Delivered by Third Angel, a theatre company creating public artwork in public spaces, and supported by Bedford Players Trust and The Place Bedford, the highly participatory public performance will explore the concept that our surroundings have a direct and intangible effect on our minds and therefore the way we live, work and play together, something which is particularly relevant in our multicultural community.

A map of Bedford was drawn in chalk on the ground and the public was invited to add new names to the map.

Project Lead, Bedford Players Trust, Alex Levene says: “We encourage all members of the Bedford community to come along and help us to rename every road, street, avenue, and cul-de-sac in Bedford. Tell us about the places you’ve lived, loved, loathed, left and help us remake the map of Bedford to be about your hopes and dreams for the future. We’ve been waiting for three years to bring this fantastic opportunity to the town and share this chance with local people. We’re all proud of the town and it’s long, storied history, but deep down we secretly wish we could rename everywhere to be an optimistic vision for the future. This is our chance to do just that, and we really hope everyone will feel inspired to help us achieve that. We’re not going to put Bedford on the map we’re going to put the map on Bedford!”

Elaine Midgley, Bedford Creative Arts Director, says: “We are really pleased to have this event come together. It will really make people think about the area they live in and how it is referred to. We have worked in partnership with 1 Degree East, Heritage Enterprise Hub, Harper Trust and received funding from Bedford Borough Council’s Town Centre Priority Fund and The Arts Council England. It’s great to see these groups coming together to produce something inspiring.”