฎ๐ชโจ
Local @itvanglia News joined us to capture the fantastic atmosphere and speak with Samantha Hughes, Ambassador of the Irish Bedford Community, and Aideen Cusack from the @irishembassyuk, about the importance of celebrating Irish culture and community in Bedford.
๐ถ From live music and Irish dancing to great food, laughter, and plenty of craic, it was an unforgettable celebration bringing people together.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came along, supported the event, and helped make the day so special. ๐
#StPatricksDay #Bedford #IrishCulture #Community #ITVNews #StPatricksDay2026
Did you catch us on the news last night? ๐ฅ๐
If you missed it, donโt worryโฆyou can relive the magic of our St. Patrickโs Day celebration in Bedford right here! ๐ฎ๐ชโจ
Local @itvanglia News joined us to capture the fantastic atmosphere and speak with Samantha Hughes, Ambassador of the Irish Bedford Community, and Aideen Cusack from the @irishembassyuk, about the importance of celebrating Irish culture and community in Bedford.
๐ถ From live music and Irish dancing to great food, laughter, and plenty of craic, it was an unforgettable celebration bringing people together.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came along, supported the event, and helped make the day so special. ๐
#StPatricksDay #Bedford #IrishCulture #Community #ITVNews #StPatricksDay2026
๐ Dignitaries Join Bedfordโs St. Patrickโs Day Celebration ๐
We were honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests and community leaders to our St. Patrickโs Day Celebration Party in Harpur Square as part of the Back to Our Roots Programme 2026.
The event brought Bedford together for a day celebrating Irish culture, heritage and community, with live music, Irish dancing, traditional food and a vibrant atmosphere enjoyed by hundreds of attendees.
Among those who joined us on the day were:
๐ฎ๐ช Aideen Cusack, Representative of the Embassy of Ireland
๐ Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford
๐ Mr Ismail Anilmis, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire
๐ฎ John Tizard, Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner
๐ค Noelette Hanley, CEO of Luton Irish Forum
๐ Martin Bonner, Headteacher of St Thomas More Secondary School & Sixth Form
๐ค Eric Masih, Former High Sheriff and Chair of Trustees of Queenโs Park Community Organisation
Their presence helped highlight the importance of celebrating Irish heritage and the contribution of the Irish community in Bedford, while also recognising the role community events play in bringing people together across the town.
Thank you to all our guests, partners, performers, volunteers and attendees who helped make the celebration such a memorable day for the community. ๐ฎ๐ช๐
#StPatricksDay #BackToOurRoots #Bedford #CommunityCelebration #WeAreQPCO
๐ Dignitaries Join Bedfordโs St. Patrickโs Day Celebration ๐
We were honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests and community leaders to our St. Patrickโs Day Celebration Party in Harpur Square as part of the Back to Our Roots Programme 2026.
The event brought Bedford together for a day celebrating Irish culture, heritage and community, with live music, Irish dancing, traditional food and a vibrant atmosphere enjoyed by hundreds of attendees.
Among those who joined us on the day were:
๐ฎ๐ช Aideen Cusack, Representative of the Embassy of Ireland
๐ Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford
๐ Mr Ismail Anilmis, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire
๐ฎ John Tizard, Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner
๐ค Noelette Hanley, CEO of Luton Irish Forum
๐ Martin Bonner, Headteacher of St Thomas More Secondary School & Sixth Form
๐ค Eric Masih, Former High Sheriff and Chair of Trustees of Queenโs Park Community Organisation
Their presence helped highlight the importance of celebrating Irish heritage and the contribution of the Irish community in Bedford, while also recognising the role community events play in bringing people together across the town.
Thank you to all our guests, partners, performers, volunteers and attendees who helped make the celebration such a memorable day for the community. ๐ฎ๐ช๐
#StPatricksDay #BackToOurRoots #Bedford #CommunityCelebration #WeAreQPCO
๐ TODAYโS THE DAY โ St. Patrickโs Day Celebration Party 2026! ๐
The wait is over! Today Queenโs Park Community Organisation is bringing Bedford together for a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, community and plenty of craic ๐ฎ๐ช๐
๐
Today โ Sunday 15th March 2026 โฐ 11AM โ 5PM ๐ Harpur Square & Suite, Bedford
Delivered as part of our Back to Our Roots Programme 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community, this promises to be a fantastic family-friendly day for everyone.
โจ Whatโs happening today:
๐ถ Live Irish music from fantastic local performers
๐ Irish dancing & cultural activities
๐ผ๏ธ Bedford Irish History & Heritage Community Exhibition
๐ฝ๏ธ Traditional Irish food
๐ป Drinks, community spirit & plenty of craic
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ A warm, welcoming atmosphere for all
Whether youโre Irish by birth, heritage or simply at heart โ everyone is welcome ๐
Weโre delighted to be working with some fantastic local performers and community partners helping bring the day to life, including St Thomas More Secondary & 6th Form, Stuart Irish Dance Bedford, The Kings Arms - Bedford, and The Black and Gold.
This celebration is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Harpur Trust, The National Lottery Community Fund, and Bedford Borough Council, helping us bring communities together through culture, heritage and shared celebration.
A special thank you also to Concept Events for supporting the event stage and sound system.
Come along, bring your friends and family, and celebrate with us today! ๐๐
#StPatricksDay #BackToOurRoots #Bedford #BedfordEvents #CommunityCohesion #WeAreQPCO
๐ TODAYโS THE DAY โ St. Patrickโs Day Celebration Party 2026! ๐
The wait is over! Today Queenโs Park Community Organisation is bringing Bedford together for a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, community and plenty of craic ๐ฎ๐ช๐
๐
Today โ Sunday 15th March 2026 โฐ 11AM โ 5PM ๐ Harpur Square & Suite, Bedford
Delivered as part of our Back to Our Roots Programme 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community, this promises to be a fantastic family-friendly day for everyone.
โจ Whatโs happening today:
๐ถ Live Irish music from fantastic local performers
๐ Irish dancing & cultural activities
๐ผ๏ธ Bedford Irish History & Heritage Community Exhibition
๐ฝ๏ธ Traditional Irish food
๐ป Drinks, community spirit & plenty of craic
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ A warm, welcoming atmosphere for all
Whether youโre Irish by birth, heritage or simply at heart โ everyone is welcome ๐
Weโre delighted to be working with some fantastic local performers and community partners helping bring the day to life, including St Thomas More Secondary & 6th Form, Stuart Irish Dance Bedford, The Kings Arms - Bedford, and The Black and Gold.
This celebration is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Harpur Trust, The National Lottery Community Fund, and Bedford Borough Council, helping us bring communities together through culture, heritage and shared celebration.
A special thank you also to Concept Events for supporting the event stage and sound system.
Come along, bring your friends and family, and celebrate with us today! ๐๐
#StPatricksDay #BackToOurRoots #Bedford #BedfordEvents #CommunityCohesion #WeAreQPCO
๐ 1 DAY TO GOโฆUNTIL BEDFORD`S ST. PATRICK`S DAY CELEBRATION PARTY! ๐
Tomorrow we celebrate Irish culture, music and community right in the heart of Bedford!
๐ป The Castle Session Band - The Castle Session Band is made up of musicians who attend the monthly traditional Irish music session at The Castle on Mill Street, held every first Thursday of the month.
Originally started at The Three Cups, the session has been running for over 11 years since it was founded by Samantha Hughes in 2014 as a way to bring lovers of traditional Irish music together.
The session now regularly welcomes 10โ15 musicians each month, attracting players from across the region and becoming one of the best traditional Irish music sessions in the area.
๐
Join us tomorrow! Sunday 15th March 2026 โฐ 11AM โ 5PM ๐ Harpur Square & Suite, Bedford
Delivered through our Back to Our Roots Programme 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community. With thanks to The Harpur Trust, The National Lottery Community Fund, and Bedford Borough Council for making this celebration possible.
#StPatricksDay #Bedford #IrishMusic #TraditionalMusic #CommunityCelebration
๐ 1 DAY TO GOโฆUNTIL BEDFORD`S ST. PATRICK`S DAY CELEBRATION PARTY! ๐
Tomorrow we celebrate Irish culture, music and community right in the heart of Bedford!
๐ป The Castle Session Band - The Castle Session Band is made up of musicians who attend the monthly traditional Irish music session at The Castle on Mill Street, held every first Thursday of the month.
Originally started at The Three Cups, the session has been running for over 11 years since it was founded by Samantha Hughes in 2014 as a way to bring lovers of traditional Irish music together.
The session now regularly welcomes 10โ15 musicians each month, attracting players from across the region and becoming one of the best traditional Irish music sessions in the area.
๐
Join us tomorrow! Sunday 15th March 2026 โฐ 11AM โ 5PM ๐ Harpur Square & Suite, Bedford
Delivered through our Back to Our Roots Programme 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community. With thanks to The Harpur Trust, The National Lottery Community Fund, and Bedford Borough Council for making this celebration possible.
#StPatricksDay #Bedford #IrishMusic #TraditionalMusic #CommunityCelebration
