Join Bedford Creative Arts on Saturday, 15 March for a magical illuminated light walk along the riverbank and see Kempston like never before.
As dusk falls, artistic installations will be revealed along the Kempston Riverside Path between Kempston Mill and Sanders Close/Hillgrounds Road as part of the Kemspton Light Walk.
This family-friendly event invites you to discover Kempston’s nighttime wildlife, enjoy the natural beauty of the riverside, and immerse yourself in the work of talented local artists.
Live acoustic music will provide the perfect soundtrack as you explore, and hot drinks and snacks will be available from vendors along the route.
The event is free, but booking is required. You can secure your spot here.
One of the artists involved, Karl Wastrau, told the Bedford Clanger what inspired him to take part in the project.
“I was drawn to the brief for the Love Kempston Light Walk as it was something different and exciting, to respond to the location,” he said.
“Creating the light walk has enabled me to bring together both technical and artistic challenges, which I love to do in my work. I hope that the light installations will both surprise and amuse and that there will be something for everyone, from the pretty to the intriguing.”
Karl has created the lighting installations along the footpath between Kempston Mill and Sanders Close. He has worked in theatre and music light production as well as lighting weddings and other outdoor events.
Visual artist Janet Reddy worked with Kempston residents to create work for the event.
“As an artist, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Kempston community to create beautiful and creative clay masks using natural materials,” she said.
“The process of coming together—young and old, from as young as three to as wise as seventy—has been truly inspiring.
“Seeing the smiles, gratitude, and excitement as each person shaped their own unique 3D mask has reaffirmed my passion for community-based art.
“The joy of creating something meaningful with our hands, sharing stories, and witnessing the pride in each finished piece has been an unforgettable experience.
“This project has strengthened my belief in the power of art to bring people together, spark creativity, and leave a lasting impact on both individuals and the community as a whole.”
Make your own lantern
Before setting off, you can join Janet to make a beautiful lantern to light your way. Head to the Kempston Landing Stage before your walk and take part in a lantern-making workshop.
If you’d like to carry your lantern throughout the walk, we recommend starting from Kempston Mill.
What to expect
The 40-minute walk follows the Kempston Riverside Path. You can join at any point, but for the full experience, the organisers recommend starting at either end of the route.
The evening will feature installations and performances from a range of talented creatives, including craft artist Janet Reddy, lighting effects artist Karl Wustrau, performer Kaye Mahoney, storyteller Toby Sharp and local singer and musician Bruce Carson.
Lantern Making from 4:30pm (Kempston Mill & Landing Stage)
Walk begins @ 4:30pm
Event ends @ 6:30pm
About the project
The Love Kempston Light Walk is part of River/ Flow/ Connect, a BCA creative initiative that helps Kempston residents connect with the River Great Ouse.
Through art and community projects, it encourages people to explore the benefits of riverside spaces for their well-being and fosters ideas for long-term improvements to the riverbank area.
This project is made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Bedford Borough Council Ward Councillor Funds, The Harpur Trust, and Arts Council England.
Location: Approx MK42 7FB to MK42 8RX. You can find out more about the project here.
