The Embankment bedding displays
Part of the Jewel of Bedford, around 100,000 bedding plants and bulbs are planted each year in prime locations in the Borough. Our offer provides you with the opportunity for an annual sponsorship at these locations, which are not only prominent, gaining significant exposure, but central to events such as The Bedford River Festival, The Kite and Motoring Festival and Town Centre events.
In addition, to the spectacular floral visuals that attract people to our town centres, the plants also help support bugs, bees and other wildlife.
Sponsorship offers include full colour signage with your logo and call to action at the following locations:
- The Embankment
- Midland road
- Norse road Crematorium
Email bugsandbees@bedford.gov.uk for more information on packages available at theses sites.
St George's Day celebrations 25 April 2026
We’re proud to be organising St George’s Day celebrations in Bedford Town Centre again this year.
With the support of local businesses and the community, we can make this a memorable event for all. This is a great opportunity to celebrate with your local community whilst taking pride in our country.
Email markets@bedford.gov.uk if you are interested in sponsoring St George's Day.
Armed Forces Day 28 June 2026
Bedford Armed Forces Day 2026 is a prominent annual event celebrating the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community. The day will bring together residents, visitors, veterans, and service personnel for a fun day of entertainment, and family activities in the heart of Bedford.
We invite you to partner with us as sponsors to help deliver this important community celebration. Your support will demonstrate a shared commitment to honouring our Armed Forces and strengthening community pride across Bedford.
Email markets@bedford.gov.uk if you are interested in sponsoring Armed Forces Day.
Bedford River Festival 18-19 July 2026
One of the UK’s biggest community events is returning to Bedford this July. Fancy being associated with a local legend, with crowds of over 250,000 visitors expected then look no further. There are numerous sponsorship opportunities available, check out our comprehensive Sponsorship Pack to find the perfect fit for your business.
Go to our Bedford River Festival webpages to find out more.
Music in the Meadows and Bedford Park Bandstand events August 2026
Bedford’s summertime bandstand concerts have been the perfect nostalgic offering on a sunny Sunday afternoon for many years. Each event welcomes more than 200 visitors to the beautiful surroundings of Mill Meadows Island throughout August.
In 2026, with support, we aim of extend the offering by holding a concert in Bedford Park following the renovation of the Bedford Park Bandstand. If your company would like to support the continuation of these events (five in total), please reach out to us.
Headline sponsorship costs £4,000 and you will benefit from:
- your business name and logo included on all promotional material, including programme posters and via numerous social media platforms
- four promotional banners to be located on The Bandstand, Mill Meadows and around the Bandstand in Bedford Park from 31 July to 1 September 2026.
- optional 6 x 6 metre pitch to be used for promoting your business at each of the 5 concerts
- a PA announcement giving thanks throughout the summer programme
- promotional bunting permitted to be located around the bandstands and lighting columns (sites to be approved) from 31 July to 1 September 2026
Email events@bedford.gov.uk if you are interested in sponsoring Music in the Meadows and Bedford Park Bandstand Events.
Bedford Beach 12 – 23 August
We are seeking support to bring this year’s Bedford Town Centre Beach Pit to life, which last year saw hundreds of children and families enjoy a free and fun environment whilst supporting the town centre economy. A great opportunity to promote yourselves whilst crowds dwell in the Town Centre.
Email markets@bedford.gov.uk if you are interested in sponsoring Bedford Beach this August.
Kempston Family Day 22 August
Following the success of the first Kempston Family Day in the summer of 2025 we are looking to bring the event back in 2026.
The Kempston Family Day is a free to attend community event in Addison Howard Park attended by thousands of people - featuring live music, trade / promotion stalls, children’s rides, food and drink, family-related activities and much more.
- Sponsoring the Kempston Family Day offers significant opportunities for local businesses, stakeholders, and clients to connect with regional partners and customers.
- Demonstrate your support for a community event in the area where your business operates or where your employees reside.
- Exposure to a local and regional audience of varying demographics.
- Associate your business with an ever-evolving event.
Download our Kempston Family Day leaflet (PDF) to view the sponsorship packages available or email events@bedford.gov.uk.
Bedford’s Christmas Lights November – December 2026
Be part of Bedford’s much-loved festive display and help light up the town each Christmas.
- Showcase your brand alongside Bedford’s iconic Christmas lights, enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors each year.
- High-visibility sponsorship opportunities across key festive features in the town centre.
- What’s included in the display:
- 1 illuminated artificial Christmas tree
- 1 traditional real Christmas tree
- 1 festive Christmas wreath
- Up to 50 lamp column light displays throughout Bedford
- Support local celebrations while demonstrating your commitment to the community.
- Ideal for businesses, organisations, and community partners looking to align with a joyful, family-friendly event and festivities.
- Annual exposure throughout the Christmas season, day and night.
Email events@bedford.gov.uk if you are interested in sponsoring Bedford’s Christmas lights.
Remembrance Sunday 8 November 2026
Bedford’s National Service of Remembrance unites people across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the services and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth. The day also pays tribute to the special contribution of families and of the emergency services. It acknowledges the innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.
Email events@bedford.gov.uk if you would like to contribute to the operational cost of holding this important and meaningful event.
Bedford Christmas Light Switch On
The Bedford Christmas Light Switch On is a key community celebration, welcoming families, residents and visitors into the town centre. With thousands of attendees and large amount of independent Bedford Businesses it is a great opportunity for advertising and supporting the community.
Email markets@bedford.gov.uk if you are interested in sponsoring Bedford Christmas Light Switch On event.