Shefford Community Festival Programme, 13th – 22nd September 2024
Welcome to the Shefford Community Festival 2024 – once again the team here at festival HQ have put a draft programme together, including events which at this stage are still provisional. This is derived from the efforts of our many organisers of activities and events, together with the support of our sponsors. We will, of course continue to update the program online with further events as details come in – I hope you enjoy lots of these events and perhaps may even be encouraged to organise one of your own next year.
NB – please note the Festival programme is a listing of activities we are aware of that are expected to take place in Shefford during the Festival period. It contains many existing regular classes. To avoid disappointment, if you wish to attend and take part in such a class, we suggest you contact the organiser before you go to the class. Please keep checking because further activities will be added once they are confirmed.
Disclaimer: We have made our best efforts in collating this program, details for which has come directly from event organisers and from public sources, however Shefford Community Festival cannot take responsibility for the correctness of this information. If in doubt please check with the activity organisers. E&OE.
| Friday 13th September: |
| 5.00pm Opening Ceremony for the Community Festival. In the High Street with the Mayor and Shefford Prince + Princess. Ceremonial opening, cutting of ribbon, speeches etc. |
| 7.30pm Community Hall AGM |
| Saturday 14th September: |
| 9.00 – 1.00pm Shefford Community Market. Up to 21 stalls running between Morrisons and the High Street, offering a diverse mix of products including consumables, crafts and local community fundraisers/awareness stalls. |
| Shefford Saints Football Club at the STMA. Contact: [email protected]. |
| 9.00am Children’s Dance Classes. Pirouettes & Pullbacks. Contact Danielle Ellis on 07866395739, [email protected]. |
| 9.00 – 1.00pm Fun free activities for children organised by Acorn Pre-School & The Mighty Oaks at the Community Market in Palmoli Square/High Street. Contact Jacqui on 01462 816281 or www.acornpre-school.co.uk. |
| 11am -12 noon Choral Workshop Group Singing (free) with Maxine and Jane at Barnwell Music in Shefford Baptist Church. Learning to sing in three or four part harmony. This is for all ages and abilities. All materials provided. Contact for bookings at [email protected]. |
| 12:30 to 1:30pm Guitar Workshop (free) with Barnwell Music: a basic introduction to the guitar, how to hold it and how it works. An introduction to amplifiers and effects, demonstrating what they are and how they work, to show how the electric guitar is a truly unique and broad-ranging instrument. With Dave and Simon in Shefford Baptist Church Contact for bookings [email protected]. |
| 2.00pm -3.00pm Piano/Keyboard taster lessons at Barnwell Music. Book a free 15 minute taster lesson – all ages and abilities. This will be a shared session 2:1. The lesson will include an introduction to playing (participants will be matched with someone of similar ability where possible) with some individual tuition. All instruments provided. Venue Shefford Baptist Church. Contact for bookings [email protected]. |
| The Shefford History Group meeting and display in St Michaels Church. |
| Sunday 15th September: |
| 9.00am A fun and supportive wellbeing event at Millennium Green. This free event will start with a walk, run or walk/run around Millennium Green and finish with a taster relaxation and mindfulness practice. Open to all abilities. Contact Emily at The Campton Clinic. http://www.thecamptonclinic.com. |
| 10.00am – 12.00 noon Taekwondo at the Community Hall. For information contact Jonathan Marshall – Mobile: 07596 542565. |
| Shefford Saints Football Club at the STMA. Contact: [email protected]. |
| 10.45am Messy Harvest Festival at Shefford Baptist Church, with crafts and activities, stories, songs, and prayer for all ages, including a chance to make a scarecrow for the Scarecrow trail. Contact Erica Bowler at [email protected] or 07941 307228. |
| 12.30pm Community Lunch at Shefford Baptist Church. Contact. Erica Bowler at [email protected] or 07941 307228. |
| 6.30pm – 8.00pm Tai Chi Beginners Classes at the Community Hall. Contact Ian Deavin, 07860 218334, [email protected]. |
| 6.30pm – 9.00pm Tai Chi Seniors Classes at the Community Hall. Contact Ian Deavin, 07860 218334, [email protected]. |
| Monday 16th September: |
| Pigeon Club at the STMA. Contact the bar |
| 10.00 – 2.00pm Shared Space at the Baptist Church. A Community space to connect, to belong, or just to breathe: where it’s OK not to be OK. Warm welcome, Social Prescriber present, join in activities or chat, or enjoy the quiet space. Refreshments and simple lunch available. Drop-in anytime, no charge. Contact Erica on 07941 307228 or at [email protected]. |
| 2.30 – 4.00pm Tai Chi “Over 50’s” class at the Community Hall. Contact Ian Deavin 07860 218334. |
| 6.30pm – 9.00pm Adult Thai Kick Boxing at the Community Hall. Contact – Micky Marcantonio on Mobile: 07885249745 or Email: [email protected]. |
| 7.15pm Shefford Runners at the STMA. Contact [email protected]. |
| Tuesday 17th September: |
| 10.00 – 12.00 noon Bellcote Meadow Millennium Green. Come along and join the Shefford Greenspace Conservation Group’s September work party to help keep the area looking at it’s best. Just bring along a pair of gloves. Meet in the car park at the bottom of Purcell Way.
Contact David Ager – Chair of the Shefford Greenspace Conservation Group. |
| 10:30 -12:00 noon Community Café. All welcome at St Michaels Church for tea/coffee and biscuits/cake. |
| 1.15 – 3.15pm Art Society at the Community Hall. Contact Kath Smith Tel: 01462 812265. |
| 5.30 – 8.00pm Shefford Lower School Tumbling and Cheerleading Taster Classes. Learn to cartwheel and tumble 5.30-6.30pm and from 6.00-8.00pm try cheerleading, tumbling, stunting, jumps and dance choreo! All welcome from 5 years+ Free. Contact Black Ice Academy http://www.blackicecheer.co.uk, [email protected]. |
| 6.30pm Shefford Majorettes are holding a free taster session at the STMA. We take girls from ages 5-18, to train at the STMA hall on Tuesday evenings 6.30-8.15pm term time. We then perform at local fetes/ carnivals/ festivals and galas during display season.
Please contact if you are interested in coming to taster session, all abilities welcome! Contact: [email protected] also: |
| 7.30 – 9.30pm Shefford Women’s Institute, Shefford Community Hall. Get to know WI ladies in your local town at an evening of fun and education including; Laughter in poetry (Duncan Willox) Upcycle old clothing (Nicola Burr) Bread making ideas / Charity sales and more plus tea and cakes! For more information contact: [email protected]. |
| 8.00pm onward Darts League at the STMA. Contact Rob Slater on 07545189233 |
| Wednesday 18th September: |
| 9.00 – 6.00pm at the Library. ALL ABLE. An Art Exhibition featuring works by artists with learning disabilities and/or autism who attend the HFT Herald Resource Centre in Shefford. Free to all. Contact Katherine Roopchand [email protected]. |
| 12:00 noon – 3.00pm Community Café. All welcome at St Michaels Church for tea/coffee and biscuits/cake. |
| Children’s Yoga at the STMA. Ages 4 – 7: 4:30 – 5:00pm. Ages 8 – 11: 5.00 – 5:45pm. Ages 12+: 6:00 – 6:45pm. Clare Compton contact [email protected]. |
| 7.00 – 9.15 pm at Shefford Methodist Church. Shefford Community Choir welcomes singers of all abilities, rediscover your favourite songs, whilst experiencing the mental health benefits of singing, having fun and making new friends. Contact [email protected] #sheffordcommunitychoir. FB, Shefford Community Choir. |
| 7.30 – 8.30pm Full Bottle Fitness at the STMA. Contact Tina Sales – 07952948682. [email protected]. |
| Thursday 19th September: |
| 9.00 – 6.00pm at the Library. ALL ABLE. An Art Exhibition featuring works by artists with learning disabilities and/or autism who attend the HFT Herald Resource Centre in Shefford. Free to all. Contact Katherine Roopchand [email protected]. |
| 10.00am – 11.00am Beginners Line Dancing at the Community Hall. Contact Rosemarie on Tel: 01462 617052 or Mobile: 07711370932. Email: [email protected]. |
| 10.30am – 11.30am Jo Jingles at the STMA. Music and movement classes for preschool children. Including instruments, props, action songs, circle songs, dancing, bubbles and lots more. Beginners – three classes for £15 contact Karen Garner – 07971 578660 or email [email protected] www.jojingles.com/northherts |
| 10:30 – 3.00pm Community Café. All welcome at St Michaels Church for tea/coffee and biscuits/cake. |
| 5.00 – 6.00pm Sanctuary at the Baptist Church. A Quiet space for Christian meditation and prayer. Contact Erica on 07941 307228 or at [email protected]. |
| 7.15pm Shefford Runners at the STMA. Contact [email protected]. |
| 7.30pm – 8.30pm Full Bottle Fitness at the STMA. Contact Tina Sales – 07952948682. |
| 8.00 – 10.00pm People, Planet, Pint at The Brewery Tap. A relaxed and informal chat about environmental issues, from fast fashion to food, energy saving ideas and more. Free to attend – first drink free (for first 33 people). Contact Nicola Burr [email protected]. |
| 8.00pm Crib League at the STMA. Contact the bar. |
| 8.00pm – 9.30pm The Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society at the Community Hall. http://www.sadars.co.uk. |
| Friday 20th September: |
| 9.00 – 6.00pm at the Library. ALL ABLE. An Art Exhibition featuring works by artists with learning disabilities and/or autism who attend the HFT Herald Resource Centre in Shefford. Free to all. Contact Katherine Roopchand [email protected]. |
| 10.00am -12.00 noon Self Help Art group at the STMA. Contact Carole Wilkinson – 01462 628853. |
| 10:30 – 3.00pm Community Café. All welcome at St Michaels Church for tea/coffee and biscuits/cake. |
| 3.00 – 7.00pm Scarecrow Festival – all around Town. Get creative and make a scarecrow to display over the weekend of 22nd to 24th September. Register the address of where your scarecrow is located and then join in the fun trail around Shefford and surrounding areas to find all the others!
To register or for more info E-mail Joanna Wright at [email protected]. Participate for free – contact Joanna Wright |
| 5.00 – 9.00pm EatFeast street food in the High Street. Choose your cuisine and meet your friends – a community alfresco street dining experience, with street food vendors offering a variety of food, music and a bar. |
| 6.00 – 9.00pm Shefford Mind Body Spirit & Craft Fair at the STMA Hall, 10 Hitchin Road, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5JA. Combining beautiful crafts and all things Mind Body Spirit to expand your heart and nurture your soul – just what you need at the end of a busy week!
With a mix of handmade loveliness, plus crystals, readers and therapists, this is going to be the perfect way to bridge the gap between work and the weekend. We will be open from 6-9pm, with the bar open from 7pm, so why not bring some friends and make a social evening of it. Entry to the Shefford Mind Body Spirit & Craft Fair is £1, under 18’s FREE. |
| Saturday 21st September |
| 9.00 – 4.00pm at the Library. ALL ABLE. An Art Exhibition featuring works by artists with learning disabilities and/or autism who attend the HFT Herald Resource Centre in Shefford. Free to all. Contact Katherine Roopchand [email protected]. |
| 9.00 – 7.00pm Scarecrow Festival – all around Town. Get creative and make a scarecrow to display over the weekend of 22nd to 24th September. Register the address of where your scarecrow is located and then join in the fun trail around Shefford and surrounding areas to find all the others!
To register or for more info E-mail Joanna Wright at [email protected]. Participate for free – contact Joanna Wright |
| Shefford Saints Football Club at the STMA. [email protected]. |
| 9.00am Children’s Dance Classes at the STMA. Pirouettes & Pullbacks contact Danielle Ellis – 07866395739, [email protected]. |
| 10.00 – 4.00pm Shefford Art Exhibition at the Community Hall. Free entrance. Tea, coffee and cakes available. Contact Kath Smith, 01462 812265 artsoc.org.uk. |
| 10:30 – 1.00pm Community Café. All welcome at St Michaels Church for tea/coffee and biscuits/cake. |
| 10.30 – 3.30pm Bowls Club Annual Finals and Open Day. |
| 11.00am -12.00 noon Guitar taster lessons with Barnwell Music. (free). Participants are encouraged to book one of two free 30 minute taster lessons. This will be a shared session with up to six participants. The lesson will include an introduction to playing (participants will be matched with others of a similar ability where possible) with some individual tuition. All instruments provided. Age 6 to adult – all abilities from beginner onwards. Venue Studio 1 at 26 Bedford Road, Shefford, SG17 5DJ. Contact for bookings [email protected]. |
| 11.00am – 2.00pm at Shefford Baptist Church. Join us to watch the BBC’s 2019 documentary Climate Change: The Facts. Followed by a plant based picnic from 12.00pm-2.00pm. All welcome. Free, but donations welcomed. Contact Nicola Burr [email protected]. |
| 2.00pm STMA Fun Day. Family fun afternoon with free play for the family. Entertainment free refreshments will be available. Contact Rob Slater 07545189233, [email protected]. |
| Cake Tasting at Rose’s is back this afternoon. Sadly this one is fully booked but look out for more! Each guest receives 5 surprise cakes and desserts to taste and rate before choosing a favourite with unlimited pots of tea, americanos or juice included. Contact 01462 850202 for more information. |
| Sunday 22nd September |
| 9.00am – 7.00pm Scarecrow Festival – all around Town. Get creative and make a scarecrow to display over the weekend of 22nd to 24th September. Register the address of where your scarecrow is located and then join in the fun trail around Shefford and surrounding areas to find all the others!
To register or for more info E-mail Joanna Wright at [email protected]. Participate for free – contact Joanna Wright |
| Shefford Saints Football Club at the STMA. [email protected]. |
| 10.00am – 4.00pm Shefford Art Exhibition at the Community Hall. Free entrance. Tea, coffee and cakes available. Contact Kath Smith, 01462 812265 artsoc.org.uk. |
| 10.30 – 3.30pm Bowls Club Annual Finals and Open Day. |
| 11.00 – 3.00pm Garage Sale Trail all around town. Free trail sheets available from Country Properties. £5 to register your address as taking part and all registration fees will be donated to Shefford Christmas Lights, which is wholly managed by a fabulous group of volunteers. For info contact Lesley, 01462 615821 / [email protected]. |
| 6.30pm – 8.00pm Tai Chi beginners class at the Community Hall: Contact Ian Deavin 07860 218334 [email protected]. |
| 6.30pm – 9.00pm Tai Chi seniors class at the Community Hall: Contact Ian Deavin 07860 218334 [email protected]. |
