Subscribe to email bulletins from The Higgins Bedford and receive all the updates and events that they share.

It's quick and easy to subscribe, and there's something new to discover on every visit!

Wednesday 1 - Bedford’s Movers and Shakers

Sunday 5 - I Never Knew That

Sunday 12 - The Life and Times of John Bunyan

Sunday 19 - The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle

Sunday 26 - Plaques & Plinths

Wednesday 29 - The Jewel In Bedford's Crown

Stay active and social with these senior drop-in sessions.

Enjoy short tennis and pickleball sessions with like-minded people, for just £3 per hour session.

These sessions are free to attend for both library members and those who don't yet have a library membership.

Bounce and Rhyme

A relaxed, fun session for newborns up to crawlers. Each session follows a structure so you and your baby get used to coming along, hearing songs, and shaking musical instruments...and there are bubbles!

Rhyme Time

More songs and stories for slightly older children. Suitable for cruisers (toddlers who are up and walking) to pre-schoolers, you’ll find a similar format to the Bounce and Rhyme sessions: lots of singing, waving scarves, and giggling!

What to expect from the event:

• An introduction to the Cultural Vision for 2030, and what its core values and priorities are
• An overview of what a Cultural Compact is and how it could benefit Bedford
• Opportunities to share your ideas, thoughts, and aspirations
• Time to connect with fellow creatives, cultural professionals and community members
• Live performances to celebrate Bedford’s diverse creative community

Whether you’re an artist, creative professional, educator or simply passionate about local culture, you’re warmly invited to attend and be part of this important conversation.

The event is free and open to all.

Puggle Club offers children aged 2-5 years the opportunity to enjoy arts and crafts activities with their parents and carers and meet other children. 

It is a lovely environment for the youngest visitors to explore a variety of resources through play. 

Puggle Club is a free, drop in, so no booking required.  The session times are 10.30am-midday and 1-2.30pm. 

If you are local to Queens Park or Goldington, we also run mini Pop Up Puggle sessions, just visit our website for dates and times.

Visitors will have the opportunity to try their hand at circus skills, learn juggling tricks, explore portrait photography, discover traditional rushwork crafts, meet the Nritham dancers, dive into the borough’s airship heritage through immersive VR experiences, and celebrate personal achievements big and small with the team from Profess(ional) Box.

All activities are free to the public, making this an inclusive event designed to inspire creativity and connection across the community.

An action-packed night of boxing awaits, raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. 

Doors open 5pm, please book your tickets in advance.

Come and enjoy browsing among some of the best quality independent producers selling a wide range of on-trend products...including food and drink, cards, gifts, artwork, homeware and much else!

All in the beautiful surroundings of St Paul's Church.

Cardboard Clues returns to The Higgins Bedford with an all-new murder mystery experience with three brand new cases to crack, new puzzles and even more murder!

Teams will discover different cardboard characters and clues hidden throughout the museum's collections, solving new mysteries using the interactive smartphone app.

Perfect for families, friends, and puzzle enthusiasts looking for a unique way to explore the museum.

The Big Play is a fun-filled mini indoor event where families with toddlers and pre-schoolers can explore, learn, and enjoy a wide range of local groups and activities.

From interactive workshops and creative classes, to thrilling play zones and entertainment, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Community Catalysts are thrilled to continue supporting local people to start and grow small enterprises that make a big difference offering care, support, and community activities for older adults and people with disabilities.

Get practical advice on setting up safely, legally, and professionally.

This event is free, book a place by emailing bedfordmicros@communitycatalysts.co.uk or calling 07503 800094.

Come along to see a wide range of information stands on health and wellbeing, care, benefits, sport and leisure, 10am-2.30pm.

Take part in taster sessions, such as yoga and chair-based exercises. Get a health check, a hand massage, and collect energy-saving products.

For more information, contact Michelle Corp on 01234 360510 or email enquiries@ageukbedfordshire.org.uk

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

Your Business Expo brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from various sectors to showcase their products and services, network with potential customers, and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

With many exhibitors, educational keynote speakers and interactive workshops, this event is a must-attend for any business looking to grow and succeed. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and take your business to the next level.

These Saturday craft markets have different local craft traders and free workshop/performance every 2nd Saturday on the Silver Square and along the whole Silver Street!

From soap flower gifts to up-cycled jars and glasses, wax melts to handmade bags and clothes, hand-painted plant pots to knitwear, you will find all high-quality and original crafts that showcase our local crafters’ passion and expertise.

The market runs 9.30am-3.30pm.

Get together with family and friends and walk 5k or 10k under the stars to remember someone special and raise vital funds.

With live entertainment, an electrifying glow stick fitness dance session and entertainment on route, you'll be joining together with hundreds of others to celebrate the lives of those we love and miss.

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.

Rowers from across the south east will be racing on the 2000m downstream course. 

Come along to the riverside and cheer on the crews!

This event offers an opportunity for local people to come together and make a positive environmental impact. Meet at the What's On Bedford Borough Visitor Information Centre at 10am.

You can enjoy a healthy walk, make new friends, and strengthen community bonds while showing your pride and support for our town centre. Children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Please register your interest in advance by sending an email to markets@bedford.gov.uk for registration. 

• Free to attend
• Rackets provided
• All abilities welcome

A Baby Remembrance Service will be held at Norse Road Crematorium Chapel, Bedford, at 10.45am.

Light a candle in memory of your baby, adults and children are welcome.

For further details, please contact the Bereavement team at Norse Road crem@bedford.gov.uk or Clarabut and Plumbe Funeral Directors bedford@clarabutandplumbe.co.uk

We will also be lighting the Bedford Corn Exchange pink and blue in the evening.

Bedfordshire Sands has events planned for this week too, including a bulb planting at the Sands Memorial Garden at Norse Road Cemetery on Saturday 11 October and a Baby Loss Wave of Light Service at St Andrew's Church, Bedford, on Wednesday 15 October 8pm.

Everyone is invited to join in with this friendly and informal reminiscence coffee morning,11am-12.30pm. It's a great way to meet new people, be inspired by memories, and share stories of the past.

This month, we're exploring Bedfordshire Police Stories from the archive. Join Keith Jackson from the Beds Police Museum at Kempston, and share stories of your local police force over the decades.

It's free entry, refreshments are just £1, and there's no need to book.

This female health event is a great opportunity to learn more about what is available locally to support female health and wellness.

There will be a range of services available to speak to, as well as taster exercise sessions to try. 

Find out more by contacting bedford.healthwise@gll.org

Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art for a lunchtime tour of some of the highlights of the exhibition.

Tickets must be booked in advance and at just £3.60 per person (and £3.05 for concessions).

Join best-selling authors Holly Race and Josh Winning, who will be talking about their latest books and chatting about horror and fantasy genres.

Following the event, Josh and Holly will be at Close Encounters in Bedford signing books. These can be pre-ordered at the shop or by emailing katy.closeencounters@gmail.com

There is no charge for this event, but please book your place in advance online, by calling on 01234 718178, and by visiting Bedford Central Library.

Head to Bromham Mill for a crisp autumn celebration at Apple Day - a family-friendly event packed with seasonal fun, local flavours, and traditional charm.

Explore the wonders of apples with live apple pressing demonstrations, cider tasting, and heritage apple displays. Enjoy craft stalls, local food vendors, and freshly baked treats from the Mill Coffee Shop. There’ll be plenty to keep the little ones entertained too, with children’s activities, games, and nature-themed crafts.

This event is organised by Bromham Parish Council. All ticket purchases and customer enquiries should be directed to the Parish Council.

Join in with free monthly creative activities for families to have a go at and enjoy together.

Suitable for under 12s, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please be aware that space is limited and there may be a wait to start.

Aragon Lacemakers are delighted to share the traditional craft of bobbin lacemaking at monthly demonstrations with a ‘have a go pillow’.

Head to foyer, as you walk in, 11am-2pm. It's a free drop-in session, so just turn up and have a go!

Join the Strings Chamber Course 2025 this October half-term and take your string playing to the next level. Open to violin, viola and cello players Grade 3+. This course costs £93 and grants/discount may be available on request.

Play beautiful chamber music with students of a similar standard. Book your place by Friday 10 October.

Children will be engaged with an immersive story reading experience that uses resources such as puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery.

This is a free event and ideal for ages up to 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware, space in the gallery is limited and is offered on a first come first served basis.

Kempston Craft Market is 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.

Get crafty and learn something new at The Higgins Bedford this half term.

All workshops last for an hour, and children must be accompanied by an adult - younger children may need more support from their adult. Adults do not need to book a place.

Tuesday 28

Day of the Dead Mask Making

Make a 'Day of the Dead’ inspired paper plate mask with artist Lisa Tilley using a mixture of materials, including some that magically glow.

Discover Geology

These hands-on workshops are run by the Bedfordshire Geology Group. Each hour-long session will provide an opportunity for children aged 5-11 years to examine a wide range of rocks, fossils and mineral specimens.

Shadow Puppet Making

Join Kaye Leidoskope for these shadow puppet-making workshops. Children aged 5-12 can design and create their own shadow puppet and explore how to use it in a shadow box theatre. 

Monday 27 - Friday 31

Free spooky crafts at Bedford Borough Libraries

Bring your children to Bedford Borough Libraries where they can create spooktacular crafts, such as finger puppets or create their own haunted house!

There will also be spooky story times at each library in Bedford, Bromham, Kempston, Putnoe, and Wootton, come along if you dare!

Kids can get active and have fun with these multi-sport sessions. 

Sports available include: Junior Indoor Football, Junior Pickleball, Junior Badminton, and Junior Table Tennis, and sessions are just £2 per child.

Monday 27 - Friday 31

Junior sports activities

Keep the juniors occupied and introduce them to the world of physical activity this October half term with Junior Activities at John Bunyan Sports and Fitness.

Sports on offer include basketball, badminton, and table tennis, they're got something for all sport fanatics to enjoy!

Tuesday 28

Bunyan's Halloween soft play party

Getting into the Halloween spirit? Why not get into the spirit with this fang-tastic Halloween Soft Play Party at John Bunyan Sports and Fitness?

Come and join the team for a spook-tacular time, filled with fancy dress, ghastly games and prizes to be won!

Wednesday 29

Soft play crafts

Join in for a time full of fun, with arts and crafts as part of your Soft Play session

Whether you’re an experienced singer or just starting out, this two-day course is open to all young vocalists across Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes and costs £10.

Sing with others, learn from expert tutors, and enjoy making music together! Delivered by Youth Voices musical director, Craig McLeish.

These online sessions allow you to speak with a member of our team in an informal and relaxed environment.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about all things fostering. The session starts at 7pm.

You can book your place by emailing fostering@bedford.gov.uk or calling the team on 01234 718 718.

Students from all over Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes get together to perform in the BLMK orchestra and this time it is being hosted in the Great Hall at Bedford School.

If you are Grade 5+ and would like to get involved with this amazing orchestra, then fill out the application and see where it takes you.

Discover:

• Exhibitions
• Displays
• Tours and talks
• Events
• Reminiscence sessions
• Wellbeing Programme
• Family activities
• School visit information....and more!

Check out the latest brochure from Bedford Corn Exchange 

Some highlights for this month:

• Bedford Beer and Cider Festival
• 80s Live
• Discos for Grown Ups
• Su Pollard Still Funny
• Philharmonia Concert Santtu and Víkingur Ólafsson
• Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons
• Think Floyd
• Peter Pan