Bedfordshire Day
Poetry Recital
THE BALLAD OF BEDFORDSHIRE
A celebration of Bedfordshire Day featuring the captivating performance of “The Ballad of Bedfordshire.” This collaborative poem, created with contributions from our local community, showcases the rich heritage and creativity of our region. Poetry Champion Debra Knight, along with talented local poets, brings this heartfelt piece to life in the beautiful setting of Wardown House Museum and Gallery. Experience the enchanting Ballad, celebrate local talent, and enjoy this memorable tribute to Bedfordshire.
#BedfordshireDay #TheBalladofBedfordshire #Poetry #LocalHeritage
Dear Debra
Congratulations on holding such an incredible Bedfordshire Day event. It was a resounding success and I am extremely proud of and grateful to you.
I thought the Bedfordshire ballad was exceptional and you have clearly given so much time and effort into producing such a moving tribute to our county.
Please could you pass on my very special thanks and gratitude to all the volunteers who helped on the day, including the ladies that provided all the food and worked so hard to serve everyone a delicious afternoon tea.
Debra, as I have said before, you are an inspiration to so many and are clearly extremely talented.
Thank you for everything you have done for me and the Bedfordshire Lieutenancy this year and I know that we will see each other in the New Year. In the meantime, have a wonderful Christmas.
Kindest regards
Susan Lousada
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire
The Ballad Of Bedfordshire – Act I & III
Introducing “The Ballad of Bedfordshire,” a captivating three-act play collated by Debra Knight, the Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, that celebrates our rich local heritage and community spirit!
Act 1: The Friendships Tapestry by Debra Knight, is a traditional ballad that weaves together the bonds of friendship and the shared stories that connect our towns and people. Through evocative lyrics and timeless melodies, this act pays homage to the enduring relationships that define Bedfordshire.
Act 2: We Are Bedfordshire takes a bold turn as an experimental collaged poem. This act combines voices, styles, and influences from our diverse community, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of cultures that coexist in our region. It challenges conventions and brings a modern twist to the art of storytelling.
Act 3: The Ballad of Luton by Debra Knight concludes the performance with a contemporary ballad that captures the essence of Luton today. This act showcases the evolution of our community, celebrating its uniqueness while also acknowledging its roots.
Together, these three acts form a cohesive narrative that tells the story of Bedfordshire—its traditions, its evolution, and its people. Each act, as a distinct form of ballad, contributes to a rich tapestry of creativity and heritage, making “The Ballad of Bedfordshire” a remarkable tribute to our shared identity.
Join us as we honour our past and embrace our future! #Bedfordshire #TheBalladOfBedfordshire #LocalHeritage #CommunityStories
Bedfordshire Day Recital
As we approach Bedfordshire Day on November 28th, John Bunyan’s Birthday, we invite everyone to join us for the live broadcast of “The Ballad of Bedfordshire” from Wardown House Museum and Gallery. This collaborative poem, crafted from contributions by our local community, will be performed by Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, Debra Knight and local poets, for the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada, and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Mr Bav Shah.
The event will take place in the Drawing Room of Wardown House, starting at 2 PM with the “Eve of Luton” digital showcase. This showcase celebrates the place in Bedfordshire where our Poetry Champion was born, raised, and developed her craft. You will have the opportunity to get to know poet Debra Knight and learn about Poetry Together’s collaborative projects.
Day Event 2pm-4pm
Join us online or in person for a special celebration of Bedfordshire hosted by Gyles Brandreth’s Poetry Champion, Debra Knight.
The Live Stream from 4.30PM
The Bedfordshire Day Recital will be broadcast online from 4:30 PM. During
this recital, the debut poem, “The Ballad of Bedfordshire,” created with selected contributions from the people of Bedfordshire, will be performed in the beautiful setting of Wardown House, Museum, and Gallery.
Join Us
The event is free to join and open to the public from 2 PM to 4 PM, and online from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. We hope to see you there!
