The Bedford River Festival is a community event where we like to welcome everyone of all ages and abilities. With the event covering such a large footprint with half of it on parks we appreciate this can be a challenge for some.
Guide and maps
To help counter some of the challenges we keep the majority of hard standing footpaths open with activities and attraction based around these paths.
The map highlights which bridges might not be suitable for all so you can plan your routes around the site and there is a quiet hour between 10am – 11am each day. At every toilet block there will be at least one disabled toilet unit.
To view the map and also find out more information on the events and activities at the River Festival, please see:
To support accessibility and help everyone make the most of their visit, we have created this guide:
Exclusive Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) family area
The Exclusive Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) family area will be located in the family area in St Mary’s Gardens. The area will be cordoned off, and will include soft play, and a dedicated bouncy castle for children and young people with SEND. A wide range of information will be available about events, clubs and activities for SEND families who live in Bedford Borough.
Toilets
There are four Changing Places toilets across the River Festival Site
- River Street Car Park
- The Pilgrim’s Progress
- The Higgins Bedford Russell Park (opposite the tennis court, close to the inclusive park).
To apply for a RADAR key, please download the RADAR toilet key application form (PDF) and return it to Local Offer in person or by email local.offer@bedford.gov.uk.
Once we receive the completed form, we will call you within five working days to take payment and issue the key.
Getting to the event
The Bedford River Festival always draws huge crowds and you are advised to plan ahead and think about how to get here, where to park and how to get around the 105 acre site.
We would like visitors to consider how they travel to the event and where possible use public transport or use other sustainable modes of transport.
Stagecoach will be running extra buses so make it easier for people to get to and from the River Festival, please check their timetables for routes and further information.
See River Festival parking and travel for more information.
Local Offer
The Bedford Borough Local Offer provides the latest information, guidance and support available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as their families and carers.
You'll find a wide range of up-to-date information about services, organisations, activities and support available in your local area, helping you access the resources that best meet your needs.
The Local Offer also includes details of childcare settings, childminders, early years provision and early help services designed to support all children, young people and families across Bedford Borough.