The two-day festival, which takes place every other year along the River Great Ouse, returned on July 18 and 19.
Visitors were treated to a fun-packed weekend including the ever-popular raft race and dragonboat race, and the impressive Martyn Pearson grand parade of cabin cruisers and narrowboats - named after the River Festival’s late harbour master and volunteer.
Music lovers could enjoy the main stage in Russell Park, the BBC Introducing stage on The Embankment, the Bedford Music Service Stage at Harpur Square and the Community Stage in Mill Meadows.
And history lovers got a blast from the past with Historica Normannis in Mill Meadows and its living history entertainment.
The Festival of Motoring displayed classic motors to modern sports cars and military vehicles along the High Street, Harpur Square and Riverside Square.
And there was also plenty of family fun including a funfair, and the family island in St Mary's Gardens – which included the chance to learn circus skills and more.
Mayor Tom Wootton said: “Thank you to all the amazing staff, volunteers, sponsors, partners and organisations who were part of collective effort to showcase the best of Bedford once again for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“Together with local emergency services, we all worked closely to ensure that the weekend was safe and enjoyable for everyone.
“We look forward to hosting the next Bedford River Festival in 2028 – which will mark its 50th anniversary!”
In 2023 he had floated ideas to replace the festival with a smaller, annual event – but backed down in the face of strong public feeling.
Bedfordshire Police has also thanked people for helping keep the event safe.
Throughout the festival, officers were out patrolling across the site and surrounding areas and engaging with festivalgoers, including at the dedicated Blue Lights area in Russell Park. The force’s specialist Operation Maze burglary unit shared practical crime prevention advice, officers spoke to people interested in a career in policing, and a contact van was available for anyone wanting to raise concerns or report an issue.
Five people who were wanted in connection with previous offences were arrested thanks to the help of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology – while a further three people were arrested following incidents reported during the event.
Assistant chief constable Jaki Whittred, who led the operation for the force, said: “Keeping people safe is always our top priority. For an event of this scale, we have comprehensive plans in place, backed by dedicated resources and specialist teams, to help keep everyone safe and respond quickly should any issues arise.
"The safety and success of this year's festival not only reflects the efforts of all those involved in planning and delivering the event and policing operation, but also the support and spirit of everyone who attended. We'd like to thank festivalgoers for enjoying the celebrations responsibly, engaging with our officers and reporting concerns when needed.
"The River Festival is a showcase of the people and partnerships that make Bedford such a vibrant place, and we’re proud to have played our part in helping it to be another memorable event.”
> If you're looking for more fun on the river, there will be a pop-up box office for the John Bunyan Community Boat at the What's On Bedford Borough Visitor Information Centre in Silver Street.
Tickets can also be purchased online at www.bmkwaterway.org or on 07861 620520 – but you’ll avoid the booking fee if you buy in person.
The John Bunyan team will be at the visitor centre on Wednesday, July 22 from 10am to 1pm and Saturday, August 1 from 1pm to 4pm.
People can still pick up a cruise guide from the centre during usual opening hours, Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
