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9 November 2026
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Bedford River Festival

Jet Boots disply team performing in front of the suspension bridge on the River Great Ouse at the Bedford River Festival 2024. Image: Bedford Independent

Universal backs Bedford River Festival in first major community sponsorship

Universal Destinations & Experiences and Gallagher Developments have been announced as headline sponsors of the 2026 Bedford River Festival. The company behind the Universal United...
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A headshot of Martyn Pearson, a 'super' volunteer who leaves a lasting legacy in Bedford. Image: Nick Kier

Obituary: Martyn Pearson (1954-2025)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Martyn Pearson after a long, bravely fought battle against cancer. Martyn was born in Elstow and showed promise from an early age...
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Bedford River Festival stalls and crowds along The Embankment Image Bedford Borough Council

Bedford River Festival 2026 invites traders, caterers and charities to apply for pitches

Traders, caterers and charities are being invited to apply for pitches at Bedford River Festival 2026, following a record 300,000 visitors at this year’s free two-day event. Applications are now open...
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Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wotton, pictured by Riverside Square

Monthly column: New Year message from Mayor Tom Wootton

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Jet Boots disply team performing in front of the suspension bridge on the River Great Ouse at the Bedford River Festival 2024. Image: Bedford Independent

“Best River Festival yet,” says the man who made it happen

Bjorn Hove, the man who leads on making sure the Bedford River Festival happens, has said this year could be the "best yet", with figures showing around 300,000 people attended the event...
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Monthly column: Bedford on the up and up

The last few months have been full of family-friendly events and achievements that have highlighted the brilliance of Bedford Borough; celebrating our tremendous communities and culture...
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Facial Recognition warning poster on The Embankment. Image: Bedford Independent

Live Facial Recognition at Bedford River Festival leads to two arrests

Bedfordshire Police have said just ten arrests were made over the Bedford River Festival this weekend (20/21 July) with Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology responsible...
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What’s on Bedford: 18 – 28 July 2024

Your weekly what’s on guide for Bedford and the surrounding area from The Bedford Clanger. Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford...
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Volunteers clearing up Russell Park during the Bedford River Festival. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Call for volunteers to join Bedford River Festival clean-up crew

Bedford Borough is calling on member of the public to volunteer their time to help clean up after the Bedford River Festival (20 and 21 July ).The Bedford River Festival attracts around 300,000 people across....
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‘Illegal River Festival cabs’ warning from Bedford taxi drivers

Bedford’s taxi drivers are disappointed that they weren’t included in Bedford Borough Council’s river festival travel options, saying it's created a "haven for private hire...
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