St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Party 2026 🍀
Harpur Square was filled with music, laughter and community spirit on Sunday 15 March, as residents and visitors gathered to enjoy a vibrant programme of live entertainment, cultural activities and traditional food to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the heart of Bedford.
Organised by Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO) as part of the Back to Our Roots Programme 2026, the free community event brought people of all ages together to celebrate Irish culture, heritage and the strong connections within Bedford’s diverse community.
Throughout the afternoon, the square came alive with performances from local musicians including The Castle Session Band, Sheryl Hunter, The Black and Gold and The Also-Rans, while dancers from Stuart Irish Dance delivered energetic routines that captivated audiences. Families and visitors enjoyed a lively atmosphere outdoors, with a range of food and community stalls adding to the festive feel.
Inside the Harpur Suite, visitors explored a Bedford Irish History and Heritage exhibition, highlighting the longstanding contribution of Irish communities to the town. The exhibition featured artwork created by participants from Luton Irish Forum, alongside a poem written by a pupil from St Thomas More Secondary School and Sixth Form, following a creative workshop led by QPCO writer and community artist Sarah Turner.
The event also attracted regional media attention, with ITV News Anglia visiting Bedford to capture the celebrations and highlight the importance of community-led cultural events. During the visit, Aideen Cusack from the Embassy of Ireland spoke about the vital role grassroots organisations play in keeping Irish traditions alive and inspiring future generations.
A number of local dignitaries attended the event, including 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.
Visitors also enjoyed traditional Irish food served by Sean O’Donnell of The Kings Arms, alongside a variety of stalls including Fealy’s Irish Bakery, Haven Food, Mon’s Creative Facepainting, The Stirrup Bar and The Co-op.
The event was coordinated by Samantha Hughes and Rich Taylor, with support from local partners including St Thomas More Secondary School and Sixth Form, and technical support from Concept Event Solutions. Funding and support were provided by The National Lottery Community Fund, Bedford Borough Council and The Harpur Trust.
Reflecting on the day, QPCO highlighted the importance of cultural celebrations in bringing communities together:
“This celebration goes beyond fun and festivities. It recognises the traditions, heritage, and lasting presence of the Irish community in Bedford. Events like this create a space where people of all backgrounds can come together, share traditions and celebrate the diversity that makes our town such a special place.”
For many who attended, the event was a reminder of the power of community-led initiatives to keep traditions alive, strengthen connections and create lasting memories for people across Bedford.
