Stories from the Wynding Wixam Tree: Every Wednesday from 24th July - 28th August

Teen Creativity Workshops: Every Wednesday from 24th July – 28th August

Horrible Higgins Histories: Every Friday from 26th July - 30th August

There is lots on for the whole family at The Higgins Bedford during the summer holidays, with activities and workshops for both children aged 5 and above and teenagers aged 12 to 16 years old.

Every Wednesday, from 24th July to 28th August, the Theatre of Widdershins will perform spectacular stories, with fantastical adventures and traditional fairy tales featuring puppetry and original music. Stories from the Wynding Wixam Tree, in the Round and Round the Garden exhibition will start at 11am and 2pm, and are suitable for children aged 5 and over. This costs £5 per child, free for accompanying adults (all children must be accompanied by an adult).

On the same Wednesdays, The Higgins Bedford is hosting creative writing, and arts & crafts workshops for teenagers aged 12-16 years old. These Teen Creativity Workshops, sponsored by Oxford Brookes University will give teens that opportunity to explore different art and media styles. They will also be able to meet local artists Lisa Tilley and Kemi Onabule and, professional author Derek Niemann and Christiana Payne, Professor of History of Art at Oxford Brookes University, and gain insights into the professional arts world. They will run from 24th July to 28th August at 12.30pm, cost £3 per person, and an adult does not need to come along. 

Fridays in the summer holidays bring Horrible Higgins Histories; travel through time and space with Kevin the Platypus, explore the museum’s collections and get creative in our workshops.  From Stone Age to Space Age there is sure to be an activity to delight; designing and making Stone Age necklace, Viking brooches, Victorian hats, moon rockets with Little Science Labs, and more. These take place at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm every Friday from 26th July to 30th August, and cost £3 per child, free for accompanying adults (all children must be accompanied by an adult).

Places are limited and should be booked in advance by purchasing a ticket at The Higgins Bedford reception desk. We are currently unable to take bookings online or over the phone. Unfilled places will be offered on a first-come, first served basis on the day.

Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said “The Higgins Bedford is, as always, a great place to be this summer holidays and I’m especially pleased we have been able to once again offer workshops for older children and teenagers who can come along without an adult.

“With free entry, lots of exhibitions to explore, and these workshops and activities for children and teenagers of all ages, there really is so much to see and do in our fantastic local museum and art gallery this summer.”

To find out more, visit The Higgins website www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk, or check out The Higgins Bedford facebook and twitter pages. You can also receive the latest news direct from The Higgins Bedford by signing up to their email bulletin at www.bedford.gov.uk/stayconnected