Latest news with #BedfordCornExchange
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Council to spend £2.5m updating listed music venue
A council is to spend £2.5m on refurbishing a historic music venue for its first upgrade in 30 years. The Grade II listed Bedford Corn Exchange dates back to 1874 and was used as base for the BBC Symphony Orchestra during World War Two. Band leader Glenn Miller's performances were broadcast from the venue between July and August 1944, shortly before his flight mysteriously disappeared over the Channel. The refurbishment will include upgraded lighting and sound systems, new paintwork and modernised toilets. There will also be flooring improvements, new seating and outdated and broken appliances in the venue's kitchen will be replaced. Work is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and complete in March 2027. The council said the refurbishment project will take place over the next two financial years. Bedford Corn Exchange hosts a range of entertainment including music, comedy and theatre. During the 1940s it attracted big names in entertainment such as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Humphrey Bogart. Sarah Gallagher, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and customer experience at Bedford Borough Council, said: "This refurbishment is much more than just maintenance, it's a forward-thinking investment in Bedford's cultural heart. "By modernising the Corn Exchange, we are not only preserving an important historic venue but also enhancing the experience for local residents, visitors and businesses. "These improvements will support a diverse range of events, attract new audiences, and celebrate the rich heritage of Bedford." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. What happened to Glenn Miller? The 80-year mystery Town gets in the mood for Glenn Miller memorial Video of flooded theatre posted online by comedian Venue that hosted Glenn Miller earns listed status Bedford Borough Council
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Council to spend £2.5m updating Bedford Corn Exchange
A council is to spend £2.5m on refurbishing a historic music venue for its first upgrade in 30 Grade II listed Bedford Corn Exchange dates back to 1874 and was used as base for the BBC Symphony Orchestra during World War leader Glenn Miller's performances were broadcast from the venue between July and August 1944, shortly before his flight mysteriously disappeared over the refurbishment will include upgraded lighting and sound systems, new paintwork and modernised toilets. There will also be flooring improvements, new seating and outdated and broken appliances in the venue's kitchen will be is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and complete in March council said the refurbishment project will take place over the next two financial years. Bedford Corn Exchange hosts a range of entertainment including music, comedy and the 1940s it attracted big names in entertainment such as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Humphrey Gallagher, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and customer experience at Bedford Borough Council, said: "This refurbishment is much more than just maintenance, it's a forward-thinking investment in Bedford's cultural heart. "By modernising the Corn Exchange, we are not only preserving an important historic venue but also enhancing the experience for local residents, visitors and businesses. "These improvements will support a diverse range of events, attract new audiences, and celebrate the rich heritage of Bedford." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
