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The Bedford River Festival: Bigger, Better, and Family-Friendly
The Bedford River Festival is making a grand return this July, promising to be bigger and better than before. Families across the Borough and beyond are set for an unforgettable start to their summer holidays as our iconic festival kicks off once again.
Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July 2024, this cultural extravaganza will celebrate the vibrant communities, businesses, and heritage that make Bedford unique. The River Festival is not just an event; it's a testament to the spirited and resilient nature of Bedford's people.
What's on the Itinerary?
The festival will feature familiar attractions and events that residents have come to love, including the thrilling Dragon boats, exciting water sports/arena, and the ever-popular funfair. However, this year’s festival goes beyond just repeating the past. Bedford Borough aims to enhance the experience, ensuring that we do not fall into a “holding pattern” of doing the same thing every two years.
New and Exciting Features
This year’s festival will introduce several new attractions based on ideas and feedback from our residents, communities, and businesses. One of the exciting additions is a new crazy golf course that promises fun for all ages. Additionally, the festival will feature the Green Earth Village on Castle Mound, offering an Eco Forest along with educational talks and workshops for children alongside performances, food, and art exhibits.
Family-Friendly Focus
One of the most requested improvements has been making the festival more family-friendly, especially for young families visiting from far and wide. We have listened, and for the first time, St. Mary’s Gardens will be transformed into the Family Island. This new area will host a wide range of activities, including dance workshops, storytelling and sensory activities, and arts and crafts.
Moreover, there will be a calm and sensory-friendly environment for families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities in a comfortable setting.
Looking Forward to a Memorable Event
With these exciting improvements and additions, this year’s Bedford River Festival is shaping up to be an extraordinary event that will be truly memorable for all attendees. As always, the festival will remain the largest free event of its kind in the UK, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and community spirit.
I look forward to seeing you all there as we celebrate the uniqueness of Bedford Borough together.
This is a monthly guest column provided by elected Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative). It is published unedited and does not reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
