More Details Released about the Opening of The Higgins, Bedford
More details on the Dawn to Dusk Launch of The Higgins, Bedford have been confirmed.
Culture vultures across the country have a date firmly fixed in their diaries, and this date is fast approaching! The Higgins Bedford's launch will take place on Friday 21st June - and more details have now been confirmed of the 'dawn to dusk' opening on the longest day of the year.
As the £5.8m project is set to be reopened, interest in the launch has accelerated. Details announced, so far, include special pre-booked highlight tours introducing collections from the art gallery and museum will start from sunrise at 4.40am, and then take place at 30 minutes past the hour until 9.30am. Free refreshments will be offered to those booked on a tour. The tours are free but places are limited.
The tours will take in highlights from across the building which has brought together previously separate venues and redeveloped them over the past 2 years. New displays breathe life back into The Higgins Bedford, which holds world-class collections including works by Turner, Picasso and Warhol.
Further entertainment is planned throughout the day, with the official opening taking place at 11am in the courtyard at the entrance to the building.
Lib Dem Mayor Dave Hodgson will then be opening Sense of Place, an exhibition of work by ten local community groups. There will also be an official opening for Fatal Attractions, an exhibition curated by students from Beauchamp Middle School.
Exhibitors will join staff and volunteers from The Higgins Bedford during the afternoon to talk to visitors about the new displays and exhibitions.
As dusk approaches, from 6pm onwards, the party atmosphere will continue. Fairy lights will illuminate the courtyard as local acoustic bands play into the night. A bar and restaurant will be available throughout the evening.
Visitors on the day are also being asked to do their part to celebrate the opening. The Higgins Bedford is encouraging visitors to share pictures of the day on Instagram, twitter and facebook to record the atmosphere and events from every perspective.
Dave said: "The Higgins Bedford belongs to us all, and that's the message that we want to send out right from day one. That's why we're marking its opening by throwing open the doors for 17 hours on the longest day of the year, to give everyone the chance to enjoy the launch of this major cultural attraction in the heart of Bedford. Entry is free, as are the pre-booked tours, and I look forward to seeing who will be joining me on the first tour at 4.40am!"
For more details on the launch, contact Gemma, at Bedford Borough Council, via gemma.hutton@bedford.gov.uk
To book your place on a guided tour contact The Corn Exchange on 01234 325358 or visithttp://www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/