A jewel in Bedford’s Cultural Crown and the centre piece for Castle Quay - The Higgins, Bedford has been a venue for Bedford Film Festival since 2013.

The Higgins Bedford reopened on 21st June 2013 following a major redevelopment project uniting, on one site, three previous cultural venues: Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford Museum and Bedford Gallery. The buildings themselves date back 200 years and have their own rich history of occupation and use, even before they became used for their more recent cultural past.

Joining the two buildings has had a ‘tardis-like’ effect, increasing the space for temporary and touring exhibitions as well as making more room for permanent displays. The Higgins Bedford now boasts excellent facilities for schools, space for workshops and talks and improved facilities for visitors. The Higgins Bedford has been transformed to feature new exhibition galleries, and will offer a full and varied programme of special exhibitions, events and learning activities.

Bedford Film Festival is delighted that The Higgins Bedford has agreed to be our ongoing primary venue as the ideals of The Higgins and its staff match the ethos behind our festival perfectly.