The Book of Bedford Launches as Children Celebrate Their Stories at Bedford Library

Bedford Creative Arts is excited to launch The Book of Bedford, a unique guidebook that invites us to see our town through the eyes of its youngest residents. Created by children from Priory Primary School, Brickhill Primary School, Kings Oak Primary School, and Putnoe Primary School, this project offers a fresh and playful take on what makes Bedford special.

Artists Andy Field and Beckie Darlington, long-time collaborators with BCA on projects such as News News News and Lookout, returned to work with local children to shape this book. By exploring what children find significant—both real and imagined—it challenges us to rethink the places we take for granted.

Speaking about the project on BBC 3 Counties Radio, Andy Field highlighted how the book is more than just a guide—it’s an invitation to question who decides what matters in a town’s history and future. The children involved have used this opportunity to document their experiences and challenge adults to think about the space young people are given in the world.

The Launch

The launch event at Bedford Library was a true celebration of the children’s creativity and hard work. We had the pleasure of welcoming local councillors, parents, and friends of BCA for an exclusive first look at the brand-new guidebook. The children took centre stage, leading heartfelt readings, signing copies, and even conducting live interviews to share their experiences of the project.

Part fictional, part practical, The Book of Bedford invites a predominantly adult audience to reconsider how we navigate and value our shared spaces. What landmarks do children cherish? How do they move through the town? And what stories do they believe should define its identity? This socially engaged project is a tool for listening to Youth Voice in a way that is inventive, insightful, and deeply relevant.