Mayor Dave Writes: Volunteers Key to River Festival Success

In his latest monthly column for the Bedford Bulletin, Mayor Dave Hodgson has reiterated his thanks to everyone who took part in the 2016 River Festival, along with everyone who was part of the record attendance of over 300,000 people.

Record numbers attended this year's event, and Mayor Dave writes about how the success of the festival, and that of numerous public events which take place across the Borough, is thanks in large part to the 'herculean efforts' of the volunteers who help make them happen. Here's the full article:

In common with people across the Borough, I have a bank of personal River Festival memories over many years. The recent 2016 River Festival will have created new memories for over 300,000 people, as record numbers attended over a weekend blessed with sunshine and a celebratory atmosphere.

I may be biased, but I do not believe there is anything like the Bedford River Festival elsewhere in the country. The sheer variety of activities and entertainment on and off the river, all for free and across a vast 105-acre site, is surely unrivalled.

The event has grown almost beyond recognition since it first took place in 1978 to celebrate the opening of a direct route to The Wash. Almost beyond recognition, but certainly not entirely, for the river is still rightly the focal point. This year it hosted the illuminated boat parade, a 'Jet Boots' display, dragon boat and raft racing and more. All in addition to the shows and performances from over 65 local bands and groups and an array of other attractions.

Huge thanks and congratulations are due to all of the staff, volunteers and organisations involved before, during and after the festival. Putting it on is a mammoth task, but the fact that so many people were able to enjoy it, in a safe environment, is a testament to their efforts. It's been great to hear from so many people about how much they enjoyed their river festival experience. Roll on 2018!

Of course, the River Festival is just one of numerous events which have been taking place this summer across the Borough, including the Bedfringe performing arts festival and numerous village fetes and shows. The thread linking all of these is the herculean efforts of volunteers, who all help to make the Borough's cultural life a rich and varied one.