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 has a long and proud history of rowing an their are a number of regatta events that take from February to October. The May regatta is the biggest rowing event in the country and the oldest sporting event in the town

This year's Bedford’s International Kite Festival is expected to be bigger than ever and incorporates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration when kite flyers from all around the world demonstrate the amazing art of display kiting along with live music and an "Its a Knock Out" competition.

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 throughout the summer 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 Twinwood Festival is fast becoming a must-visit festival for lovers of swing, jazz and jive music.

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.