This June, Bedford Borough Council is celebrating the Month of Community.

The Month of Community is a national scheme by the Eden Project; a time to come together to celebrate everything that makes our communities great.

Bedford Borough Council’s Town Centre Jubilee Trail has launched today (Thursday 19 May), kicking off local celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Following the spectacular spring flowering display along the Embankment, the Council is giving the tulip bulbs away for free to community groups.

The BBC Music Introducing stage is making its first ever appearance at the Bedford River Festival this year, curated by the team at BBC Music Introducing in Beds, Herts & Bucks.

A new outdoor gym featuring seven pieces of equipment and a calisthenics centre is being installed in Priory Country Park.

This year, the High Street will be closed for the River Festival weekend as it plays host to the ONE HUNDRED Motoring Display.

Over 100 dazzling vehicles will be displayed down the length of the High Street and around St Paul’s Square.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced a scheme to encourage residents to come together to invest in renewables through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage – ‘Solar Together Bedfordshire’.

As part of the government’s initiative to help households with rising energy costs, they have announced a £150 Council Tax energy payment for households living in Council Tax bands A to D, as their main home, and Band E where there is a disabled Band reduction.

Over 40,000 tulip bulbs were planted along the Embankment back in Autumn, getting ready for the Spring flowering season.

These are now in full bloom alongside bedding plants including Bellis, Myosotis and Polyanthus, creating a stunning floral scene along the river.

Next week, Bedford Borough Council will consider the Local Plan 2040 for its next and final stage of consultation.