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.
Memorial and tree sponsorship
We are currently reviewing and amending our scheme, ready for the new planting season in 2026/2027. The new format will be available from November 2026.
What better way to celebrate the life of a loved one lost, than with a living tree that will grace one of Bedford’s beautiful parks for decades or even centuries to come.
We supply commemorative and celebration trees which are three to four metres tall with a well-developed head of branches.
Over the last few years, we have been increasing the number of trees planted in the Borough and have been working hard to get more trees in your streets and parks.
You can sponsor a tree on your road or a celebration tree in a park to mark a birth, commemorate a death or other notable event in your life. They also make a great gift for a friend or loved one. Neighbours or friends can join together to get community trees planted in your area and help improve your environment.
Why sponsor a tree?
Trees provide many benefits to us, they help improve our health, economy, environment and communities. We all benefit from our trees and can help to protect, plant and manage them.
By sponsoring a street tree, you’ll be helping to:
- fight climate change
- reduce noise and air pollution
- improve the mental and physical health of everyone in your neighbourhood
- leave a legacy for later generations
- create a haven for wildlife
- make your street a nicer place to live
- reduce extreme heat
Memorial benches
We are currently unable to offer any new memorial benches as the scheme is currently oversubscribed. We will review in November 2026 when we may look to reinstate the scheme.
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.
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.
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.