St Mary's Gardens
The River Festival site expanded into St Mary’s Gardens in 2018 to create a chill-out zone perfect for those seeking a quieter side to the Festival. In 2024 this area is kindly sponsored by Bedford College and it will be bursting with family friendly activities. For the first time, we are introducing a Family Island to the site, aimed at tots to teenagers. The Family Island will boast a packed programme of children’s workshops from dance, storytelling, sensory activities, arts, crafts, fun science, and interactive shows brought to you by some fantastic children’s entertainers and practitioners. We can’t wait to bring some exciting entertainment and create lasting memories this summer!
Workshops are free to attend, but spaces on some of the workshops will be limited, so you will need to arrive early to secure a place. If you happen to miss out, don’t worry, children will be surrounded by free entertainment in this area of the site, such as clay-making throughout the weekend and a petting zoo.
SEND Family section will also be on family Island. This “Inclusive Island” will be cordoned off and will have a shaded area with sensory equipment as well as a dedicated bouncy castle for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or a Disability (SEND). The area will be manned by staff from various services that support children and young people with SEND and their families. Staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have or to share information about events, clubs and activities that may be suitable for you or your family. There will also be a mobile changing place toilet available at the site and it is close to plenty of disabled parking. There will also be stalls from the NHS and other family-friendly activities.
The ever popular Adventure Village will also make a triumphant return, with local activity providers Canoe Trail putting on an array of exciting outdoor adventurous activities. This will include bushcraft demonstrations, axe throwing, a climbing wall and more.
St Mary’s Gardens is also the best place to watch the dragon boat races from!
On the other side of the river, Riverside Square will feature a static display of unique vehicles presented by the Festival of Motoring.
Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
The 2024 River Festival will include countless river activities, eight live music and performance areas, the Sports Island, Family Island, Green Earth Village, the wonderful offerings of the Festival Market, Bedford Festival of Motoring, plus so much more!
Make sure you keep the 20th & 21st July 2024 free in your diaries so that you don’t miss out on any of the action.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for on this web site, please contact the Events Team at events@bedford.gov.uk to discuss how you can get involved.
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”.
