What has the National Lottery done for Bedford’s heritage?

Since the first National Lottery draw on November 19, 1994, money from every ticket sold has been invested in good causes across the UK, in the areas of arts, sport, community and heritage.

In Bedford, money raised by National Lottery players has enabled some fantastic achievements for the town’s heritage, including:

- The major redevelopment of The Higgins which united the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum

- The regeneration of Bedford High Street’s historic buildings and traditional shopfronts involving local people in exploring the heritage of Castle Mound Bedford and Bedford River Valley Park

- Telling many community stories including the town’s history of migration through a project led by John Bunyan Museum & Libraries and Bedford Chronicles

Anne Jenkins, director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s the National Lottery’s 25th birthday and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the impact of National Lottery funding across the UK and in Bedford.

"From saving historic buildings and helping nature to thrive to celebrating our diverse cultures and shared stories, there is so much that quite simply would not be possible without National Lottery players.”