Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park 2025
The Sports Development team at Bedford Borough is delighted to announce the tremendous success of this year's Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park, held on Sunday 8 June in Bedford Park. Despite a few rain showers and some strong winds, the event saw a remarkable turnout, with 615 attendees to yoga sessions and 290 individual participants embracing the opportunity to enhance their wellbeing.
The event offered a diverse range of activities, including 16 free yoga sessions and 30 wellness chair massages. Specific sessions proved particularly popular, with the Sound Bath attracting 70 participants, Vinyasa Flow Yoga drawing 60, and Morning Rocket Yoga engaging 64. A dedicated SEND session also provided a welcoming space for 25 participants.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, echoing the sentiments from previous years. Participants praised the inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, the high quality of instructors, and the opportunity to enjoy free outdoor activities in a community setting.
Feedback from the event
Just a brilliant day. Got to spend quality time with my mum, it was free and outside. The park was buzzing with life and activity, a really beautiful thing to see. Really showcased Bedford, so much so that my mum said ‘I can see myself living here’ (she’s Cambridgeshire). Well done.
"It was great to be doing activities out in such wonderful surroundings. I enjoyed trying new things such as laughter yoga and tapping. Organisation was great. Group leaders were helpful, welcoming and knowledgeable. It was a great event."
Extremely well organised. Incredible instructors with very varied sessions. Overall a great event, feeling extremely relaxed after.
You were asking for feedback and I was wondering if I could pass on to you what I picked up from two participants? They both really enjoyed the day and were very grateful that it was all for free. We have a great Council, they said!
Planning is already underway for next year's Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park, with the aim of building on this year's achievements and continuing to provide valuable opportunities for the community to connect, stay active, and enhance their wellbeing.
If you are interested in taking part, please email amy.stevens@bedford.gov.uk for further information and to register.
Bedford Junior Aquathlon - March 2025
Bedford Borough Council is happy to announce the outstanding success of the 2025 Bedford Junior Aquathlon, held on Sunday, 30 March, at Robinson Pools & Fitness and Bedford Park. This year's event saw a record-breaking turnout of 173 participants, marking the highest attendance in the Aquathlon's 19-year history.
Young athletes aged 8 to 16 (school years 3 to 11) showcased their swimming and running skills in a fun and inclusive competition. The event was designed to welcome both seasoned competitors and newcomers, with distances tailored to each age group, ranging from a 66-metre swim and 600-metre run for Year 3 participants to a challenging 400 metre swim and 2.8 kilometre run for Years 10 and 11.
The Aquathlon fostered a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among participants. Every participant received a medal for their accomplishment, with trophies awarded to the top three finishers in each age group (both boys and girls).
A parent whose child participated shared "This event was incredibly well-organised! The volunteers were fantastic, encouraging and supportive of all the children throughout the race. It was a fantastic experience for my child, and we can't wait to take part again next year!"
See the results from the March Aquathlon
Aquathlon objectives
One of the primary objectives of the Bedford Junior Aquathlon is to promote inclusivity and encourage sports participation among youngsters of all abilities. The event warmly welcomes both novices and seasoned contenders, underscoring its inclusive values. Every participant will receive a medal, while trophies will be awarded to the top three performers in each category to reward their achievements.
Find out the full distances each age group will be required to swim and run (PDF).
Please see the video of our October 2024 Bedford Junior Aquathlon.
Aquathlon rules, running routes and pool layout
Please read the following documents, they contain important information for participants.
- Aquathlon rules (PDF)
- Pool layout for Years 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (PDF)
- Pool layout for Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 (PDF)
- Running route (PDF)
- Over taking in pool (PDF)
- Parking map (PDF)
- Red Route video
- Blue Route video
Important dates for October 2025 Aquathlon
- Booking form available from end of August 2025.
- Deadline for booking form Tuesday 30 September 2025 at 5pm (due to popularity this event will be capped at 200 participants. If we reach this number of bookings before the deadline we will close bookings).
- Email to be sent out to all participants Friday 3 October 2025.
- Bedford Junior Aquathlon – Sunday 12 October 2025 (Robinson Pool and Bedford Park) (1st, 2nd and 3rd presented awards on day).
- Results emailed out to all participants on Monday 13 October 2025.
Participants must book on, no entries will be accepted on the day.
Email sport@bedford.gov.uk for more information about the Bedford Junior Aquathlon.