Family friendly
The River Festival site expanded into St Mary’s Gardens in 2018 to create a chill-out zone perfect for those seeking a quieter side to the Festival. In 2026 this area is kindly sponsored by Bedford College and it will be bursting with family-friendly activities.
The Family Island is aimed at tots to teenagers. The Family Island will boast a packed programme of children’s workshops from dance, storytelling, sensory activities, arts, crafts, fun science, and interactive shows brought to you by some fantastic children’s entertainers and practitioners.
We can’t wait to bring some exciting entertainment and create lasting memories this summer!
Workshops are free, but spaces on some of the workshops will be limited, so please arrive early to secure a place. If you happen to miss out, don’t worry, children will be surrounded by free entertainment in this area of the site, such as the Little City Role Play Village throughout the weekend.
Special Education Needs and/or Disability families (SEND) Inclusive Island
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.
The Island will be staffed from various services that support children and young people with SEND and their families. Staff will be on hand to share information about events, clubs and activities that may be suitable for you or your family.
The Island is easy to access from the disabled parking between Borough Hall and Bedford College, out of the main hub of the festival. Please note the disabled parking is on a first come first served basis.
The Island is also a chill out zone for anyone or any groups that want to take some time out of the busy main festival all welcome.
Adventure Village
The ever popular Adventure Village will also make a triumphant return, with local activity providers Canoe Trail putting on lots of exciting outdoor adventurous activities. This will include bushcraft demonstrations, axe throwing, a climbing wall and more.
St Mary’s Gardens is also the best place to watch the dragon boat races from!
On the other side of the river, Riverside Square will feature a static display of unique vehicles presented by the Festival of Motoring.
Catering available
| Food options on site | Vegan | Vegetarian | Gluten Free | Halal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burgers | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Hot Dogs | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Fries | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Pizza | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Family Island Programme
Saturday 18 July
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10am-10:45am | Dry ice Potions with Little Science Lab |
| 11am-11:45am | Rocket Launching with Little Science Lab |
| 12pm-3pm | Family Story Telling with the Drama Greezers |
| 3:15pm-5pm | Festival Mask making for Families with Kaye Leidoskope |
| All day | Role Play Village with Little City |
| All day | Circus Skills with Covent Garden Circus Skills |
Sunday 19 July
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10am-12pm | Festival Crown Making for Families with Kaye Leidoskope |
| 12:15pm-1pm | Dry Ice Potions with Little Science Lab |
| 1:15pm-2pm | Rocket Launching with Fun Science |
| 2:15pm-3pm | Dry Ice Potions with Little Science Lab |
| 3:15pm-4pm | Interactive music Storytelling Shows (Bee, Badger, Butterfly) with Imajica Theatre |
| 4:15pm-5pm | Interactive music Storytelling Workshop (Bee, Badger, Butterfly) with Imajica Theatre |
| All day | Role Play Village with Little City |
| All day | Circus Skills with Covent Garden Circus Skills |
