COUNCIL NEWS
Spectacular River Festival Attracts Record Crowds
19 July 2006Public Relations
Over 300,000 people from across the region descended on Bedford this weekend (15 and 16 July) for the 19th River Festival organised by Bedford Borough Council. The record number of visitors was helped by the glorious weather which made sure the carnival atmosphere lasted all weekend.
Kicking-off with the Carnival Parade on Saturday, highlights included the dragon boat and raft races, It’s A Knockout competition, a fantastic firework display on the Saturday evening and a free concert by the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra on Sunday evening for the grand finale.
And it wasn’t just the old favourites that attracted the crowds. Festival-goers were wowed by the daredevil BASE jumpers who flung themselves from a massive crane and parachuted back down to the ground. “Every year we aim to make the festival bigger than the last one,” explained borough council events manager Andy Pidgen. “We are constantly looking for new and exciting activities for visitors, and this certainly fitted the bill.”
Stalls and trade stands from charities and organisations lined the Embankment and Mill Meadows, and with attractions as varied as medieval encampments, Victorian side shows to the latest hi-tech simulation rides, visitors were spoilt for choice.
Commenting on the record attendance, Andy said: “The number of people completely exceeded our expectations. I heard of some people that had spent a week travelling to Bedford on the river routes to enjoy the festival and thirty coach loads of people came from all over the country. It just goes to show how popular the River Festival has become.”
Boats all shapes and sizes got to show off on Saturday night as the River Great Ouse came to life with an illuminated boat display. “People really got into the spirit of things. There were some great costumes and very imaginatively decorated boats.”
Trevor Roff, head of economic development at the borough council, praised the people of Bedford for showing off the town: “The atmosphere and community spirit was exceptional and the entertainment and buzz created was a superb reflection of what Bedford has to offer. The 2006 River Festival was a great showcase for Bedford and staff at the borough council are all ready looking towards 2008 for the next River Festival to be
equally successful.”
All the money raised from the festival will be donated to local charities.