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Cultural Roots Sound System Museum

The Higgins Bedford

Speakers and musical equipment from Cultural Roots Sound System

7 October 2023 – 28 April 2024

Outside Somewhere in England Gallery – Free Entry

Recently showcased at The Pride of Place Bedford shop, the Sound System Museum is live at The Higgins until April 2024. Cultural Roots Sound System Museum was started in 1979 by a group of friends in Bedford. This equipment provided valuable entertainment to Caribbean households in Bedford, owing to discrimination excluding them from socialising in local bars and clubs.

The Sound System Museum has preserved this precious memorabilia and hope it will jog the memories and hearts of yesteryear. Visitors can see first-hand what it takes to build and run a reggae sound system and experience this at special events and workshops.

Museum Opening Times:

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 5pm

Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday: 2pm – 5pm

Closed on Mondays

What's on at The Higgins Bedford

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New Year’s Stars
The Higgins Bedford

New Year’s Stars

New Year’s Stars looks at Epiphany stars as a starting point before creating special stars of your own to celebrate the new year, new beginnings, thoughts and focus. Children will also get to choose from a collection of hidden words, all meaningful and special, to keep with their star as something to reflect on throughout 2025. Workshops will be held at 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm.

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New Year’s Stars
The Higgins Bedford

New Year’s Stars

New Year’s Stars looks at Epiphany stars as a starting point before creating special stars of your own to celebrate the new year, new beginnings, thoughts and focus. Children will also get to choose from a collection of hidden words, all meaningful and special, to keep with their star as something to reflect on throughout 2025. Workshops will be held at 12.45pm and 2.15pm.

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Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum
The Higgins Bedford

Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum

Head to The Higgins Museum and join Kevin the Platypus’ little cousin Puggle for lots of creative fun. There are two sessions, one from 10.30am-12noon and one from 1pm-2.30pm.

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Edward Bawden & Me Exhibition Tour
The Higgins Bedford

Edward Bawden & Me Exhibition Tour

Until 13th October 2024, the biggest names in British art, illustration, ceramics and textiles come together in this eclectic exhibition at The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum in celebration of the work of designer Edward Bawden. Join the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art for a half hour tour of some of the highlights of Edward Bawden & Me.

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Toby’s Tall Tales
The Higgins Bedford

Toby’s Tall Tales

Join trained actor and teacher Toby in the art gallery for a FREE creative exploration of stories. Toby will engage children with immersive story reading and help children create their own stories using puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery.

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Portable Antiquities Scheme at The Higgins Bedford
The Higgins Bedford

Portable Antiquities Scheme at The Higgins Bedford

Have you ever found archaeological objects whilst digging in the garden, taking the dog for a walk or metal detecting? Would you like to find out more about them? Matt Fittock, the Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme run by the British Museum can help at this FREE event.

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Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum
The Higgins Bedford

Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum

Head to The Higgins Museum and join Kevin the Platypus’ little cousin Puggle for lots of creative fun. There are two sessions, one from 10.30am-12noon and one from 1pm-2.30pm.

View Event
Toby’s Tall Tales
The Higgins Bedford

Toby’s Tall Tales

Join trained actor and teacher Toby in the art gallery for a FREE creative exploration of stories. Toby will engage children with immersive story reading and help children create their own stories using puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery.

View Event
Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum
The Higgins Bedford

Puggle Club at The Higgins Museum

Head to The Higgins Museum and join Kevin the Platypus’ little cousin Puggle for lots of creative fun. There are two sessions, one from 10.30am-12noon and one from 1pm-2.30pm.

View Event
Toby’s Tall Tales
The Higgins Bedford

Toby’s Tall Tales

Join trained actor and teacher Toby in the art gallery for a FREE creative exploration of stories. Toby will engage children with immersive story reading and help children create their own stories using puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery.

View Event