Bedford River Festival Celebrates Record Numbers

After a busy weekend down on The Embankment and in Russell Park, everything is packed away and Bedford looks back on the River Festival 2016.

People travel from all over the world to attend Bedford's biennial River Festival, which has been running since 1978. The 2014 festival saw visitor numbers reach an amazing 250,000 and although official figures are still to be announced there is no doubt that the River Festival 2016 was the busiest and most popular yet. Early estimations put this year's visitor figures at least 300,000!

Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson said: 'Thanks and congratulations are due to all of the staff, volunteers and organisations involved in putting on a hugely successful Bedford River Festival.'

'The fact that it attracted over 300,000 people is simply stunning, and is a testament to the efforts of everyone involved in ensuring it was a safe and enjoyable event. I want to thank them and everyone who attended, all of whom contributed to a superb 2016 Bedford River Festival.'

Highlights over the weekend included the ever popular illuminated boat parade; a Jet Boots display; paddle board racing; battle demonstrations at the Heritage village; Dragon boat and raft racing; and not to mention shows and performances from over 65 local bands and groups across three stages on the 105 acre site.

All parties involved in the planning and operation of the event worked tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly, and Bedford Borough Council would like to thank all those involved in making the River Festival a success as well as all those that attended the event over the weekend.