Programme of Friends Lectures and Events 2026
We are thrilled to present our new 2026 programme of talks.
Tuesday 21st April 2026
Dr Helen Langdon on Salvator Rosa
7.00pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road [note the early start]
Tuesday 28th April 2026
Jane Ewart on An American Aristocrat and His Remarkable Collection of English Silver: Lord Fairhaven’s silver at Anglesey Abbey
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Wednesday 6 May
Group Visit: Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens in Northamptonshire.
Save the date, info and booking process will be in your inbox soon!
Coming this Autumn –
Tuesday 22 September
Tony Ploszajski on The Birds of Bedfordshire
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 29 September
Martin Snaith, on The 1931 Schneider Trophy Race
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 13 October
Tim Knox, Director of the Royal Collection, on Royal Patronage
7.30pm at
The Quarry Theatre in association with Bedford School Lecture Programme and
Sponsored by Cheffins Fine Art Auctioneers
Tuesday 27 October
David Longman, on Tales from Bedfordshire Churches: The Admiral, the Rector and Long John Silver
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 3 November
Damien Odell on Haunted Bedfordshire
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Wednesday 4 November
Group visit: Lowry Exhibition MK Gallery
Tuesday 1 December
Hugh St Clair on the artist John Banting
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Talks are free with Friends’ membership and members are encouraged to bring guests.
For guests we currently operate an honesty policy and ask for a donation of £10 cash at the door or £8.00 min via our JustGiving web page.
For further information about all of the lectures visit and special events https://www.friendsofthehiggins.org/events-and-lectures
Joining the Friends of The Higgins Bedford
The Friends organisation plays an important part in the life of the art gallery and museum, and individual members enjoy an excellent range of benefits; joining the Friends will put you at the heart of The Higgins Bedford.
As a Friend you will enjoy:
- Regular talks and lectures
- Exclusive visits to private museums and houses (extra charges can apply
- Special access to new exhibition previews
- Discounts in The Higgins Bedford shop
- Discount on daytime purchases at The Higgins Pantry
- Opportunities to socialise with like minded people
For membership rates and a link to the joining page click here https://www.friendsofthehiggins.org/join-the-friends
Donations via JustGiving:
https://www.justgiving.com/onecheckout/donation/direct/charity/3086310
To find out more about the work of The Friends please visit the Friends of the Higgins website.