COUNCIL NEWS
Bedford River Festival 2006
27 June 2006Public Relations
After two years of planning, the final preparations are being made to the region’s largest free festival, the Bedford River Festival.
More than a quarter of a million people are expected to visit the festival over the weekend of July 15 and 16, and more activities, entertainment and events have been planned than ever before.
The town centre will be transformed into a cavalcade of colour and sound as the Carnival Parade kicks off at 12:30pm, with over thirty floats weaving their way from De Pary’s Avenue to the main arena in Russell Park.
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The River Great Ouse will be the focus, especially for two of the festival highlights. Thousands of people are set to line the Embankment as the competitors take to the water for the raft races and Dragonboat races. The two festival-favourites are both in aid of local charities, and community groups and local organisations have been busy designing their costumes and building their rafts in the hope of claiming first prize.
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If you fancy a crack at canoeing, salsa or even Tai chi, then head down to the Sports Village where you will be able to have a go at some of the sports on offer. Youngsters won’t miss out either because the KidzSize Sports Courses running throughout the weekend will give them the chance to sample sports on scaled-down equipment.
Music fans are also in for a treat this year. Not only does the Main Stage have a packed programme of performances, including a special one-off concert from the Philharmonia Orchestra on Sunday evening, but the Community Stage line-up has doubled due to its popularity.
And fans of extreme sports should get down to Russell Park on the Sunday, as there will be a display of base jumping. Watch as professionals jump from a huge crane and parachute back down to the ground.
Prepare to take a step back in time at the Medieval Village on Castle Mound. The demonstrations and re-enactments will depict what life would have been like hundreds of years ago.
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Following an illuminated boat parade on the river, the climax to Saturday night will be the spectacular firework display which will see the river light up as hundreds of fireworks sparkle over the skies of Bedford.
The council’s event manager, Andy Pidgen said: “The River Festival would not be successful without the huge support and participation of the hundreds of people from the local community. There are so many activities this year that there will be something for everybody to enjoy.
“It is always an excellent weekend, and gives Bedfordians the chance to show visitors how to have a good time and show-off Bedford’s beautiful river, embankment and parks.”
 | River Festival 2006 Map ( 1613 Kb ) - DOWNLOAD |
| Timetable for River Festival 2006 ( 1418 Kb ) - DOWNLOAD |