It will be live, it will be large, so get on your dancing shoes and head to the Bedford River Festival for uplifting live music this summer!
The free outdoor two-day extravaganza, which takes place every other year along the River Great Ouse in the heart of Bedford, returns on the weekend of 18-19 July.
Music fans can discover new artists and homegrown singers and bands from Bedford Borough and the surrounding area, and listen to the summery sounds of Latin, jazz and rock music on various stages during the Festival.
On the Main Stage at Russell Park, sponsored by The Harpur Centre, this year’s line-up on Saturday includes:
o Performing arts company, Song Squad, from 11.30am-12.15pm
o To be announced, from 1-1.30pm
o Bedfordshire two-piece rock band Dois Padres, from 2-2.30pm
o Singer-songwriter Gemma Rogers from 3-3.30pm
o TV-theme songs group Not A Band, from 4-5pm
o Latin music band Sambroso Allstars, from 5.30-6.30pm
o 1970s legends The Beat featuring Ranking Junior, from 7.15-8.25pm
o Five-piece band The Drum & Bass Band, headline from 9-10pm
The line-up on Sunday includes:
o Bedford Rock Choir from 11.30am-12.15pm
o Alternative rock four-piece Greensands, from 1-1.30pm
o Jimi Hendrix-inspired Bold As Love, from 2-2.50pm
o The Ouse Valley Singles Club, from 3.20-4pm
o Funk and jazz band Laid Blak, from 4.45-5.50pm
o The UK’s top live disco band Uncle Funk’s Disco Inferno, headline from 6.30-8pm
On the BBC Introducing Stage on The Embankment under the tree canopy south of Russell Park (what3words: gazed.tags.facing), the BBC will be showcasing some of the region’s upcoming talent.
On Saturday from 1-7pm, the line-up includes:
o Barton-le-Clay singer-songwriter Luke White, at 1pm
o Multi-instrumentalist Luton artist Louis Theron, at 2pm
o Luton indie-pop and rock singer Joe Cullen, at 3pm
o Biggleswade rocker Givemeyourteeth, at 4pm
o Afrobeats and R&B singer-songwriter Kirstin Knight, at 5pm
o Bedford’s new hip hop and R&B artist Bettina BCB, at 6pm
o Country-pop singer (and winner of Luton’s Young Achiever Award 2021) Olivia Lynn, at 7pm
On Sunday from 1-7pm, the line-up includes:
o Northampton’s new hip hop and R&B solo artist Jay Orosz, at 1pm
o Megaphoney, the indie pop solo project of British Indo-Caribbean multi-instrumentalist Peter Marchant, at 2pm
o Milton Keynes’ indie-rock five-piece Blame Caesar, at 3pm
o Ampthill’s captivating singer Beattie, at 4pm
o New Luton artist and instrumentalist Essy Maliya, at 5pm
o BBC Introducing one to watch: Ampthill and Flitwick’s alternative rock four-piece Greensands, at 6pm
o Leighton Buzzard’s alternative rock duo SpaceAcre, at 7pm
Over the Festival weekend, Harpur Square in Bedford town centre will also 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.
The popular Community Stage in Mill Meadows, sponsored by the Harpur Trust, will be showcasing some of the best local talent from a variety of genres. And a pop-up bandstand will return on the Town Bridge to spotlight traditional music over the Festival weekend.
Councillor John Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (inc. Leisure, Recreation and Culture) said; “I am very excited to welcome the live music experience at the Bedford River Festival as new artists and local bands take centre stage here in Bedford. This year’s Festival will spotlight a range of upcoming talent to long-standing singers and groups, come and see for yourself!”
Cllr Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity, Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services added; “This year’s Bedford River Festival looks set to be one of our biggest yet. This vibrant two-day extravaganza will truly showcase what Bedford Borough is all about, offering something for everyone.”
Gareth Barber, Director of Esquires and The Pad Presents said; “We’re honoured to have been asked to lead the Main Stage programme again this year and work closely with Bedford Borough Council, from booking the artists to event completion. We have been involved in running various music stages at the River Festival for over a decade and love seeing the community come together to celebrate the very best of Bedford. This is a special, unique event and something the town should be very proud of – we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the weekend.”
Kerrie Cosh, presenter of BBC Introducing Three Counties and Northants added; “The Bedford River Festival has always been a fantastic platform for discovering emerging music and bringing communities together, and we’re looking forward to being part of another unforgettable weekend of live music and celebration. We hope you’ll stop by our stage during the weekend to discover your newest favourite artist.”