Bedford Borough Council have teamed up with Bedford Creative Arts to bring some literary trails to our local parks and library, all in celebration of Bedford Borough Year of Reading. These particular trails will highlight the work of author Julia Jarman and her wonderful books on Ben & Bella’s imaginary adventures.
These trails will be launching on the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August, and offer an opportunity to make fun memories with your little ones out in the fresh air and at our local parks.
Follow the story markers, solve puzzles, and discover one of Ben & Bella’s famous imaginary adventures – all while exploring our beautiful parks and Bedford Central Library.
Each outdoor trail has its own themed launch party:
Friday 22nd August 1-4pm:
Big Red Bath Trail at Bedford Park
Splish, splash, and join the fun with storytelling, face painting, and the unveiling of the brand-new Big Red Bath Bench – perfect for selfies!
Saturday 23rd August 10am-1pm:
Big Blue Train Trail – at Russell Park at The Kiosk
All aboard! Storytime sessions and junk-model train-making for budding engineers.
Sunday 24th August 10am-1pm:
Big Yellow Digger Trail – at Mowsbury Park
Get stuck in with a real (mini) digger ride plus noisy, construction fun.
The Big Bouncy Bed Trail will also be available at Bedford Central Library from this weekend. Bounce into a bedtime adventure and see the library in a whole new way.
Don’t forget to pick up your Activity Guide from Bedford Central Library or park cafes, or scan the QR code on-site to find maps and starting points. There are even pages in here that have space for children to make a brass rubbing from each trail.
The first 200 adventurers who complete all four trails and bring their brass rubbings to Bedford Central Library will win a special prize!
Author Julia Jarman says she’s “THRILLED” about these trails – and we think your children will be too!
No tickets. No cost. Just stories, laughter, and family memories in the making.
