Bedford Players Trust, on behalf of Bedford Borough Council, are inviting all cultural and community groups to apply for funding through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Cultural Programme, run in partnership by Bedford Borough Council and Historic England.

This cultural and community fund is open for any groups to apply to. It is available to support those that may not usually bid for funding, as well as those that would.

The objective of the funding is to support the transformation of Bedford High Street through the main HSHAZ project with a series of commissions, including events, activities, installations and opportunities for public participation, to make the High Street a source of enjoyment, learning, community cohesion and civic pride for residents and visitors.

The commissions should promote the High Street’s rich history and heritage, which can be explored through the stories of its buildings and the communities that have interacted with them over time. The projects funded through the HSHAZ Cultural Programme will need to involve elements of engagement with the area’s heritage, as well as the participation and involvement of local communities.

Councillor Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning, said: “The HSHAZ Cultural Programme will help bring Bedford High Street’s heritage to life, telling the unseen stories of the buildings that we see every day, as well as the people and communities who have used them throughout the years. As part of our leading High Street Heritage scheme, if you have something to add or know a group who does, let them know.”

Sharon De Leonardis, Chair of the HSHAZ Cultural Workgroup, said: “This is an open fund for any and all to apply for funding to support High Street focused cultural and community-based projects. The application is light touch for smaller expressions of interest at this stage so if you have an idea, tell us.

“The committee is diverse, which is reflective of Bedford. The aim is to have more diverse group contributing in the town.”

Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director at Historic England, said: “This is a great opportunity for groups to produce innovative and exciting activities which celebrate Bedford’s history and tell the story of its historic centre. We’d love to hear your project ideas and I look forward to seeing them come to life, bringing local communities together on their high street and learning more about their past in a really creative way.”

The deadline to apply for funding is 5pm on Tuesday 20 December 2022. You can complete an application by going online to https://bedfordplayerstrust.org.uk/haz-cultural-programme/call-to-action/.