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Bedford River Festival - 2024

The ever-popular Bedford River Festival takes place in July every other year, and will next be held on on the 20th & 21st July 2024. As always, the River Festival is a community event which is free to attend and offers something for everyone, including live entertainment and activities, a funfair, raft and dragon boat races, the Sports Island and water sports arena. More attractions to be confirmed!

Festival Visitors

(Expected)

250,000

 

Sponsorship and Traders

(Opportunities available)

265+

 

View sponsorship and trader opportunities

Participants

(Expected)

1,450

 

Get involved


What's on at the River Festival?

The Bedford River Festival always has a multitude of events and attractions taking place over the weekend, and 2024 will be no different. Stay tuned for event announcements.

How much does it cost?

The River Festival is completely FREE for visitors to attend. Sponsorship and trade opportunities will be available in due course, so register your interest here.

When is the River Festival?

The Bedford River Festival is held biennially and the next one will be held on
20th & 21st July 2024 , which is in:

Memories from Bedford River Festival 2018 by @hugoandre_media

 

 

How do I get to the River Festival?

The Bedford River Festival is held biennially in Bedford across a site that truly takes over the town for the weekend, including Russell Park, The Embankment and St Mary’s Gardens, to name just a few hotspots. Below is a map and more information to help you plan your journey to the River Festival.

We would like visitors to consider how they travel to the event and where possible use public transport or use other sustainable modes of transport.

Click the zone links on the festival map below to access information on the events at each location. 

Click the 'Parking' (P symbol) links on the map to access information and costs for each car park. 

Please note that Borough Hall car park, St Mary’s Gardens car park and Duckmill car park will NOT be available for public use on 23rd & 24th July.


 


 
 
 

Sponsors and Partners


Gallagher Developments is a strategic land promoter with experience dating back over 50 years and, as a master developer, has delivered thousands of homes, employment land, schools, and community facilities across Bedfordshire. Gallagher Developments continue to work to deliver sustainable communities across Bedford Borough in order to provide much needed homes and wider communities.

Sir Tony Gallagher, Chairman of Gallagher Developments said, “We are delighted to again sponsor and support the Bedford River Festival which we know brings joy to thousands of people. We hope everyone has a great time”.