New Blue Plaque Commemorates BBC Wartime Broadcasts from Bedford

Mayor Dave Hodgson has unveiled a plaque at Bedford Corn Exchange to commemorate the BBC music broadcasts from Bedford during the Second World War.

In the period 1941-45 there were an incredible 8,000 broadcasts from Bedford, across seven different studios including the Corn Exchange. A long list of internationally-renowned musicians and performers played in Bedford during the period, including Dame Vera Lynn, Sir Henry Wood and perhaps most famously, Glenn Miller and his band. BBC announcements referred to the broadcasts as being from simply 'Somewhere in England.'

The plaque was installed yesterday along with unveilings at historic and culturally significant music-related sites across the country to mark BBC Music Day.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "Bedford's role in hosting BBC Music during this period is a major piece of both wartime and broadcasting history. It's a fascinating story of how Bedford helped to keep the nation's spirits up in dark times, and it's a part of our past that should make all Bedfordians proud.'

"It is fitting that the plaque is being unveiled on BBC Music Day. I hope that it will help to raise awareness of this important feature of Bedford's history for many, many years to come."

You can read more comments from Mayor Dave, and a selection of photos from the unveiling, on his Facebook page.