River Festival 2010 is here!

After a huge amount of preparation, including by numerous volunteers, River Festival 2010 is upon us! We should be very proud that the celebration first held in 1978 to mark the opening of a navigable route from Bedford to the wash has grown to become one of the most popular free events in the country. Around 300,000 people are estimated to be heading to our town this weekend, and I cannot wait to join with the vast numbers of volunteers, community groups, sponsors and local performers in showcasing the best of what Bedford has to offer.

In the first of my monthly columns for the Times and Citizen Newspaper, I wrote this week about the Festival and its status as a genuinely community-owned event. Here is a copy of the article:

River Festival 2010: Showcasing the best the Borough has to offer

So, River Festival 2010 is upon us! This weekend, over a quarter of a million people will descend on the Embankment and Russell Park to enjoy what will be the biggest ever River Festival in the event's 32 year history.

Many people will know that the first festival was held to mark the opening of a navigable route between Bedford and the sea for the first time. Those of you who, like me, can recall that first River Festival will know that the event has grown almost beyond recognition in becoming one of the largest free family festivals in the country. However, it has retained its ethos as a unique festival which thrives on the back of an extraordinary spirit of community and overwhelming sense of fun.

The remarkably varied programme of music, culture and entertainment on offer this weekend is thanks in large part to the numerous local groups and individuals who give up their time and get involved, and have a good time while doing it! In fact, due to the sheer number involved in one way or another with putting on the river festival, a high proportion of people across the Borough will be feeling a close link with this year's event. This may be through the raft race team from the local pub, the costume being put together for a family member in the carnival parade or a friend taking part in a sports demonstration. It is this widespread sense of connection to the River Festival which makes it a genuinely community-owned event, and which makes it unique to Bedford.

In these difficult economic times for everyone, this weekend is a fantastic opportunity for all parts of the community to join together and enjoy a showcase of the best that Bedford Borough has to offer. Of course, the festival also brings tremendous economic benefits for the Borough, with many thousands of visitors coming to experience the Festival and, perhaps, resolve to come back and enjoy the Borough on future occasions.

I would encourage everyone to come along (and invite friends and family from all parts) and enjoy the festivities. Here's to a great weekend by the river!