Bedford Borough Council has announced the return of the Bedford Kite and Motoring Festival, a biennial celebration of community spirit and family entertainment, taking place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June 2025 across Russell Park, The Embankment, and Mill Meadows. This free festival promises vibrant kite displays, vehicle exhibitions, live music, fun on the river, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said; “This festival embodies Bedford Borough’s commitment to bringing people together through shared passions. From awe-inspiring kites to lovingly preserved vehicles, every element celebrates creativity and heritage.
“Partnering with local organisations ensures we deliver an inclusive, sustainable event that showcases Bedford’s beauty while supporting community causes like the Sue Ryder’s Dragon Boat Racing – and there’s still time to enter a team!”
Attendees can look forward to a weekend packed with entertainment. The skies will be filled with professional displays by The Kiteman in Russell Park. Adrian Grubb has organised curated exhibitions of classic cars, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles for motoring enthusiasts along The Embankment and in Mill Meadows. Those seeking activity can enjoy “Come and Try” sessions with the Bedford Borough Sports Development team and Canoe Trail offering water sports, fitness activities and demonstration. There will also be river cruises aboard the John Bunyan Boat.
This year, as part of Bedford Borough’s Year of Reading, the event will be hosting an area full of free literacy content to support and encourage children to enjoy reading. It will feature book readings from fantastic local children’s authors alongside a number of workshops.
The festival caters to all families with a storytelling area, fairground rides, inflatables, and a special educational needs and disability (SEND) friendly zone. Live music will fill the air from the bandstand, there will be bars and delicious food on offer, and the Green Earth Café will host the vegan lounge with food, stalls, and more music.
The event takes place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June, 10am-4pm each day, at Russell Park, The Embankment, and Mill Meadows in Bedford.
With an anticipated 30,000 attendees, this festival is a cornerstone of Bedford’s cultural calendar. Don’t miss the chance to experience two days of joy, discovery, and community spirit.
The festival programme will be shared on www.bedford.gov.uk/KiteAndMotoringFestival and on this same page, you can find opportunities to exhibit or trade, along with how to sponsor the event and advertise your business to visitors.
This year, Sue Ryder will be hosting Dragon Boat Racing at Bedford Kite and Motor Festival, in association with Bedford Borough Council and New Wave Events. Over 20 crews will be battling it out on the water. Find out how to register a team at www.sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/bedford-dragon-boat-race/
