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Just days to go until the River Festival comes to town
b8-996 Bedford River Festival 2008 Raft races
WITH only days to go until Bedford gets in the River Festival mood the stage is set for a great event.
From amazing live music, to dragon boat and raft racing Bedford bi-annual festival is set to attract around 300,000 to the town over the weekend of July 21 and 22.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “This summer is providing a spectacular array of events and activities.
“This year the River Festival still promises to stand out with a packed programme that really offers something for everyone.
“With 300,000 expected to attend it’s a real opportunity to show residents and visitors alike just how highly regarded our river and Embankment is and I hope as many of you as possible make it down to join us in celebrating a Great Summer in Bedford Borough.”
This year’s festival has an Olympic theme and Saturday’s carnival parade, which sets off from De Parys Avenue at midday, will reflect the town’s sporting heritage.
A range of colourful floats from community groups and teams will parade through Bedford town centre, collecting money for charity along the way and kick starting the festival in style.
And over the two days a musical feast has been prepared to suit every palette.
On the Saturday visitors to the Music Stage in Russell Park, or the Community Stages in Mill Meadows will be treated to the likes of local rockers Kain and a performance from youth theatre group West End Wendies. The evening ends with headliners Take That 2.
And on the Sunday music fans will enjoy sets from established Bedford talent The Wholls and Pearl Handled Revolver and also get to take in the hardcore stylings of Luton’s Elements Of Refusal.
The whole event will be ended to perfect on the Music Stage by none other than Elvis.
But of course the River Festival is about the Great Ouse. And the River will play a big role in the weekend.
On the Saturday will be the famous dragon boat race with heats beginning at 11am.
There will also be a kayak display, grand parade of narrow boats and even a river swim to get excited about.
On the Sunday river fans can enjoy a raft race, canoe polo tournament and grand parades of cabin cruisers and narrowboats.
And all around the festival site there will be an array of entertainment from historical re-enacters, face painters and balloon artists, to stalls selling a wide range of gifts. Not forgetting the delicious food.
Bedford has waited two years for the River Festival to come round, and now it is close the stage looks set for it to be better than ever.
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Weather for Bedford
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South west
