Bedford River Festival 2024

20 July 2024 – 21 July 2024

We attended the Bedford River Festival this year with our own stall and sculptural space in the Arts & Culture area. We delivered Clay Impression and Face Making workshops with artist Janet Reddy. The sculptural space was designed by artist Paul Pibsworth and was used out a ‘chill-out’ space in which participants could put on headphones to listen to relaxing music and nature sounds. The space also featured live music from artists Roger Illingworth and Bruce Carson, as well as poetry from The Place and The River Project.

The Bedford River Festival was also a great opportunity for us to talk about our River/ Flow/ Connect project, which is focused on transforming areas of the River Great Ouse in Kempston, and share how people can get involved in the project.

We deeply appreciate all of the incredible organisations and individuals from the Bedford Cultural Partnership who made this year’s Arts & Culture area such a success.

Heritage Bedford brought history to life with their engaging activities especially around the Siege of Bedford Castle. The University of Bedfordshire Arts & Culture Team wowed us with their Heritage Horizons projects. The Philharmonia bought an incredible Virtual Orchestra experience with VR headsets and a Quintet performance. Ananda Arts enchanted us all with dance and storytelling, featuring Debbie from Satyam, Arathi from London, and Desiree Bashi. Full House Theatre delivered a memorable performance with the Drama Geezers. Anne-Marie Abbate and Sara Turner delivery of their Profess(ional) project, where people shared their life wins, was truly inspiring, and Anne-Marie’s pigeon-themed craft workshops were a hit! The Music Hub brought energy and rhythm with Luma Sounds sets, including beatboxing, Bhangra dance, and Dhol drumming. Beds Urban Sketchers encouraged creativity with their sketching sessions on clipboards. The Library Service’s Rhyme Time entertained our younger guests, and Art Studio Tsymbal’s painting and ebru water painting activities added a splash of colour to the day. Last but not least, The River Project exhibition, delivered by Anthea Barclay and her team, included engaging craft activities and poetry readings – not to mention the frog!

We are also incredibly grateful for MP Mohammed Yasin, Kempston Councillor Mohammed Nawaz, Councillor James Valentine, Councillor Caroline White, and Local Councillor for De Parys Ward Henry Vann and others for coming down to show their support.