River Festival Weekend

It is not long now until the River Festival returns this Saturday and Sunday and final preparations are well underway and Mayor Dave Hodgson has recored a video you can see here.

We have lots of events on and off the river from Dragon Boat and raft races to the parade of cabin boat cruisers and narrow boats and the illuminated boat parade to a variety of music and entertainment on the Main Stage, Community Stage, Dance Music Stage and for the first time the BBC Music Introducing Stage and Bands on the Bridge.

We have a Watersports Arena, Sports Island, Pirate Island, Inclusion Island, a vegan fair and plenty 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.

You can find out more, including how to get involved and timings at https://riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk/.

It is fantastic to see how River Festival has grown since 1978 to become one of the biggest free events in the country.