What’s On at the River Festival 2016- This Weekend!
With the River Festival almost upon us, here's a whistle stop guide to what you can expect to see, hear and taste at this year's event.
River Events
Events on the river include - the ever popular illuminated boat parade; the kayak slalom; a Jet Boots display and the River Swim. In addition, the River Festival hosts two new events this year, a hover craft display and a paddle board race. Dragon Boat heats will take place throughout Saturday with the final at 7pm. While those signed up for raft racing on Sunday should by now be hard at work creating something that will stay afloat long enough to get them through to the final at 3.30pm!
Heritage Village
This year, in celebration of the 850th anniversary of Bedford Borough being granted its royal charter, there will be a Heritage Village on Castle Mound recreating 11th century Bedford. Events across the weekend include battle re-enactments, weapons demonstrations and storytelling.
Food and Drink
A wide variety of food and drink will be available in the Market Village and throughout the site; however, for those wishing to get away from the busy atmosphere for a while, restaurants in Castle Quay and Bedford town centre are only a short walk away.
Entertainment
Enjoy shows and performances from over 65 local bands and groups across three stages on the 105 acre site.
Main Stage - Saturday night's headliners Symphonica ft. Mr Switch fuse together two different worlds. Expect to hear classic tracks played by a full orchestra and accompanied by critically acclaimed DJ, Mr Switch, to create a stunning musical experience. Sunday night's headliners are both a Specials, and a Madness Tribute band! Special Kind of Madness combine both bands greatest hits to create a set that is guaranteed to get the audience up on their feet. Other acts on the Main Stage include local band The Wholls; The Mariachis Band (as seen on the Dorito's advert); as well as many other bands, choirs and dance groups.
Community Stage - Acts on the Community Stage include acoustic musician Kam Singh; traditional Punjabi drumming and singing group the Rhythm Blasters; Bedford dance school Kinetic Vibes; and many more local groups to keep you entertained all weekend.
Jazz Stage - This year's acts include the Cool Jazz Collective; and Bedford based five-piece band Rachel and Friends, as well as many more across the weekend.
Sports Village - Once again the Sports Village is sponsored by the University of Bedfordshire and there are all kinds of activities to get you moving - aerobics, dance and fitness displays; sports demonstrations; a martial arts area; come and try sessions and much more.
For more details check out our River Festival page or view a copy of the Event Programme here. Copies also available to collect at the Travel and Tourism Centre, located in Bedford Bus Station, from Number 13 bar and café on St Paul's Square, libraries and the Customer Service Centre on Horne Lane.