It’s summertime, it’s Bedford, it’s been two years since we last had one, it can only be: the return of Bedford River Festival!
The free outdoor two-day extravaganza returns to town next month. The Festival, one of the largest free outdoor festivals in the UK, takes place this year on the weekend of 18-19 July.
A wide range of activities and entertainment will be available along The Embankment and around the town centre, from new attractions to much-loved Festival favourites.
This year’s River Festival will showcase live music on several stages, the Festival of Motoring, river displays, arts and culture exhibitions, the high-adrenaline Dragon Boat Races and Raft Races, Sports Island, the Green Earth Vegan Lounge at Castle Mound, a wide variety of food and drink, trade and craft stalls – and much more.
Families with young children can head to the family area in St. Mary’s Gardens where a full programme of activities and workshops will take place on both days. Bedford Borough Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team will also be on-site there to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
In Bedford town centre, the Festival of Motoring is set to transform the streets into a vibrant celebration of engineering, design and automotive passion. Over the course of the weekend, the sights and sounds of hundreds of amazing and unique vehicles will be on show from the High Street through to Mill Street, Riverside Square and St. Paul’s Square. At around 5pm on both days, a cavalcade of some beautifully restored classic cars and sleek modern sports motors will also drive their way through town.
Harpur Square will host the Music Service Stage with BLMK Music Hub to bring together organisations including the BBC, local schools, arts groups and community partners to deliver a rich and collaborative music programme. This partnership highlights the Festival’s longstanding commitment to providing a platform for local children and young people to share their talents.
Along The Embankment, the new BBC Music Introducing Stage will showcase emerging artists from the surrounding area.
Next to the Butterfly Bridge, the popular Sports Island will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to try a range of sports and activities led by local organisations in a relaxed and welcoming environment. With a strong village ethos that celebrates fun, participation and staying active, the Island will host lively dance and exercise performances on stage, alongside hands-on activities such as climbing, rugby, gymnastics, golf and squash.
In between the Butterfly Bridge and the Suspension Bridge, the Water Sports Arena will transform the river into a hub of thrilling demonstrations and hands-on water activities for all ages, including stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking, with experienced instructors to guide beginners. The Arena will also host zorbing sessions, lively water obstacle races and a canoe polo match over the two-day event.
At Mill Meadows, Historica Normannis will lead a dedicated arts area by the community stages to showcase local talent and provide living history entertainment from the 12th Century, through an inspiring mix of displays, performances, installations and hands-on workshops.
On Saturday, the Council is teaming up once again with the Sue Ryder charity to bring back the ever-popular Dragon Boat Races, giving people the chance to watch the exciting competition, while supporting a UK palliative and bereavement charity.
And on Sunday, the Raft Races organised by the Rotary Club of Bedford Park and sponsored by Fuji Film will take place, where teams will battle it out on homemade boats along the river, from St. Mary’s Gardens to the Suspension Bridge.
There are still spaces available for more Raft Race teams to enter, email bedfordraftrace@outlook.com for more details.
Councillor John Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (inc. Leisure, Recreation and Culture) said; “This year’s Bedford River Festival looks set to be one of our biggest yet. This vibrant two-day celebration will truly showcase what Bedford Borough is all about, offering something for everyone.”
This year’s headline sponsors are Gallaghers Developments Ltd and Universal Destinations & Experiences. Bedford Borough Council would like to thank them along with all the other sponsors, local groups and businesses who will make this community event so special.
For more information go www.bedford.gov.uk/riverfestival or contact events@bedford.gov.uk