Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you still can’t find the answer to your query, there is a form at the bottom of the page where you can send us a message.
What is your age policy? Can I bring my 7 year old son to a show?
All gigs at Esquires are 14 plus. However, 14 and 15 year olds can only attend if accompanied by a parent / legal guardian. Club Nights are strictly 18 plus.
How do I get to the venue?
Details on how to get to Esquires are available here.
Where can I park? Do you have a car park?
Greyfriars Car Park (post code MK40 1JD) is a 3 minute walk away and it’s totally free after 6pm and all day Sunday. Alternatively there is normally spaces on Greyfriars road outside (again, free after 6pm). There is a small car park immediately to the front of the venue but this is for bands / staff only. Please don’t park in there if this doesn’t apply to you!
I’ve lost my hoodie / wallet / phone / mind.
If you think you have left something at the venue, please ring (01234) 631524 or pop in when we are next open.
Can you recommend a nearby hotel?
There are a number of hotels or pubs with guest rooms within walking distance of the venue, including several on Bedford’s famous embankment. Some punters (and bands) choose to stay at the Premier Inn Hotel (next to the River Ouse) which is relatively close by.
How do I get a carers / companion ticket?
All promoters operating out of Esquires offer carer / companion tickets to those that require them. Please purchase a ticket as normal from Seetickets and then use the form below to message us with the booking reference.
Is your venue fully accessible? What is your disability access like?
Regrettably we are not currently a fully accessible venue. Our bar and the downstairs venue (Room 2) are accessible to all but the Main Stage is up one flight of stairs, which we acknowledge some customers may have difficulty with. It is our ambition to resolve this situation as soon as possible and we are currently investigating options. If it is not clear which room a gig is in, please contact us.
I cannot stand for long periods of time. Can you provide me with a chair?
The vast majority of gigs at Esquires are fully standing and we don’t have a dedicated area for those who require a seat. However, we can provide a chair (or a high stool) on request. Please speak to security or the person on the door when you arrive to make then aware of your requirements. Even with a sold out show we can usually find you a place where you will have a relatively decent view of the stage whilst seated.
Do you need a professional photographer? Can I take pictures of a band for my blog?
Please leave your SLR camera at home. A lot of bands stipulate that no professional photography takes place without their prior consent, plus it can be distracting for others if someone is waving their massive camera lens around at the front.
Can we have my birthday party at Esquires? Can we hire the venue?
Yes! If you are interested in hiring either the Main Stage or Room 2 please e-mail gareth@thepadpresents.com with as much detail as possible – how many people will be attending, whether you need a DJ, a sound engineer etc. Please note that Friday and Saturday nights can get booked up quite far in advance.
How can we get a gig at Esquires? Can my band play?
We are always looking for support acts. Please use the form below to send us details of your band. It helps if you tell us where you are from and send links to any recordings you have done (soundcloud / youtube / spotify etc). Please be realistic in your expectations though – if you are from out of town and don’t have much of a profile (yet), you are probably not ready to headline the main stage no matter how ‘hard rocking’ you are…
Where can I get a ‘Bedford Isn’t Shit’ T-shirt or Esquires merchandise from?
You can now buy most of our t-shirts, beanies and mugs at the downstairs bar! We accept cash or card. If can’t get to the venue please drop us a message using the form at the bottom of the page and we should be able to post something out to you, although please allow plenty of time for delivery.
Is there a dress code?
No. Dress codes are stupid. Please wear whatever you are comfortable in!
Do you have a cloakroom? Do you have somewhere I can put my bag?
We do have a cloakroom, but it is not always open. Please check with us in advance. Recent changes in legislation means we can no longer store large bags, rucksacks and suitcases belonging to members of the public. Please avoid bringing these items to the venue.
Can I do my Year 10 work experience at Esquires? How do I get involved in running a venue?
We are always flattered when people want to work at Esquires! Unfortunately at his time we are not able to offer work experience placements to Year 10 Students. However, if you are interested in learning about sound or light engineering, gig promotion or venue management, please use the form below to get in touch and we will see what we can do. We especially encourage expressions of interest from individuals who are female / non-binary and members of the BAME / LBGTQ communities who are currently under represented in these fields.
Can you book Coldplay / Wolf Alice / Idles again? I missed them the first time.
We can try, but it’s unlikely any of these will play a venue this size again. The moral of the story is you should take always take a punt on a band playing here, even if you have not heard of them. They might be the next big thing.
I’m putting on an event at Esquires and it is not currently showing on the website?
If you are a promoter and do not see your event listed on the event page, you can upload details via this link.
If you still need to contact us, please use the form below. Please note we do receive a lot of messages and we may not be able to get back to you straight away.