The company behind the Universal United Kingdom Resort is set to play a prominent role in one of Bedford’s biggest and best-loved events this summer after being announced as a headline sponsor of the Bedford River Festival.
Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) and Gallagher Developments will jointly sponsor the 2026 festival, which takes place on Saturday, 18 July and Sunday, 19 July.
The Universal United Kingdom Resort is expected to bring billions of pounds of investment and thousands of jobs to the region.
Read: Universal United Kingdom Resort confirmed to open in 2031, promising £50bn boost to economy
Joining the community
While construction work on the proposed resort is still years away, the sponsorship marks one of the first major examples of Universal’s involvement in community life in Bedford itself.
The Bedford River Festival is one of the largest free community festivals in the country, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the banks of the River Great Ouse every two years.
This year’s event will once again feature dragon boat racing, raft races, water sports displays, live music, fairground attractions, arts and cultural activities, food and drink stalls and entertainment across a 107-acre site in the heart of the town.
Gidon Freeman, vice-president of external affairs at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor this year’s Bedford River Festival.
“Our proposed project will be transformational for Bedford, and we want to embed ourselves in the local community.
“This is a fantastic event which we know is so enjoyed locally.”
The announcement comes at a time when Bedford is attracting national and international attention following confirmation that the Universal United Kingdom Resort is planned to open in 2031.
The resort is expected to bring visitors from around the world to Bedfordshire, but organisers say the River Festival remains focused on celebrating the town, its people and its community spirit.
Read: The eyes of the world are now on Bedford as Universal United Kingdom Resort moves forward
Celebrating Bedford
Gallagher Developments, which has a long history of development projects across Bedfordshire, is also returning as a sponsor.
A spokesperson said: “We are pleased to once again be able to support the delivery of Bedford’s River Festival this year, with a fantastic weekend of festivities for the whole family to enjoy.
“The River Festival provides a great opportunity for local families and communities to celebrate everything that makes Bedford such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
The Bedford River Festival takes place on Saturday, 18 July and Sunday, 19 July, with organisers promising a packed programme of activities both on and off the water.
For many residents, it will also be the first opportunity to see Universal’s name attached to one of Bedford’s most iconic community events as the town prepares for what could be a transformational decade ahead.
