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Dear Subscriber,
Spring is well and truly here and this April there are events and activities planned for people of all ages, from a reminiscence morning and indoor car boot, through to rhymes and stories for little ones.
With Easter and the school holidays we've a bumper range of activities and events for families in Bedford Borough, enjoy free craft sessions at our libraries, book an interactive workshop at The Higgins Bedford, and so much more!
Please note, if we've addressed you as "Dear Subscriber" we'd love to be able to use your preferred first name. You can update your details by heading all the way to the end of this email and selecting 'Subscriber Preferences Page'. Once there, head to the 'Questions' tab to help us make future emails more personable for you. You can also discover other email bulletins from our teams in the 'Subscriptions' tab, do have a look by scrolling down and selecting 'Add Subscriptions'!
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Have you subscribed to email bulletins from our teams?
Did you know we have an email bulletin dedicated to all things community volunteering. If you think you might be interested in hearing about some of the opportunities coming up then do subscribe.
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Check out the latest brochure from Bedford Corn Exchange
Some highlights April:
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Thursday 3, Friday 4 and Saturday 5
Sleeping Beauty is a classic fairy tale that tells the story of a beautiful princess who falls under a curse from an evil fairy.
According to the curse, the princess would prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel on her 18th birthday and would die. A good fairy, however, intervenes and alters the curse, stating that the princess will instead sleep for 100 years and can only be awakened by true love’s kiss.
On the princess’s 18th birthday, the curse takes effect, and she falls asleep. We follow the story as the prince and his journey to overcome the obstacles and awaken the princess. In the end, will true love’s kiss awaken the princess, and will the kingdom be saved.
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Sunday 6
9am-12pm - Entry is just £1 (card payments only) and under 16's are free. £7 a table if you would like to sell.
For enquiries, email johnbunyan@gll.org
Sellers - please be aware tables will not be provided, you will need to bring your own.
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Easter school holiday activities
As part of the Easter school holidays, The Higgins Bedford is excited to announce a range of interactive activities, designed to promote sustainability and environmental awareness, as part of the build-up to Earth Day 2025.
These workshops, taking place from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 17 April, are specifically crafted to encourage children to think creatively about reducing waste, reusing everyday items, and recycling.
Please book you places in advance, and be aware these sessions often sell out quickly
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There are a number of FREE activities and clubs for statutory aged school children, who receive income related free school meals.
All parents/carers of eligible children have been sent their Easter HAF vouchers via email, but there are still plenty of clubs and activity sessions with available places – make sure you use your available credits and book through the Holiday Activities app.
Activities include Music & DJ-ing, Outdoor adventure and river sports, Football, Roller sports, Multi activity, parkour and lots more!
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A chance to squeeze in some pre GCSE and SATs preparation before they commence.
We will focus on exam techniques, revision and supporting wellbeing.
Bedford Central Library – Tuesday 8, 12-1pm A final chance to help prepare for SATs, Y6 children only.
Bromham Library – Friday 11, 11am-12pm A final chance to help prepare for SATs, Y6 children only.
Putnoe Library – Tuesday 10, 1.30-2.30pm GCSE MATHS- Revision & Exam Tips, plus supporting wellbeing, for Y10 & Y11.
Kempston Library – Thursday 17 April 1.30-2.30pm GCSE MATHS- Revision & Exam Tips, plus supporting wellbeing, for Y10 & Y11.
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From Monday 7 to Thursday 17 April, families are invited to visit Bedford Borough Libraries for free fun craft activities such as paper plate sheep and wool suncatchers.
There will also be LEGO clubs in all the libraries and special Story Times for all ages.
A new Saturday Story event now runs every week at Bedford Central Library at 3.15pm. Staff will share a picture book with families in the Children's Library, it's for all ages and you can just turn up and enjoy the story!
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Friday 11
Wixams
Lakeview Village MUGA / Village Hall
For school year groups 6-11, all equipment will be provided and you can bring your own.
No booking needed and all instructors supervising are DBS checked.
Please note that the photo is of Silver Jubilee skate park.
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Saturday 5 to Sunday 13
Gumbles Amusements
Goldington Green
Unlimited rides for £11, adult spectators pay £1 entry.
There are two daily sessions from 12-3pm and 3.15-6.15pm.
New rides and on site food court.
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Saturday 5 to Monday 21
Priory Country Park, Bedford
Just pop into the Cloverdale Cafe, 10am-4pm, and pick up a map for £3. All proceeds go to the Embrace Charity.
Find all of the Easter Egg clues that will be in different locations around the Country Park and write down the unique codes on them.
When you have finished pop back into the cafe to show them that you found all of the codes and they will have an Easter Egg for you (or non-edible alternative).
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Wednesday 9
Drop-in with Bev Fowlston from Bedfordshire Geology Group, 11am – 1pm.
Do you have geology specimens that you would like identified? Bring in your best rock, fossil, mineral and crystal finds and Bev will help to answer your geology.
Sessions run 11am-1pm and are limited so please book in advance by emailing thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk
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Thursday 10
Everyone is welcome along to join this friendly group to share memories, meet new people and make new friends. The theme this month is Bedford Car Club memories.
Join us for and listen to some car club memories with a presentation from Bedford Car Club based around their current display in The Higgins Bedford.
The session is free, 11am-12.30pm and refreshments are just £1.
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Friday 11
A drop-in workshop for children under 5 years of age. No need to book.
Just pop in any time between 10.30am-midday or 1-2.30pm and stay for as long as you like.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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Friday 11
Venues in Bedford from 11am-3pm
Bedford Support Group will offer free taster sessions of some of the activities available locally for people living with Parkinson’s at Bedford International Athletics Stadium.
Attendees can try out a range of activities, including table tennis, boxercise, tai chi/qigong and boccia. There will also be table-top games and a Parkinson’s awareness stand.
Visit the Harpur Centre for Poets with Parkinson's, plus entertainment and information for shoppers.
Meet Parkinson's Nurses at the Bedford MS Therapy Centre and learn more about the condition while enjoying tea, cakes and games.
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Saturday 12
 Image credit: Viktoria Tymoshenko
Come and join us for the opening day of the Ukrainian Folk Art and Heritage Exhibition.
Have a go at our Ukrainian Pysanky Easter egg trail around the galleries and see some demonstrations of this unique decoration technique.
It's also a good opportunity to explore the exhibits around The Higgins Bedford galleries with costumes, textiles and artwork from Ukrainian artists.
Photo credit: Daria Bilan
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Saturday 12
The Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum are excited to invite you to their annual Fun Day!
This special event is designed for SEND children and their families to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon together.
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Saturday 12
Meet rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens
Harpur Square
Animal Edge to bring their rabbits, Guinea pigs and some small chickens from 10am-1pm for children, and adults, to get close to the animals in a quiet and safe environment.
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Saturday 12
When you think reggae, there is only one name that comes to mind. Direct from a sell-out show at London’s Adelphi Theatre, Legend – the Music of Bob Marley is an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic stage show.
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Saturday 12 and Sunday 13
Easter Special Craft Fair
Harpur Suite
We launch the first Bedford craft market of 2025 with an exciting weekend Easter Special Craft Fair on both Saturday 12 April and Sunday 13 April!
Located indoors, with more than 30 different local crafters sharing their unique creations with our vibrant community there will be some wonderful creations available to purchase.
The market runs 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.
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Sunday 13
Your one-stop shop for all things flea, art and produce.
Bedford Flea pride themselves on being the purveyors of quality with the emphasis on locally made, grown and sourced products, from some of our most skilled small businesses and hobbyists.
This market runs on the second Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm, this month due to refurbishment works in St Paul's Square the market will be in Harpur Square.
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Sunday 13
The Embankment, Bedford
1950m course downstream on the River Great Ouse
This Head Race will be run under British Rowing’s Rules of Racing and RowSafe, operating the Personal Ranking System as defined in Rule 3 of the Rules of Racing.
Racing will take place over seven divisions throughout the day, clubs may enter any crew in any division.
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Sunday 13
Join trained actor and teacher Toby as he engages children with immersive story reading.
He'll also help children create their own stories using puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery.
Ideal for ages up to seven, children must bring along an adult.
Toby's Tall Tales begins at 2.30pm. Please be aware, space in the gallery is limited and is offered on a first come first served basis.
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Friday's, for 11-17 year olds
Junior Gym and Junior Sports Hall activities are available for young people aged 11–17, at John Bunyan Sports and Fitness.
Activities are held from Tuesday - Friday between 3.30-6pm, and on Saturdays, from 9am-11am, midday-2pm and 3pm-5pm.
Junior Basketball, Junior five-a-side football, junior badminton and junior table tennis are all available to book online, on the app or in person. The sports hall is available for drops-ins within these times to play with friends!
Please book places in advance.
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Tuesday 15
Listen to a lecture on Paula Rego as a printmaker by Paul Coldwell.
The event begins at 7.30pm.
The Friends organise a range of events including a fantastic annual lecture programme, summer outings to rarely-seen houses and gardens, and Christmas and summer parties.
Talks are free with Friends’ membership and members are encouraged to bring guests.
For guests, they currently operate an honesty policy and ask for a donation of £10 cash at the door or at least £8 in advance via their JustGiving page.
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Friday 18
St Paul's Square
For many years, churches across Bedford have been coming together as a townwide witness to remember and celebrate the truth of Good Friday.
Come along and join us, alongside other churches in Bedford, at St Paul’s Square at 12 noon.
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Tuesday 22
We are hosting a FREE community workshop delivered by Climate Clarity to upskill community facilitators such as local volunteers, community organisations, and educators to learn more about climate change.
Funded by the National Lottery Awards for All England, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of climate science and explore how to engage others in meaningful climate education.
If you are interested in learning more about climate change, or being part of educating our community by becoming qualified to lead workshops in the community, come along and learn with us.
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Friday 25
Join us on a solidarity walk to shine a spotlight on stalking. Stalking can impact anyone in person or online. This walk is an opportunity for people to come together, share stories, meet professionals who can share advice, and raise awareness of the serious issue of stalking.
The hour long circular walk will set off from Bedford Borough Hall and meander around the river, returning to the start.
A link for information and to register your interest email: dasupport@bedford.gov.uk
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Friday 25 and Saturday 26
A Celebration of the Caribbean Community in Bedford – Past and Future and a Reggae Sound System Story
C.R.I.S.S, LOWD and The Higgins Bedford present a celebration of the Caribbean Community in Bedford.
Join us for a day of celebration including exhibits, interviews, discussions, live music, poetry, drama, comedy, fashion and keynote speaker Lydia Saul. Plus much much more!
More details and a full schedule of events will be updated nearer the time.
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Friday 25
The evening is intended to raise money for the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire’s nominated local charities and for the hard-working RNLI.
You are guaranteed an evening of great singing, audience involvement and laughter. Parrots, wooden legs and eye patches are optional but spot prizes will be awarded to those who really ‘commit’ and attend in fancy dress!
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Friday's, for new parents and parents to be
Nature and Wellbeing Space
Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity will offer weekly sessions to promote wellbeing among parents in the peri-natal period – during pregnancy and the first year of baby’s life.
The group will support the wellbeing of parents and parents-to-be by offering group nature-based activities that encompass the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Connection, Be Active, Learn, Take Notice and Give Back.
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Friday 25
Are you ready to feast your senses on Bedford’s best street food?
On the last Friday of the month from March to September, the very best street food traders from across the county come together to bring happy crowds flavours from around the world.
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Saturday 26
St. George's Day celebrations
Harpur Square and Harpur Suite, Bedford
This free event will offer entertainment for all ages, celebrating St. George, the patron saint of England, 12-6.30pm. Food and drink will also be available to purchase from a variety of stalls.
The festivities aim to bring together families and friends to enjoy a day of community spirit and national pride. Harpur Square and the Harpur Suite will be transformed into a hub of activity, offering something for everyone.
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Saturday 26
Plant stall
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Run by the volunteer gardening team to raise funds to improve the flower beds in front of the museum.
11am-3pm.
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Saturday 26
Free pop-up event will offer fixing tips and help from volunteers.
Repair rebels teaching you how to 💚 your stuff and reduce waste in Bedford Borough!
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Sunday 27
Kempston Craft Market is back on every last Sunday at Saxon Centre, 10am-3.30pm.
Browse the beautiful collection of crafts, gifts, cakes and scented candles which is perfect in the lovely springtime.
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Sunday 27
The Embankment
Bedford Hasler Marathon
Please join us for the 71st Bedford Marathon on the 27th April 2025
The race is on the River Great Ouse using a 4.3km circuit through the centre of Bedford.
Changing rooms and shower facilities are available.
All parts of the course are accessible to spectators on foot or cycle.
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Tuesday 29
Online
These online sessions allow you to speak with a member of our team in an informal and relaxed environment from 7pm on Microsoft Teams.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about all things fostering.
Please book in advance so the team can send you a link to the meeting.
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Or call 01234 718718
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Wednesday 30
Harpur Suite, Bedford
As part of an Earth Day event series, Bedford Borough Council is bringing together local businesses, sustainability experts and local organisations for a morning that is all about building a sustainable future. The event runs from 9am-12pm.
Whether you are looking to learn more about sustainable business practices or connect with like-minded individuals offering sustainable solutions and opportunities to engage locally, this event is for you.
The Earth Day Bedford - Business Morning event will feature:
- An Introduction on Inspiring a Strong Local Circular Economy
- A FREE 2- hour Interactive Workshop on Sustainability in Action: Strategies and Practices in Greening Your Business
- A Networking Showcase to Leverage Local Opportunities
- Closing remarks on The Local Path to Net Zero
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These youth clubs run during term time, 5.30-7.30pm each week:
Kempston, Hillgrounds Road - Tuesdays
Wixams, Lakeview Village Hall - Wednesdays
Great Denham, Community Centre - Thursdays
There are games, arts and crafts, snack, projects. A perfect way for young people to spend time with friends!
The club is for young people in school years 7 and above.
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Enjoy up to four hours of free parking each day at Lurke Street and Allhallows Car Park.
First two hours parking are free in Queen Street Car Park.
Up to two hours parking every Saturday in all Council-owned town centre single and multi-storey car parks.
Free parking all day every Sunday in Council-owned town centre car parks.
Don't forget that bus fares are just £3, and there are plenty of places to lock your bike in the town centre.
There's also the secure cycle shelter on the corner of the Harpur Centre, email highways.helpdesk@bedford.gov.uk with your full name, address, and contact number to register an account and find details of the app to gain entry.
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