Bedford Tourism Office

Bedford's calendar of events celebrates its unique cultural heritage with traditdional and innovative festivals for local people and visitors alike to participate in and enjoy. With a wealth of green open spaces Bedford is able to host an enviable range of outdoor events and we invite you to join the celebrations

Bedford’s International Kite Festival takes place on 5th & 6th June when 30,000 spectators are expected to converge on Russell Park to see kite flyers from all around the world demonstrate the amazing art of display kiting.

2010 is River Festival Year and on the 17th & 18th July Bedford's riverbanks will be thronged as thousands of people come to enjoy one of the biggest free family events in the country. The festival springs from the people of Bedford, their cultures, skills, aspirations and imaginations, and features a host or artists and performers. River craft, carnival procession, music, arts, heritage, sports, fireworks, continental market, trade stands and arena events, a combination of carnival, funfair and fete, making this a truly unique event.

In August the seaside comes to town with Bedford by the Sea, when Harpur Square is filled with sand and visitors are encouraged to roll up their trouser legs and don their knotted hanky hats to participate in some traditional seaside fun and frolics.

Also on Sunday afternoons 27th June - 29th August we slow the pace to enjoy Music in the Meadow, when the recently restored bandstand in Mill Meadows is used to showcase musical talent from around the area, everything from traditional brass to Dixieland Jazz, whilst out of town the Glenn Miller Festival is fast becoming the Mecca for all swing music fans.

In November, the Festival of Fire & Light is an amazing pyrotechnics and laser show that illuminates the River Great Ouse, whilst switching on the town’s Christmas lights.

Again a change of pace when the town celebrates its very own Victorian Christmas at the beginning of December. Costumed street vendors and entertainer, ice skating, crafts, period rides and of course Father Christmas create the atmosphere that helps get you into the spirit of Christmas.