Looking forward to the River Festival

Looking forward to the River Festival

It's not long now until the River Festival's welcome return on 23rd and 24th July.

As you will recall we had to postpone the 2020 River Festival due the Coronavirus pandemic. This was not a decision that was taken lightly. Everyone involved in the River Festival is determined this year's event will be the biggest and best yet!

We will see the return of lots of the River Festival's favourites, from the music stages and fun fair, the dragon boat and raft races on the river, and lots of stalls and activities to get involved with across the Embankment, Mill Meadows and St Mary's Gardens.

For the first time in the River Festival's history, Bedford High Street will be closed for the whole weekend to bring the fun and celebrations into the town centre. The High Street, sponsored by Bedford BID, will host the Festival of Motoring, with 100 vehicles on display.

We also recently announced that the 'BBC Music Introducing' stage will make its first ever appearance at the Bedford River Festival. BBC Music Introducing has been there at the start of music careers for artists like Tom Grennan, James Bay, Griff, George Ezra and many others.

In the coming weeks the Council and BBC Music Introducing will announce how artists can put themselves forward to go on the BBC Music Introducing stage. The River Festival sees a quarter of a million visitors over the weekend and it will be really exciting to give local musicians and artists this platform to perform.

We will be announcing more news and activities as we get closer to the big weekend, and you can find out more at https://riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk/ including how to get involved and participate in some of the many activities taking place.