Bedford Bamberg Association

Welcome

Bedford developed contacts with the historic Franconian town of Bamberg in the early 1970s and this culminated in 1977 when a formal Town Twinning agreement was signed. Friendships were developed with school exchanges, sports and musical events, work experience opportunities and formal Council visits. It was not until the early 1980s that the Association was established to encourage less informal contact between the citizens of both towns. In 1993 Bamberg was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, since when it has become a popular tourist destination, so we are most fortunate to have this relationship.

Since Bedford Borough Council withdrew funding for Twinning activities in 2012, the Association has played a greater role in ensuring the links between the two towns are maintained, both with the Council and the Deutsch- Englische Club there. In 2017 the Association celebrated the 40th anniversary both here in Bedford and in Bamberg when the ceremony was attended by the UK Ambassador in Berlin.

Social events for members are held during the year such as an Annual Dinner, a Summer Supper and St. Nikolaus evening in December, or sometimes a Stammtisch meet-up is arranged at a local pub venue. The highlight of the year takes place in September when a visit is arranged, one year to Bamberg for the Bedford members and the next with the Bambergers coming here. Hosts are ideally arranged although a few may prefer to stay in hotel accommodation.

Our next exchange visit will take place in early September 2023, when a group of us are travelling to Bamberg. Please click here for more information.

We are happy to welcome anyone who may be interested in joining. You could attend one of our events to make sure about becoming a member with the annual fee currently only £15. Details of our programme can be found via the Upcoming Events page. If you would like to join, or have any questions, please see our Contact page.