Weekly food waste collections will begin at the end of March, and we will be sending food caddies to all Bedford Borough residents from January.

Please keep them safe, and you'll be able to start using them the week before the service starts on 30 March - you'll be able to reuse any plastic bags to line the small kitchen caddy, from empty bread, cereal, and salad bags, through to large crisp packets. You can also use a newspaper, or use it without a liner and give it a rinse when you empty it into the larger caddy for collection.

Become a detective and unravel a series of curious, whimsical mysteries in The Higgins Bedford.

Join artist Philippa McDonald to create a calendar for 2026.

It could be a whole family effort with everybody contributing to one design, or perhaps you each will make your own.

Places are limited, so please book yours in advance.

Mr Garraway’s Djembe Drumming Club is a new club aimed at young people aged 7-12.

It's Ideal for any young person who thinks they might like to play drums, as well as drum kit players who would like to play in a group.

It’s also a great opportunity to make new friends and meet other students who like to bang things!

No previous experience is needed.

This is an opportunity to ask questions and learn about all things fostering - if it's something you've ever considered, please do join us.

Speak with a member of our team in an informal and relaxed environment from 7pm as part of this online information evening.

Please book in advance so the team can send you a link to the meeting.

Our Community Safety Team are holding a number of engagement events to give you an opportunity to meet the team and ask any questions you have.

Each month, there will be a theme, and they will be in the Visitor Information Centre on Silver Street on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, 11am-2pm.

Pop in and find out about the work of the Community Safety Team, the importance of partnership working, support with general personal safety, and how to report concerns.

Please come along and have a chat if you can.

The photo is from a previous event at Bedford Central Library.

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 is required.  The session times are 10.30am-midday and 1-2.30pm. 

If you are local to Queens Park or Goldington, there are also mini Pop Up Puggle sessions this month at St Mary's Church and the Community Centre.

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 questions.

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

Aragon Lacemakers is also offering Young Lacemakers sessions on the same day for children between the ages of 6-16 years.

The lessons are tailored to each child’s pace in a supportive environment, and equipment is provided. There is a small charge of £2 per session per child - booking is essential.

Crafternoons are free, monthly creative activity sessions for families to have a go at 'making' together and enjoy the chance to get creative.

All resources are provided. 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. 

No need to book, as this is a drop-in session, but visit The Higgins Bedford website or follow them on Instagram to find out more about this bookmark activity.

Take part in this focus group and get a £30 Amazon voucher as a thank you for your time.

We are holding this free, 1-hour focus group, 2.30-3.30pm at Queen’s Park Family Hub, Marlborough Road, Bedford MK40 4LE, to hear from local parents, carers and parents-to-be who use Healthy Start or think they might qualify.

Help us find better ways to tell more families about this support so fewer people miss out, and book your place now:

Holocaust Memorial Day is on 27 January and the theme is Bridging Generations – which is a call to action.

Come and learn more about the history and heritage of the local Bedford Jewish community, impact of the Holocaust and survivors stories, as well as their legacy in our entrance foyer display.

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.

Alongside the Bedford Council of Faiths, we will once again come together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, with a ceremony taking place by the Anne Frank Tree in Russell Park on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at 12.30pm, followed by related events and opportunities for reflection at The Higgins Bedford.

Join our speaker, Paul Salver of The Holocaust Memorial Trust, for a talk recognising Holocaust Memorial Day and this year’s theme for 2026 Bridging Generations.

Paul will cover some personal testimonies, the impact of the Holocaust and why it is important to remember it today.

Paul was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2025 for his work in Holocaust and genocide education and awareness.

Recommended age is 11+ and advance booking is recommended.

The Corn Exchange is closed through January for its refurbishment project - but there are lots of exciting events on the way for 2026!