OUTing the Past Festival

Saturday 26 February

11am – 4pm

Free, Online Event

February is LGBTQ+ History Month and we’re celebrating by taking part in the OUTing the Past Festival for the fifth year running.

Hear a range of dynamic speakers sharing the hidden histories and stories of the LGBTQ+ community, including presentations about the forgotten history of the persecution of gay men in Nazi Germany, LGBTQ+ representation in theatre, the queer perspective on life for British soldiers during the 1943-5 desert war in North Africa, and transgender activism in Whitehall and the wider workplace.

There is no need to book in advance, the zoom link will be posted on The Higgins Bedford website closer to the time.

Find out more on The Higgins Bedford website.

Reminiscence Session: Cinema Blockbusters

Thursday 10 February, 11am

Free Entry, Refreshments £1

Booking Essential

Join us for our friendly reminiscence coffee morning as we explore some local cinemas and the films that people have enjoyed over the decades. Share with us your own memories, stories and photographs of Bedford’s cinemas.

To book your place, please telephone 01234 718618 and ask to speak to Lydia Saul. Limited places are available.

Image: Palace Cinema c.1935 showing the film Boys Will be Boys. Courtesy of Bedfordshire County Council Photographic Unit. Bedford Library Collection.

February Half Term Family Activities

Thursday 17 & Friday 18 February

£3, Booking Essential

Enjoy workshops making your very own playset of 5 models inspired by High Street shops and decorate fun characters to complete the set.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance. Accompanying adults go free and do not need to book a place.

There’s also FREE activity booklets packed full of fun facts, interesting activities and self-led trails based on the Going to Town exhibition and the wonderful town of Bedford. Pick up a copy from reception.

Find out more on The Higgins Bedford website.

Edward Bawden: Artist Plantsman

Continues Until 15 January 2023

Free Entry

Drawn exclusively from the Edward Bawden archive, explore Bawden’s lifelong love of plants and gardens through a wide range of his work, including early wallpaper designs, well-known prints, advertising campaigns and private commissions.

Find out more on The Higgins Bedford website.

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