News

Bedford markets are growing and Bedford Borough Council is actively supporting people who would like to start trading on the market by providing advice sessions and support. Those with an ambition to trade can find out more at one of the council’s FREE information sessions on Monday 6^th September 2010, at 10am, 1pm or 4pm, in the Harpur Suite, Harpur Square, Bedford. 

From as little as £13.50 per week, people can start casual trading on Bedford’s markets, subject to paperwork and insurance.

Anybody with a flair for selling and a good eye for business can become a successful market trader, as either a part-time or full-time career. The council have an experienced team to help support and advise those that may require encouragement during their start-up period.

While other towns are reporting a downturn in their markets, Bedford’s are thriving. The colorful gazebo stalls attract visitors from many surrounding villages, towns and beyond.

The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “Bedford has a thriving range of markets, and we want to encourage and support anyone who is keen to become a new market trader. Once individuals have the inclination to start-up a market stall, and the talent to keep it running, there is no stopping them from achieving enormous success.”

During each session there will be an opportunity to ask questions, so that people can find out more about starting up as a market trader and whether it would suit their business objectives.

There is no need to book, just ‘roll up, roll up’ on the day!

For further details please contact Aidan Marnell (from the Market Services Team, at Bedford Borough Council) on 01234 221890.

The final bandstand concert of the summer series took place on Mill Meadows last Sunday from 3pm. Indian Joe are a new band playing a more acoustic sound and are sure to be a huge success.

Sunday also saw our final street entertainment day along the River, with a number of world class entertainers descending on Bedford to wow the crowds on Mill Meadows.

A big thanks to all our entertainers that participated across the day.

Jason Maverick

Balloonatic

Original Mixture

Another big thanks to everyone that came down on Sunday for a fun packed day of entertainment!

Keep up to date with all the goings on from Bedford Events on Twitter & Facebook

investinbedford.com

Have you considered relocating your business to Bedford? If so you may be interested in our Invest in Bedford pages.

The giant sandpit returned to Harpur Square for four days 11th - 14th August 2010 for pirate themed seaside related fun and frolics. Thousands of children took advantage of the warm sunshine (and occasional downpour) to play in the pit, watch punch and judy, and have their faces painted.

Many thanks to everyone that came to the Event and enjoyed the many activities we had over the week. We look forward to seeing you all next year.

To find out more information on Bedford by the Sea and a full programme of events for the week make sure you visit the Bedford by the Sea page.

Now the date for the 2012 River Festival have been set (21st & 22nd July 2012) and is only 5 days from the opening ceremony of the Olympics we anticipate the biggest and most successful River Festival EVER.

For interested organisations, our sponsorship opportunities will be published in the autumn detailing the levels of sponsorship we offer for the Festival. However, if you are interested in speaking to the event manager regarding any potential sponsorship he is available via email; events@bedford.gov.uk

We look forward to hearing from you.

Breaking News

The dates for the 2012 Bedford River Festival have been announced as 21^st & 22^nd July- only 5 days before the Olympic opening Ceremony!

We are currently accepting expressions of interest for companies who wish to tender for the following services at the 2012 River Festival;

            Security

            Barriers

            Stage & Lighting

            Marquees

            Generators

            Funfairs

            Traffic Management

            Inflatables

            Bars

            Catering (available as one concessions or individual pitches)

            PA/Communications

            Fireworks

First Aid

If you would like to be added to our tender database please submit the expression of interest form.

Thousands of people visited the River Festival over the weekend in what was our most successful festival EVER. We had it all; great weather, the fly past, the sacking of Castle Mound, Dragon boats, carnival delights in the High Street of Bedford, giant games, funfair and villages galore! Sports, Markets, Mind Body and Soul and music from four stages, the best of Bedford's local bands entertaining the crowds, bands from around the world on the main stage, giant screens so you don't miss a thing and all the action from across the festival. The spectacular firework finale was enjoyed by nearly 100,000 people!

For more information about the Festival weekend please visit the River Festival pages

Thank you everyone that took participated in and attended the 2010 festival, email upto three river festival photographs to events@bedford.gov.uk and we will post them on the website, the best three photographs we will use as part of our promotion for the 2012 event.

The dates for the 2010 Victorian Christmas Fair have been announced as Friday 10th-Sunday 12th December.

The traders pack will be available by clicking here.

You can now follow the movements of the Events Team on Twitter.

Visit our new YouTube, Flickr and Facebook sites to access all the latest videos and pictures from our events.   

Bedford Borough Council actively encourages its Parks to be used for events and other community activities to ensure that there is plenty to see and do in Bedford.

If you are interested in staging your own event on any of the Council Parks please go to the External Events on Council Parks page