Everything You Need to Know About Bedford River Festival 2024

There’s a packed schedule this summer in Bedford, from Bedfringe to the River Festival, the Italian festival to Eid celebrations, not to mention the Summer Sessions, the annual star-studded concerts in Bedford Park.

Source: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bedford-river-festival-2024

An Unmissable Summer Event

This year’s ever-popular River Festival takes place on the weekend of 20 – 21 July on, in and around the banks of the River Great Ouse. This FREE community event attracts over a quarter of a million visitors, offering something for everyone. You can find the full programme online at riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk, but here’s our at-a-glance guide to whet your appetite…

Free Entry for All

Bedford River Festival is completely free to enjoy. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink (remember to take your rubbish home with you) or purchase refreshments on-site.

On the River

The soul of the River Festival is the huge range of entertainment and activities that bring the River Great Ouse to life. The Grand Parade of Cabin Cruisers and Narrowboats takes place Saturday and Sunday, while the Saturday night finale will feature a fantastic illuminated boat parade. Don’t miss the performance by Jet Boots Bob, the dragon boat races on Saturday, and the raft races on Sunday.

Russell Park

Russell Park is home to the River Festival’s Main Stage, sponsored by the Harpur Centre and programmed by the team from Pad Presents. If having a dance and soaking up the festival atmosphere appeals to you, then Russell Park is the place to be. The park also features a large picnic area, crazy golf course, giant inflatable slides, and traditional fairground rides.

St Mary’s Gardens: Family Island and Adventure Village

On St Mary’s Gardens, Family Island boasts a packed programme of children’s workshops including dance, storytelling, sensory activities, arts, crafts, fun science, interactive shows, and a petting zoo. Aimed at tots to teenagers, the workshops are free to attend, so arrive early to secure a place.

The SEND Family section features “Inclusive Island” and will host a shaded area with sensory equipment as well as a dedicated bouncy castle for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). There will also be a mobile changing places toilet available at the site, which is close to plenty of disabled parking.

The ever-popular Canoe Trail will be at Adventure Village, putting on an array of exciting outdoor adventurous activities. This will include bushcraft demonstrations, axe throwing, and a climbing wall, amongst other things.

Mill Meadows

Mill Meadows will host an Arts and Culture Hub, thanks to the Bedford Cultural Partnership. Try out the Philharmonia’s VR headset experience, be inspired by poetry and visual art from The River Project, sit and be entertained in artist-designed seating structures with Bedford Creative Arts, and watch storytelling and dance.

Sketch riverside scenes with the Bedford Urban Sketchers and experience games, crafts, and family activities with medieval themes with Heritage Bedford.

Water Sports Arena

The Water Sports Arena, run by Canoe Trail, is right next to the Sports Island and the Butterfly Bridge. Here you can see daring canoe ramp demonstrations and take part in fun water-based activities such as zorbing, stand-up paddleboarding (races and taster sessions), cardboard box racing, duckie raft race, and much more.

Green Earth Village

The Green Earth Village will be an eclectic mix of wellbeing, nature, performance, vegan products, food, and arts. Produced by the Green Earth Café team, come and visit the Eco Forest and bring the children to the talks and workshops in the Green Earth Kids area.

Bedford Town Centre

Bedford High Street will once again host the Festival of Motoring, showcasing vehicles of all ages and types on St Paul’s Square, Riverside Square, and Harpur Square too. New for 2024 will be a physical theatre production of Code in Harpur Square at 12pm and 3pm both days.

Town Bridge will host traditional bands performing in the ‘Bands on the Bridge’ area, so pull up a chair and relax to some rousing classical tunes performed by some of the best bands in Bedfordshire.

How to Get There

For further information on travelling to the River Festival, visit the website here.