Thousands of people are expected to descend on Bedford next month as the Bedford River Festival returns for its first outing since 2024.
The free two-day event, one of the largest outdoor community festivals in the UK, takes place across the town centre and Embankment on Saturday, 18 July and Sunday, 19 July.
With dragon boats, raft races, live music, classic cars, family activities, watersports and food from around the world, organisers say this year’s event could be one of the biggest yet.
Read: Bedford Independent and Bedford Clanger redact stories to warn “no news is bad news”
A Bedford tradition
Held every two years, the Bedford River Festival has become one of the defining events in the town’s calendar, attracting visitors from across Bedfordshire and beyond.
Spread across a 107-acre site alongside the River Great Ouse, the festival combines long-standing favourites with new attractions and showcases many of the organisations, clubs, performers and businesses that help make Bedford unique.
Music and entertainment
Live music will once again be a major part of the festival.
The Music Service Stage in Harpur Square will feature performances from local schools, community groups and young musicians in partnership with BLMK Music Hub.
Along the Embankment, the new BBC Music Introducing Stage will provide a platform for emerging artists from across the region.
Meanwhile, community stages and performance areas throughout the festival site will host a packed programme of entertainment across both days.
Cars, boats and competition
The popular Festival of Motoring will return to Bedford town centre, filling streets with classic cars, sports cars and specialist vehicles.
A daily cavalcade of vehicles is expected to make its way through the town centre at around 5pm on both days.
On the water, the Sue Ryder Dragon Boat Races return on Saturday, bringing teams together to raise money for the charity while competing on the River Great Ouse.
Sunday will see the return of the Raft Races, organised by the Rotary Club of Bedford Park, with homemade vessels battling it out between St Mary’s Gardens and the Suspension Bridge.
Organisers say there is still time for additional teams to enter.
Family attractions
Families will find a dedicated activity area in St Mary’s Gardens, featuring workshops, entertainment and activities aimed at younger visitors.
Bedford Borough Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team will also be present to help ensure the event remains accessible and inclusive.
Visitors looking to get active can head to Sports Island, near the Butterfly Bridge, where local clubs and organisations will offer opportunities to try activities including rugby, climbing, gymnastics, golf and squash.
Dance and fitness demonstrations will also take place throughout the weekend.
On the river
The Water Sports Arena will once again transform part of the river into an action-packed activity zone.
Visitors will be able to watch demonstrations and take part in activities including stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking.
Other attractions will include canoe polo, water obstacle races and zorbing sessions.
History and culture
At Mill Meadows, visitors can step back in time with living-history displays from Historica Normannis.
The area will feature demonstrations, workshops and performances exploring life from the 12th century onwards, alongside arts and cultural exhibits from local organisations.
Universal and Gallagher backing festival
Read: Universal backs Bedford River Festival in first major community sponsorship
This year’s festival is being supported by headline sponsors Gallagher Developments and Universal Destinations & Experiences.
The sponsorship comes just months after Universal confirmed plans to build its first European theme park resort on land south of Bedford.
Councillor John Wheeler (Conservative/Wootton and Kempston Rural), portfolio holder for customer experience, 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.”
Further information, maps and programme details are available at bedford.gov.uk/riverfestival.
