Our calendar of events on Bedford Borough Council parkland throughout 2023.
Both the Thurston’s Funfair and Gumbles Fun Zone Fair operate on multiple dates throughout the year, more information can be found below.
Thurston’s Funfair
A token operated funfair for the whole family to enjoy!
Gumbles Fun Zone Fair
Jam-packed children's fun zone fair operating a pay on entry system with unlimited rides once inside.
15 January
The Embankment
Star Club New Year Head of River - Rowing racing event
29 January
The Embankment and Russell Park
ATW Bedford 10 Miles - This flat, fast, traffic-free and chip timed event is a sure-fire guaranteed way to give you the best chance of a PB over the 10 mile distance.
12 February
The Embankment
Bedford 4s and 8s Head - Rowing race event
26 February
The Embankment and Russell Park
ATW Bedford Blues Foundation Half and 10K – This chip timed event is a sure-fire guarantee to give you the best chance of a PB in the Half-Marathon or 10K.
2-12 March
Longholme Way
Uncle Sam’s American Circus
31 March
Riverside Square
Eat Feast – Food market offering a wide range of tasty meals from popular street food vendors to take away and enjoy.
2 April
The Embankment
Bedford Spring Fours and Small Boats – Rowing race event
14-17 April Goldington Green
Gumbles Wristband Fun Zone Fair
28 April-1 May
Great Denham Country Park
James Richards Circus
1 May
The Embankment
Come and try Canoeing - Viking Kayak Club are providing an opportunity for the public to come along and try their hand at canoeing.
7 May
The Embankment
Bedford Amateur Regatta - Rowing race event
13-14 May
Priory Country Park
Bungee at Priory: An amazing opportunity to try bungee-jumping in the picturesque surrounds of Priory Country Park.
13-22 May
Mowsbury Park
Gumbles Wristband Fun Zone Fair
15 May to 4 June
Longholme Way
Thurston’s Funfair
26 May
Riverside Square
Eat Feast – Food market offering a wide range of tasty meals from popular street food vendors to take away and enjoy.
27 May
Bedford Park
Fake Festival - A tribute-based music event bringing six ‘fake bands’ to Bedford. Professional ‘touring-grade’ tribute bands that put on a superb performance. They look, sound and move like the real rock-stars – you have to see them to believe it. Tickets available online.
27-29 May
Great Denham Country Park
Gumbles Wristband Fun Zone Fair
2-4 June
Jubilee Park
Gumbles Wristband Fun Zone Fair
23 June
Bedford Park Concerts: The Jacksons and Sister Sledge
24 June
Bedford Park Concerts: Sting
24-25 June
The Embankment and Russell Park
Bedford Kite & Motoring Festival - Following the successful introduction of the motoring element in 2019, this family-focused festival will expand even further in 2023 with a whole host of motor vehicles, kite flyers, vegan area, music, food and drink, river entertainment and children’s activities.
25 June
Bedford Park Concerts: West End Proms
30 June
Bedford Park Concerts: George Ezra
30 June
Riverside Square
Eat Feast – Food market offering a wide range of tasty meals from popular street food vendors to take away and enjoy.
1 July
Bedford Park Concerts: Ministry of Sound Classical
1-2 July
Priory Country Park
Gumbles Wristband Fun Zone Fair
19 July
Bedford Park
Bedford Harriers Doug Anderson 5k - A fast paced, traffic-free running event in the heart of Bedford's oldest park. Tickets available online and on the day, if entry limit allows.
23 July
The Embankment and Russell Park
ATW Bedford Blues Foundation Half and 10K – This chip timed event is a sure-fire guarantee to give you the best chance of a PB in the Half-Marathon or 10K.
24 July to 13 August
Longholme Way
Thurston’s Funfair
27-30
July Priory Country Park
Gumbles Wristband Fun Zone Fair
28 July
Riverside Square
Eat Feast – Food market offering a wide range of tasty meals from popular street food vendors to take away and enjoy.
29-30 July
Priory Country Park
Race For Life - Race for Life has been visiting Bedford for years and always bring messages of hope and positivity in the nation’s fight against cancer. Open to both men and women, you can run, walk, hop, skip or climb your way through the Pretty Muddy or Race For Life courses. Register to enter online.
29 July Addison Howard Park
Poppies in the Park
5-6 August
Priory Country Park
Bungee at Priory - An amazing opportunity to try bungee-jumping in the picturesque surrounds of Priory Country Park.
13 August
The Embankment
Bedford Triathlon hosted by Bedford Harriers - An Olympic distance triathlon and aquabike race for individual or relay team entries comprising 1500m River Great Ouse swim, 41km cycle through Bedfordshire countryside and 10k run along the Embankment. Tickets available online and on the day, if entry limits allow.
17-20 August
Russell Park
Gumbles Wristband Fun Zone Fair
26 August
Riverside Square
Eat Feast – Food market offering a wide range of tasty meals from popular street food vendors to take away and enjoy.
31 August – 3 September
Goldington Green
Gumbles Wristband Fun Zone Fair
2-3 September
Russell Park
Bedford Running Festival - Bedford's biggest running event, hosting a wide variety of entertainment in addition to 5km, 10km and half marathon distance races. Tickets available online.
4-17 September
Addison Howard Park
Thurston’s Funfair
29 September
Riverside Square
Eat Feast – Food market offering a wide range of tasty meals from popular street food vendors to take away and enjoy.
30 September – 1 October
Priory Country Park
Bungee at Priory - An amazing opportunity to try bungee-jumping in the picturesque surrounds of Priory Country Park.
8 October
The Embankment
Bedford Autumn Fours and Small Boats – Rowing race event
14 October
Longholme Way and The Embankment
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike – Get together with family and friends and walk 5k or 10k under the stars to remember someone special and support Sue Ryder's care.
11 November 2023
Armistice Day 11am
12 November 2023
Remembrance Sunday 11am
Order of Service (PDF)
To be announced.