Bedford Summer Sessions 2025 Preview
Summer Sessions will again be taking over Bedford Park in July, showcasing the best of pop, rock and classical music
Photo Credit: Cuffe & Taylor
Photo Credit: Jim Charlie
The Bedford Park concert series has long been a favourite, not just of Bedfordshire locals, but of audiences across the surrounding counties who travel far and wide to catch some of the best musical talent around. Since Summer Sessions took over the reins last year, the calibre of artists has soared to new heights, with 2024’s edition featuring world-renowned names like Avril Lavigne, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, and a stunning orchestral performance from James. The appeal of the Summer Sessions shows is bringing big names to areas that would normally not have the capacity or opportunity to book artists of this stature, creating truly special nights that will live long in the memory of all in attendance. The 2025 line-up for Bedford Summer Sessions is more than continuing this, with a host of superstars set to take over Bedford Park between July 3rd and July 13th.
This year's series launches on July 3rd with a blockbuster trio of talent. Simple Minds, one of the UK’s most iconic bands, will headline the opening night, hot off the release of their stellar Top 20 live album 'Live in the City of Diamonds'. They will be joined by special guest Alison Moyet, who will deliver a set that blends her timeless classics amongst some of Yazoo's biggest hits. Having seen Alison live earlier this year, I can guarantee this will be a standout performance you won't want to miss. The Thursday night lineup is completed by the powerful vocals of Scottish KT Tunstall.
Saturday 5th of July will then bring a genre-blending day of entertainment to Bedford Park, with the soulful vocals of Rag’n’Bone Man. I recently saw Rag'n'Bone man supporting Robbie Williams and was truly mesmerised by the power his vocals possess, and with the backing of an energetic live band, this will be a night to remember. He will be joined on the night by the acoustic-pop brilliance of Gavin James and the blues-rock sensation Elles Bailey.
The weekend will then take an even bigger genre shift with the return of 'Proms in the Park', bringing a host of classical favourites to Bedford Park, backed up by a stunning laser show. This year’s Proms will feature one of the UK's finest tenors, Russell Watson, who is no stranger to big occasions, bringing with him the wealth of experience that has made him so beloved. Russell will be joined by Britain's best-known soprano, Lesley Garrett CBE, who flawlessly blends opera and musical-theatre in breathtaking fashion. With world-famous conductor Robert Emery, the highly acclaimed London Gala Orchestra and the Bedford Choral Society, and local favourite compère Sam Roberts also featuring on the line-up, this really is a who's who of promming.
Photo Credit: Cuffe & Taylor
A second run of concerts will then begin on Thursday, July 10th, with The Human League bringing all their 80s synth-pop hits to the park. Every day in this year's Summer Sessions looks incredible, but if it is a chance to dance to some throwback anthems you are looking for, this is the night for you. Tom Bailey of iconic group the Thompson Twins is the night's main special guest, bringing singalongs-a-plenty. He will also be joined on the supporting bill by electronic pioneers Blancmange, known for cult hits like 'Living on the Ceiling' and 'Waves'.
The party feeling will continue into Friday night, when Bedford Park will feel more like the Balearics. The globally loved Café Mambo Ibiza brand returns with a night of non-stop dance and euphoric beats in (hopefully) the summer sun. Expect iconic house anthems and high-energy DJ sets from the likes of Fedde Le Grand, Jax Jones, and the ever-charismatic Melanie C, whose post-Spice Girls DJ career has become a phenomenon of its own. This will be one of the biggest open-air dance parties of the summer, and you would be crazy to miss out.
The final weekend of Bedford Summer Sessions then kicks-off on Saturday July 12th with a Britpop feel as Supergrass bring their 'I Should Coco 30th Anniversary' tour to Bedford, playing the classic album in full amongst their other greatest hits. Joining them are indie-folk icons The Coral, who write some of the best summer listens around. Hits like 'Dreaming of You' and 'In the Morning' never feel quite as good as they do in the summer sun. Saturday will be opened by the genre-fluid Willie J Healey, an ever-growing artist who manages to blend influences from indie, garage-rock, Americana and psychedelia.
Pop-rock heroes McFly will be headlining the Bedford Summer Sessions closing night on Sunday, July 13th, bringing their infectious energy and irresistible songs to what will be one of the most joyous crowds of the fortnight. Having seen McFly a number of times now, I can assure you they are up there with some of the country's best entertainers, and with an exciting support lineup, this could be the pick of all the days. The night's main special guests are Scottish alt-rockers Twin Atlantic, whose constant production of stadium-worthy anthems makes them a perfect listen in an outdoor setting. The afternoon will be started off with the infectious indie-pop of one of the UK's most exciting talents, Devon.
With a line-up that spans nearly every genre you could imagine, delivered by a cohort of true must-see artists, Bedford Summer Sessions has made itself one of the marquee events of the 2025 festival season.
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