More than a quarter of a million people joined the fun this weekend to celebrate this year’s Bedford River Festival.
The outdoor two-day extravaganza, which takes place every other year along the River Great Ouse in the heart of Bedford, returned on 18-19 July.
Highlights from the free-to-attend event included the high-adrenaline Raft Race and Dragonboat Race, and the impressive Martyn Pearson Grand Parade of Cabin Cruisers and Narrowboats - named after the River Festival’s late harbour master and volunteer.
On Saturday, the illuminated Boat Parade put on a dazzling first day finale in the evening.
The Water Sports Arena and Sports Island again attracted thousands of visitors for sporting fun.
Live music took the spotlight at the Main Stage in Russell Park, the BBC Introducing stage on The Embankment, the Bedford Music Service Stage at Harpur Square and the Community Stage in Mill Meadows.
Other highlights included Historical Normannis in Mill Meadows to showcase and provide living history entertainment from the 12th century.
The Festival of Motoring displayed classic motors to modern sports cars and military vehicles along the High Street, Harpur Square and Riverside Square.
In St Mary's Gardens, the Family Island welcomed families to enjoy workshops, a role-play village, learn circus skills and more. And the SEND Area in the Family Island for children and young people with SEND also attracted a great number of visitors this year.
You can still download the Bedford River Festival 2026 Main Event Programme (PDF) programme to see what happened where.
We look forward to hosting the next Bedford River Festival in 2028 – which will mark its 50th anniversary!
