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MATCH FOCUS | Ampthill under the Friday Night Lights
It’s time for the return of our annual Ale Festival as Bedford Blues look for Derby Day bragging rights when hosting neighbours Ampthill this Friday under the lights (Gates 5pm; KO 7:45pm).
Big Game Preview
Both sides will be looking to make their mark in this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup after defeat to top-flight opposition in the opening round of the competition.
Locked at eight wins apiece from previous meetings since a first in 2019, there’s more than just bragging rights this Friday night! Expect another close encounter against our nearest rivals.
Real Ale Festival – The CMC Marquee
Friday’s highly anticipated derby clash also plays host to our annual Ale Festival with a full Starting XV of guest beers on offer inside The CMC Marquee from gates opening at 5pm.
To read the full listing and tasting notes either checkout the programme centrefold or visit social media on matchday. The selection includes regular Marston’s favourites, local ales from Brewpoint and Kelchner Brewery in Ampthill, along with guests from all corners of England.
Hospitality – Last Chance to Book
With our Burrow at the Blues and Dovecote Park Suite venues SOLD OUT for the next five matches, take advantage of availability in the CMC Marquee, serving a revamped hearty menu this season. Click the button below to book.
Armistice Remembrance
This matchday, Bedford Blues will again pay tribute to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember them.
A minute’s silence will be held immediately before kick-off, following a rendition of The Last Post, please be respectful. The club’s flag will fly at half-mast, poppies can be purchased from the Royal British Legion gazebo, located next to the marquee entrance.
PLEASE NOTE: To allow all club staff to observe an impeccable minute’s silence, the turnstiles will close for a short period. Please enter the ground in plenty of time to avoid any delay at KO.
Food, Drink and Entertainment
A large attendance is anticipated, so head to the ground early to avoid the queues and sample everything on offer. Grab a programme from the gates and visit one of our eight public bars, with more service provision installed from this game.
If you’re not heading to the Ale Festival, venues such as the Rebel Bar, Scrum Bar or Former Players could be your place to soak up the pre-match atmosphere. As well as the normal mobile bars, the Blues Horsebox has been repurposed as the ‘Beer Box’, located between the marquee and SDC Suites.
Swiftpour, bottom-up service, remains available from the Mini Fan Village serving Poretti lager only, alongside the usual offering of No.7 Coffee House Mobile Truck, Dunster House Bar and Burger & Sausage Hut.
There are three other food outlets available; a catering unit by the main gates, Taylor’s Kitchen at the Scrum Hall serving hatch and Chicken George from The Burrow outside hatch.
After the match, head to The Rebel Bar for the continuation of ‘Final Whistle’ featuring the Man of the Match interview with our matchday announcer, Sam Roberts or straight into the CMC Marquee with live music from the returning fan favourite, Joe Bygraves.
Stay tuned to social media over the new few days for details to join our half-time kicking competition, in partnership with Genesis Bedford Stout by Brewpoint.
Blues Foundation Activation
Friday’s Guard of Honour, sponsored by Bellway Homes, will be formed of three Chiltern Learning Trust Schools in Bedfordshire; namely Putteridge, Linslade and Cedars. Make sure to give them a cheer as they step out onto the pitch to form the pre-match tunnel.
Please support our pitchside team and allow a swift flow of the action on the hallowed turf by returning match balls kicked outside the playing area as soon as possible. Those caught keeping match balls will be asked to leave.
Club Shop
More new stock to browse; open from one hour before KO, half-time and post-game; browse the collection from replicas to leisurewear, keyrings to beanies and wear your colours.
Ticketing
The easiest way to purchase tickets is in advance online to save a massive £4 on all adult prices, click here to buy.
Match Sponsor: Ampthill Fireplaces
Match Ball Sponsor: Rebel Energy
Man of the Match Sponsor: The Mercure Hotel
