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Bedford Corn Exchange - Image 1
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Bedford Corn Exchange

📍
St Paul's Square, Bedford MK40 1SL, United Kingdom
Conference CentreTheatre & Event Venue✓ Verified Data

Historic Victorian theatre and events venue in Bedford town centre offering flexible performance and conference spaces.

About This Venue

The Bedford Corn Exchange is a beautifully restored Victorian theatre and events venue located in the heart of Bedford's town centre. Originally built in 1874, this Grade II listed building combines historic charm with modern facilities, featuring a main auditorium with 540 seats and the flexible Harpur Suite for smaller events. The venue offers state-of-the-art technical equipment, full accessibility, and professional event support. Its central location makes it easily accessible by public transport and offers nearby parking options. The venue hosts a diverse programme of live music, comedy, theatre, conferences, and private events throughout the year.

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Indicative Budget
£12,150£22,950
Typical day-delegate event for ~270 guests
Capacity (max)
540
Typical attendees
270
Per-head range
£45–£85
Currency
GBP

Indicative budget only — based on a typical day-delegate event (270 guests at £45–£85 per head). Final pricing depends on date, F&B, AV, accommodation and rate negotiation. Submit a brief for a tailored quote.

Capacity

540
Maximum Capacity
540
Theatre Style
800
Reception Style

Meeting Rooms

Room NameArea (m²)TheatreBoardroomU-ShapeClassroomDetails

Main Auditorium

400
540
---

Harpur Suite

120
120
303560

2 meeting rooms available • Total capacity: up to 800 people

Features & Amenities

Professional Sound System
Stage Lighting
AV Equipment
Disabled Access
Bar Facilities
Box Office
Green Room
Loading Bay
Air Conditioning
Free WiFi

📐 Space Specifications

800
Total Space (m²)
8m
Ceiling Height
Licensed Venue

🍽️ Food & Catering

🍷Bar On-site

Dietary Options

VegetarianVeganGluten-freeHalal

🎤 AV Equipment

Professional lighting rig
Sound system
Stage microphones
Projection equipment
Follow spots
Wi-Fi

🎯 Suitable For

📋Theatre Productions
📋Live Music
📋Comedy Shows
📋Corporate Events
📋Conferences
📋Award Ceremonies
📋Product Launches

♿ Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessibleHearing loop systemAccessible toiletsLevel access options

Transport & Parking

🚆 Public Transport

Bedford railway station 0.8km - direct trains to London St Pancras (50 mins). Local bus services stop nearby on High Street. Luton Airport 25km via direct bus or train connections.

🅿️ Parking

Nearby parking available

Public car parks within 200m including Allhallows and St Paul's Square. Street parking available. River Street multi-storey car park 5 minutes walk.

Availability

📅 Booking Lead Time

14 days minimum notice

👥 Capacity by Setup

540
theatre
30
boardroom
60
classroom
35
u shape
280
cabaret
800
reception
280
dining
280
banquet

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum capacity?
Up to 540 guests in theatre configuration, flexible seating arrangements available
What AV equipment is available?
Professional theatre lighting and sound systems, projection facilities, technical support available
Is catering available?
Full catering services available, licensed bar on-site
Is there parking available?
Limited on-site parking, public car parks nearby in Bedford town centre

Location & Contact

📍 Address

St Paul's Square
MK40 1SL, United Kingdom

🏷️ Categories

Conference CentreEvent VenueConcert HallMeeting Rooms

Venue Location

St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL

Marker
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors

Get Directions

💡 Tip: Choose your preferred navigation app above to get turn-by-turn directions to the venue.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum capacity?

A: Up to 540 guests in theatre configuration, flexible seating arrangements available

Q: What AV equipment is available?

A: Professional theatre lighting and sound systems, projection facilities, technical support available

Q: Is catering available?

A: Full catering services available, licensed bar on-site

Q: Is there parking available?

A: Limited on-site parking, public car parks nearby in Bedford town centre

🎯 Things to Do Nearby

🏰Historic Site

🏰
Bedford Castle Historic Motte
0.3 km (0.2 mi)

📍Park

📍
Russell Park Boating Lake
1.2 km (0.7 mi)

🏛️Museum

🏛️
Higgins Bedford Art Gallery
0.4 km (0.3 mi)
🏛️
Panacea Victorian Garden Museum
0.6 km (0.4 mi)

🎢Theme Park

🎢
Woburn Safari Adventure Park
18 km (11.2 mi)

🦁Zoo

🦁
Whipsnade Wildlife Conservation Park
25 km (15.5 mi)
💡 Local Area: These attractions and shopping areas are located within driving distance of the venue, perfect for delegates attending multi-day events.

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