Taking part in the 2026 Bedford River Festival
Thank you for your interest in taking part in the 2026 Bedford River Festival. The festival will be held on and around the River Great Ouse on 18 and 19 July 2026.
As always, there will be lots of entertainment on and around both banks of the upper and lower rivers in the centre of Bedford and many opportunities to take part over the weekend.
By submitting the online expression of interest form, your information will be included in our database and you will be notified when formal applications open. Completing the form does not guarantee your involvement.
By submitting the form, you agree that you have read and accepted how we process your personal data and that your details will be stored by the Bedford Borough Council Events Team, the Bedford Harbour Master and/or Canoe Trail, Sue Ryder and Bedford Rotary Club as river activity coordinators.
Use the button to complete the form as a guest:
Bedford River Festival - expressions of interest
Alternatively, login to / register for a Council Services account to complete the form.
Appy to trade or cater at Bedford River Festival
Trading and catering terms and conditions
You must read the River Festival trade application pack (PDF) before starting your online application. If you are applying to cater, please read page 27 for catering terms and conditions.
You will also be asked to upload documents as evidence of your public liability insurance (up to £10 million) and your risk assessment. If you are applying to cater, you will also be asked to upload your food hygiene rating certificate.
Only one supply vehicle is permitted per catering pitch, and this must be included in your allocated pitch space. There can be no trading from a supply vehicle. All other vehicles must be removed from site after unloading and parked off-site.
By submitting the form, you agree that you have read and accepted how we process your personal data.
Please apply online to trade or cater at Bedford River Festival.
Use the button to complete the form as a guest:
Alternatively, login to / register for a Council Services account to complete the form.
Parking for non-supply vehicles
Parking for vehicles that are involved with set up, but not the designated supply vehicle for your pitch, is available at the Bedford International Athletics. Stadium, Barkers Lane (£10 per vehicle per day), and also in town centre car parks.