Bedford River Festival

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Bedford River Festival. and its events in along the River Great Ouse in Bedford.

When is Bedford River Festival 2023?

The Bedford River Festival is on this year with dates still to be announced.

One of the country’s largest events, The Bedford River Festival normally happens every two years, with music, entertainment, arts & crafts & fun for all the family along Bedford’s embankment. It is the second largest free two-day event in the UK after Nottinghill Carnival and attracts c 30,000 people.

In the light of continuing uncertainty around the coronavirus outbreak, Bedford Borough Council has taken the unprecedented decision to postpone the...
River Festival
A fake 'River Festival' page on social media has been reported to Facebook, after causing confusion over whether the event is going ahead...
Hemlock Morris dancers
If you're looking for a new challenge for the new decade, then Hemlock Morris Dancers would love to hear from you. Formed 10 years ago in Bedford, Hemlock...
Mayor Dave Hodgson
 Happy New Year! There are now less than 200 days until River Festival 2020 – this is just one of many things I am looking forward to this year...
Plastic Bottles
Single-use plastics are being banned from bars at next year’s Bedford River Festival as part of the council’s drive to become more environmentally friendly. And a meeting of...
Bedford River Festival regatta The Embankment
Bedford High Street will be closed for the 2020 River Festival. Mayor Dave Hodgson made the announcement at the Eagle Brewery last week at an event to launch the 2020 festivities. Speaking to...
Bedford River Festival Jet Boots Town Bridge
The Bedford River Festival 2020 will take place on the weekend of 18 to 19 July, with organisers busy pulling together the event which is now less than a year away. The last river...
The River Great Ouse, Bedford: The Swan hotel and the town's famous swans.
The River Great Ouse in Bedford is looking lovely today. We took these quick pictures on a walk this morning (14 May) and though we'd share them with our readers. The river enters...