Bedford River Festival always has something for everyone – and families of children and young people with Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) can enjoy the best of what Bedford has to offer by visiting the SEND Area.
The outdoor two-day extravaganza, which takes place every other year along the River Great Ouse in the heart of Bedford, returns this weekend on 18-19 July.
As part of the Bedford Borough Summer of SEND, the SEND Area will be located in The Family Island in St. Mary’s Gardens (what3words safety.icon.nearly).
The SEND Area will allow the SEND community, and anyone or any group that needs a quieter relaxed space to take a break from the festival. It will also include a dedicated soft play section, a bouncy castle and some sensory toys. Blue Badge parking is available close to the Island (see details further below), allowing easy access to and from the River Festival.
There will be Council officers from Children Services, Health and Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum providing information about events, clubs and activities that are accessible for SEND families who live in Bedford Borough.
As part of the Council’s commitment to boost accessibility and inclusivity for everyone, a ‘relaxed’ hour between 10am-11am on both days will run across the entire site to welcome visitors who may have additional sensory needs or those who simply prefer to visit the event before it becomes too busy.
Official festival traders have been requested to refrain from playing amplified music or using any sort of flashing lights on their pitch during this ‘relaxed’ hour.
Traders will also be required to complete the Sunflower Lanyard Training. This nationwide initiative was launched by Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to raise awareness of non-visible disabilities and create a more inclusive, understanding society. Bedford Borough Council is one of many organisations, businesses and institutions across the country that supports the initiative.
Disabled car parking
There are a number of car parks available around the festival site for Blue Badge holders at:
• Cauldwell Street (MK42 9AP or what3words behave.woke.audit)
• Longholme Way (MK42 0BX)
These car parks will be on first come, first served basis.
As well as the regular Blue Badge provision in our town centre car parks, Blue Badge holders can also park in Everard Meadow and Bedford International Athletics Stadium, but please be aware that this is a grass field.
For more details, visit the Accessible Site Map, page 49 of the programme.
Changing Places Toilets
To further support accessibility for everyone, there will be Changing Places Toilets available at locations near to the main festival site, which can be opened using a RADAR toilet key (details further below):
• Russell Park, Bedford: Open Monday to Sunday, 7am-6pm from March to October, and from 7am-4.30pm daily from November to February. A Changing Places Toilet is located next to The Kiosk café, near the accessible play equipment.
• The Higgins Bedford: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm. A Changing Places Toilet is located on the ground floor.
• A Changing Places Toilet is located inside The Pilgrim’s Progress in Midland Road, Bedford, click here for opening times.
There will not be a mobile Changing Places Toilet on-site at the Bedford River Festival.
How to get a RADAR key
Disabled users can access over 9,000 public disabled toilets with a RADAR key, enabling people with a disability to use a locked toilet facility across the UK.
Anyone who considers themselves to have a disability is eligible for a RADAR Key.
To apply, you can download and complete the RADAR toilet key application form (PDF) and return to Bedford Borough Hub, Bedford Borough Council, 2 Horne Lane, Bedford, MK40 1RA by post, in person or by email environment.helpdesk@bedford.gov.uk
Once the Council receives the completed form, you will receive a call within five working days to take payment and the key will be issued. It costs £2.90 (and £6.85 for a replacement) and only card payments are accepted.
You can find out more about Changing Places Toilets in Bedford Borough here: https://tinyurl.com/Changingplacestoilet
For more SEND activities during the summer holidays, visit the Bedford Borough Summer of SEND 2026.
Cllr Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children's Services said; “Everyone is welcome and we want to make sure the event is an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone this year’s River Festival.
“We actively listened to the SEND community and worked with Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum, other charities and partner agencies. We also work with the community as a whole, and formed Bedford as an Inclusive Town five years ago to understand and ensure all Bedford Borough residents feel included, have easy access to activities and do not feel isolated.