Founded 1978 | ||
 | ||
Location(s) Bedford, Bedfordshire,
England, United Kingdom | ||
The Bedford River Festival is held biennially in Bedford, England, on the banks of the River Great Ouse. It was founded in 1978 to celebrate the completion of a navigable route, by water, between Bedford and the coast and is held over a weekend, normally in July (originally it was held annually on the late May bank holiday). It is the main tourist-attracting event in the town.
The 2016 Festival was held on the 16 & 17 July.
It has several events and attractions over the two days, usually including bands on the main stage, 2 community stages and acoustic stage, a road parade, boat shows/races, a raft race for local teams and a firework display. Along with the normal attractions of the fun fair, the River Festival also hosted the sports village, where local sports clubs could come and demonstrate their wares.
Bedford River Festival is notable as the second largest free outdoor event, after the Notting Hill Carnival.