River Festival 2014: First Details and Confirmation of Dates - 19th & 20th July

This year is River Festival year, with the dates of the biennial celebration of the very best of Bedford confirmed as Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July 2014.

The ever-popular event for all the family is one of a series of exciting free public events taking place in the Borough in 2014, including the International Kite Festival on 24th and 25th May and the conclusion of the second stage of the Women's Tour elite cycling event on Thursday 8th May.

The River Festival attracted over 300,000 visitors to Bedford in 2012, and this year it promises to be even better than ever.

In addition to the usual array of fantastic free activities and events on and off the water, this year's River Festival will mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War One with a a historical village recreating life in 1914, including children's workshops and activities, WW1 Home Front cooking workshops and a bell-tented encampment with weapons, equipment and accessories which would have been found in the trenches.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The River Festival really is a showcase of the best of Bedford Borough. Huge numbers of community groups and volunteers will once again be central to what will be an enjoyable weekend for all. The River Festival has its own unique spirit which is enjoyed by everyone. This year's event will offer a wide array of entertainment for all ages, both on and alongside the water!"

There are all sorts of ways for people to get involved in the River Festival 2014. To find out more, visit www.bedfordevents.co.uk/river-festival