The ever-popular Bedford River Festival takes place in July every other year, and will be back bigger and better for 2022. As always, the River Festival is free to attend and offers something for everyone – including live entertainment and activities, a funfair, raft and dragon boat races, plus Pirate Island, the Sports Island and water sports arena. This year the Bedford Festival of Motoring will also be taking over the High Street to present one hundred unique and interesting vehicles.
Download River Festival Programme Download River Festival Map
The Bedford River Festival has a multitude of events and attractions taking place over the weekend, including countless river activities, six live music and performance areas, raft and dragon boat races, the wonderful offerings of the Festival Market, plus so much more.
The River Festival is completely FREE for visitors to attend. Sponsorship, hospitality and trade opportunities are available here.
The Bedford River Festival is held biennially and the next one will be held on
23rd - 24th July 2022 , which is in:
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.