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28 August 2026
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Bedford River Festival

Young people around a table playing a game at a youth club.

Opinion: Youth-friendly spaces are essential for the future of Bedford

Bedford borough has a strong community, but young people between 16 and 18 can’t help but feel they are missing out.   Despite large events such as the River Festival and the...
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The canoe display area Bedford River Festival 2026. The canoe slides are to the left, with the water of the river still and calm. The suspension bridge can be seen in the background. Willow trees hang over the river on the right.

Bedford Ian writes…

Watered down, Simply great, Just say "no", and Careful what you wish for. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
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Two young women adding their feedback to a whiteboard full of post-it notes. Not Guilty say hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds gave feedback about the justice system at the Bedford River Festival 2026. Image: Not Guilty

Bedford River Festival feedback board exposes legal system barriers and 101 delays

Hundreds of people shared their struggles navigating legal support and 101 delays at the Bedford River Festival, calling for early legal education and better community access...
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Two of the teams head to head in one of the exciting Dragon Boat races at Bedford River Festival 2026. Image: Sue Ryder.

Bedford River Festival dragon boaters raise £33,000 as Starlight Hike returns

Sue Ryder raised £33,569 at Saturday's Bedford River Festival Dragon Boat Race, as organisers invite local people to sign up for October's Starlight Hike at Everard Meadow...
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Nettie the mascot taking photos with people at the Michael R Peters stand Bedford River Festival 2026

Michael R Peters raises over £600 for local charities at Bedford River Festival

Bedford business Michael R Peters has thanked family, friends and staff after raising over £600 for Bedford Hospital Charity, Food etc and Sue Ryder St John's Hospice at the River Festival...
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Fans watching Givemeyourteeth, BBC introducing stage playing guitar Bedford River Festival 2026

Gallery: Bedford River Festival 2026

What a fantastic weekend celebrating everything brilliant about Bedford at this year's Bedford River Festival. From local charities to local bands, we were entertained and inspired across...
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Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst and Bedfordshire Police officers chatting with festival goers at Bedford River Festival 2026. Image: Bedfordshire Police

Bedfordshire Police thank Bedford River Festival crowds and football fans

Bedfordshire Police have thanked football fans and Bedford River Festival visitors for a safe weekend of celebrations, though two people remain in custody following arrests in the town centre...
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Make Votes Matter Bedford and Milton Keynes campaigners in sandwich boards and nightcaps at Bedford River Festival 2026. Image: MVM B&MK.

Campaigners at Bedford River Festival demand Westminster action on electoral reform

Electoral reform campaigners paraded through the Bedford River Festival on Sunday, 19 July 2026 to demand a proportional representation voting system during a nationwide day of...
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Bjon Hove, Bedford Borough Council's lead events and infrastructure officer, in Russell Park ahead of the 2026 Bedford River Festival. Behind him the big wheel is being erected and workers are putting up stalls and other attractions. Image: Bedford Independent.

WATCH: The River Festival is “a Bedford event,” says the Bedfordian who pulls it all together

The Bedford River Festival returns this weekend (18 and 19 July). While council staff manage the infrastructure, local independent businesses and community groups are running the main events...
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Facial Recognition warning poster on The Embankment. Image: Bedford Independent

Bedfordshire Police deploy facial recognition for 250,000 Bedford River Festival visitors

Bedford expects over 250,000 visitors this weekend for the biennial River Festival. Local councils and police have revealed strict safety rules, including road closures and live facial recognition...
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