The Higgins Bedford Opening - Just Hours Away!
Tomorrow morning sees the much-anticipated opening of the redeveloped Higgins Bedford. It is of cour se the longset day of the year, so as you may know, we're marking the opening of this major cultural attraction in the heart of Bedford Town Centre with a 'dawn to dusk' launch, throwing the doors open to as many people as possible on day one and inviting everyone to come and enjoy their museum. It all kicks off at 4.40am, with the first pre-booked tour. I shall be there, and can't wait to welcome the first visitors.
The Higgins Bedford's opening was the subject of my latest monthly article in the Times and Citizen, where I noted that not many town centres are opening multi-million pound cultural attractions in the current climate. This is a great opportunity for Bedford, and we need to make the most of it. Here's the full text of the article, if you haven't seen it:
"After writing last month about our plans for a brand new bus station for Bedford, this month sees the completion and grand opening of another new facility defying the wider economic climate and bringing new life to Bedford Town Centre. That facility is of course the redeveloped Higgins Bedford, which opens to the public this Friday, June 21st.
June 21st is obviously the longest day of the year, and we are marking the opening of the art gallery and museum with a spectacular 'Dawn to Dusk' launch. The day starts with the first pre-booked tour at 4.40am, which I'll be helping to take around. The early morning tours are all booked up - an encouraging early sign of the enthusiasm people have for their art gallery and museum. Don't worry if you're not booked, however, for it's open to all from 9am through to 9.30pm on Friday to enable as many people as possible to enjoy it on day one.
The works that have been undertaken really have transformed the site, with new and refurbished galleries throughout displaying the world-class collection. The galleries use the latest technology to help make the whole experience as accessible and enjoyable as possible for people of all ages, while the new café will no doubt be very inviting after a long look around. Plus, entry is free!
The concept of redeveloping the former Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Museum dates back a number of years, and the late Frank Branston was of course a great supporter. I am delighted we have been able to turn this fantastic concept into the completed Higgins Bedford, which will not only enhance Bedford's cultural 'offer' for both locals and visitors, but will also bring tremendous benefits for our town centre. In the current climate, not many town centres are opening new multi-million pound cultural attractions, and we need to make the most of this now and in future.
The Higgins Bedford belongs to us all, and I cannot wait to help throw the doors open and encourage everyone to come and enjoy it. So whether your first visit is at 4.40am on Friday or at a more civilised hour, let's enjoy this fantastic new facility for our town."