COUNCIL NEWS
Fantastic Free Family Festival Celebrates 30 Years
3 July 2008Public Relations
This year Bedford River Festival celebrates 30 years of bringing its flotilla of fun and entertainment to Bedford Borough. Once again you can expect to be wowed by the thrills of the fairground ; sing along to an eclectic collection of local bands mixed in with musicians from across the world; and don’t forget getting soaked as the teams hit the water for the epic Raft and Dragon boat battles.
The first festival of this bi-ennial event was in the summer of 1978 and was organised on the River Great Ouse for the enjoyment of the local people and boating community, and to celebrate the opening of the river link between Bedford and the Wash. Since then the ethos behind the River Festival has always been the same. A fantastic free family festival reflecting Bedford, celebrating the river and the Embankment, as well as the wealth of music, culture and entertainment available locally.
The past four River Festivals have seen the event grow to host over 300,000 spectators in 2006. This has led to further developments to make the 30th Anniversary Festival very special indeed. A new bridge will be added to Mill Meadows, and an expansion of the site into Everard Meadow with a relocated funfair and designated extreme sports arena, enlarged Healing & Sports Villages and more activity happening on the river are all set to make this the biggest festival yet.
Right now we are still taking teams for the raft race, battling down the river from Town Bridge. Or if you prefer something a little drier why not join the Carnival Parade. We’ve already got more floats than 2006 with almost 30 displays from across the community set to attend, but entries are still open for more. To take part in either of these events email events@bedford.gov.uk or call (01234) 227392.
- Events taking place across the weekend include:
- Roman Invasion of Castle Mound
- Battle of Britain Flypast
- Racing on the River
- 4 Stages of Music, Dance and Performance
- Ice Rink
- Sports and Healing Villages
- Continental Market
- Art and Crafts Marquee
- Funfair
- Extreme Sports Displays
- Fireworks
- And much more…
Whatever takes your fancy Bedford River Festival has something for you on the 12th and 13th July. You can pick up a full programme of events and activities from Bedford Borough Council buildings, at venues across the borough or download a copy from www.bedfordevents.co.uk. You can also pick up a range of Special 30th Anniversary items, including the special celebratory programme, from Bedford Tourist Information Centre in St Paul’s Square.
Event Manager Andy Pidgen said:
“It is always an excellent weekend, and gives Bedfordians the chance to show visitors how to have a good time and see Bedford’s beautiful river, embankment and parks at their best. This is the biggest free festival in the region so come along and help us celebrate the 30th Anniversary.”