Talks, Tours and Workshops
Get more from your visit by coming along to one of our talks, tours or workshops.
Handling Sessions, Prehistory artefacts
16 September, 1-3pm, free, drop in
Discover more about periods of history represented in the museum with Higgins volunteers and our handling collection.
George A Windrush Boy: Meet the Author
22 September, 20 & 21 October 2026
11.30am-1.30pm
Dressing Room, The Higgins Bedford - Free Entry
Meet the author and curator of this display inspired by Gilroy Gregory’s historical novel, George (the teenage years), which tells the story of an 11-year-old Windrush boy who came to England from Jamaica and lived in South London during the 1960s and 1970s. The display is a glimpse into the lives of these unknown British children who came with their parents from the colonies to help in the rebuilding of Britain after World War 2. Gilroy Gregory will be reading from his book, explaining some of the objects on display, as well as providing an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book, do come and join us.
Turning Disaster into Triumph: the discovery of a medieval pottery kiln
Thursday 1 October 11.30-12.30,
Free – Booking Essential
Talk by David Ingham, Project Manager at Albion Archaeology
In 2024, what was meant to be a small watching brief at Sutton Primary School uncovered a large medieval kiln, with one of the largest pottery assemblages ever excavated in the county. Albion
Archaeology involved the local community, as well as volunteers from across the region culminating with a display at The Higgins Bedford.
Bedfordshire Natural History Society 80 years: The Art of Nature Workshops
15 October, 26 November, 9 December
11.30am-1.30pm, free, booking essential
Come and create your own artwork inspired by our natural world. In celebration of the Bedfordshire Natural History Society's 80th Anniversary we are running artist-led workshops with Fiona Wilson, who will encourage you to reconnect with nature through exploring your own creativity. A selection of the artwork created in these workshops will be chosen for our staircase display. Workshops for adults are free but places are limited, booking is essential.
The Egypt You Don’t Know: Stories, Memories and Living Heritage
17 October, 2-3pm, Free - Booking Essential
Join Dr. Tasneem Ramadan, an Egyptian researcher exploring performance, culture and heritage in a journey of discovery of the Egypt you don’t know. This talk will explore overlooked Egyptian women’s cultural traditions including storytelling, music and ritual.
From Solstice to Santa!
28 November 11.15-12.15
Tickets 7.75 per person, concessions £6.20
Booking Essential
In this journey through winter celebrations, Helen Ohlsson will explore winter solstice celebrations of the bronze age at Stonehenge, the Roman Saturnalia, Medieval twelve days of Christmas through to traditions introduced by the Victorians and the festivities that we recognise today.
Snails for All Exhibition Tour
Thursday 19 November 12pm-12.30pm
Friday 19 March 12pm–12.30pm
Tickets £3.95 per person, concessions £3.35, Booking Essential
Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art for a half hour tour of some of the highlights of the exhibition.
Rhyme and Reason Exhibition Tours
Thursday 26 November and Thursday 25 February, 12pm-12.30pm
Tickets £3.95 per person, concessions £3.35, Booking Essential
Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art for a half hour tour of some of the highlights of the exhibition.
Edward Bawden Archive Session
Friday 5 March 2pm-3.30pm
Tickets £14.60 per person, concessions £11.60, Booking Essential
Hidden in secret drawers inside the Edward Bawden Gallery are hundreds of prints, drawings and ephemera. Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art for a delve through some of them. The session is a perfect opportunity to see well known works, as well as pieces that have never been on display before.
Rhyme and Reason Study Day
Saturday 13 February 11am-4pm
Tickets £20 – tea / coffee on arrival, Booking Essential
Join us for a day exploring the themes of Rhyme & Reason with the exhibition’s curators. The day will start with a tour of the exhibition by Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art, Victoria Partridge, followed by talks by Professor Christiana Payne and Dr Mary O’Neill.
Book your place online or call the Box Office on 01234 718044. Use the promotional code HIGGINS30 to remove any transaction fee.
Concession prices are offered for most events to people over 65, students, those with disabilities plus their carer, National Art Pass members and adults receiving benefits.