Bedford Borough Council

Bedford Borough Council This account is monitored by the Communications Team between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for Bank Holidays.

Find details of how to contact us in an emergency or report an issue at www.bedford.gov.uk/contactus Discover news, events, and updates from Bedford Borough Council for everyone living, working, or visiting Bedford Borough. We welcome your comments and will do our best to help you with any questions. We are a local authority, covering Bedford, Kempston and 45 surrounding parishes. Find details of

how to contact us in an emergency, report an issue, or pay for a Council service at www.bedford.gov.uk/contactus

We welcome discussion but ask that they are kept relevant to the council services. All comments on our social media sites are monitored and Facebook itself monitors comments and has tools to allow people to report any offensive comments. We reserve the right to remove without notice any disruptive, offensive or abusive posts. People who persistently cause conflict or offence to others will be removed and blocked from our social media pages.

It’s not too late - there are still spaces available to enter the Bedford Raft Race, the grand finale of the free outdoo...
15/06/2026

It’s not too late - there are still spaces available to enter the Bedford Raft Race, the grand finale of the free outdoor two-day extravaganza, the Bedford River Festival!

Why not be part of the experience and get a team together?

Rafters need to be over 18 and are usually made up of 4-8 people. Be as wacky or original as you like!

Link and contact details in the comments below.

It’s summertime, it’s Bedford, it’s been two years since we last had one, it can only be: the return of Bedford River Fe...
15/06/2026

It’s summertime, it’s Bedford, it’s been two years since we last had one, it can only be: the return of Bedford River Festival!

The free outdoor two-day extravaganza returns to town next month. The Festival, one of the largest free outdoor festivals in the UK, takes place on the weekend of 18-19 July.

This year’s River Festival will showcase live music on several stages, the Festival of Motoring, river displays, arts and culture exhibitions, the high-adrenaline Dragon Boat Races and Raft Races, Sports Island, the Green Earth Vegan Lounge at Castle Mound, a wide variety of food and drink, trade and craft stalls – and much more.

Families with young children can head to the family area in St. Mary’s Gardens for activities and workshops, where the Council’s SEND team will also be on-site.

In Bedford town centre, the Festival of Motoring is set to transform the streets from the High Street to St. Paul’s Square. On both days, a cavalcade of classic cars and sports motors will drive their way through town at 5pm.

Harpur Square will host the Music Service Stage with BLMK Music Hub to bring together the BBC, local schools, arts groups and community partners.

Along The Embankment, the new BBC Music Introducing Stage will showcase emerging artists from the surrounding area.

Next to the Butterfly Bridge, visitors can try a range of activities at Sports Island, such as climbing, rugby, gymnastics, golf and squash.

In between the Butterfly Bridge and the Suspension Bridge, the Water Sports Arena will offer hands-on water activities for all ages, and host zorbing sessions, water obstacle races and a canoe polo match.

At Mill Meadows, Historica Normannis will lead a dedicated arts area by the community stages to provide living history entertainment from the 12th Century.

On Saturday, the Council is teaming up once again with Sue Ryder to bring back the ever-popular Dragon Boat Races.

On Sunday, the Raft Races led by the Rotary Club of Bedford Park and sponsored by Fuji Film will take place, where teams will battle it out on homemade boats along the river.

This year’s headline sponsors are Gallaghers Developments Ltd and Universal Destinations & Experiences.

From favourite places to visit to hidden gems, Bedford Borough Council is shouting about what’s great where we all live ...
14/06/2026

From favourite places to visit to hidden gems, Bedford Borough Council is shouting about what’s great where we all live in a regular feature.

Every councillor is being invited to answer questions about their ward, to reveal the best places to shop, socialise or spend a lazy Sunday, and to share facts that you might not know or dates that you should put in your diary.

This week it’s Councillor Jim Weir, who represents Great Denham ward.

*Describe Great Denham in five words

Diverse, friendly, supportive, grounded, and determined.

*What’s your favourite place to shop in Great Denham and why?

Premier GD Convenience Store, for its very friendly owner who gladly orders in products you would like. Always happy and with a good sense of humour.

*Where is your favourite place to eat in Great Denham and why?

We are spoilt for choice in Great Denham. After walking the dogs in the Country Park, Archers Rest has the best sausage rolls anywhere. For pastries, cakes, and coffee, The Eatery is hard to beat. And for that delicious eat-in or takeaway Indian food, pizza, or kebab, Café Dhaba.

*Where is your favourite place to go for a drink in Great Denham and why?

Sadly, since the loss of the golf course, the welcome-to-all clubhouse is no longer available, but The Swan pop-up pub at Great Denham Community Hall on a Friday evening is a great place to meet up with friends and neighbours.

*Tell us a great place for a family to visit in Great Denham

Great Denham Country Park, with its massive play area, amphitheatre, and Archers Rest are well-frequented by families.

*What is a hidden gem in Great Denham?

We have many gems in Great Denham, but none of them are hidden. We have an “Outstanding” Ofsted-rated primary school, a state-of-the-art community hall with activities every day and night, a country park and of course The River Great Ouse runs along the western and southern boundary of the parish.

*What has been your favourite change that you have seen in Great Denham in recent years?

Seeing the community, which only became a parish in 2007, start to take on its own identity, it’s the community's helpful spirit that starts to make a difference.

*What is the highlight of the calendar year in Great Denham?

The community hall has four themed events throughout the year, one of which is a summer festival, free to residents. The parish council also holds a summer fete and a Christmas Carols by phone light.

*Name one thing that you’d like to see come to Great Denham.

I would like to see some of the public rights of way improved across the golf course.

A series of knife sweeps were carried out across parks in the Borough by Bedford Borough Council’s Community Safety Team...
11/06/2026

A series of knife sweeps were carried out across parks in the Borough by Bedford Borough Council’s Community Safety Team.

Council officers carefully searched areas in Bedford Park, Russell Park and Addison Howard Park in Kempston during three afternoons in May.

The recent knife sweeps help to keep parks and open spaces in the Borough free from hidden or discarded weapons, and continue to keep them a safe space for everyone to enjoy.

During the latest searches, Council officers did not find any concealed weapons or hazardous items.

This latest initiative is part of the Council’s commitment to tackle serious violence together with community partner, the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP).

The knife sweeps also formed part of Operation Sceptre; a biannual national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime and serious violence across the UK.

Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity, Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services said; “To help minimise and combat serious violence in our Borough, our officers coordinated three knife sweeps in our parks to keep our well-loved green spaces free from weapons and dangerous items.

“We are determined to keep Bedford Borough safe for all and I am pleased to say that our officers did not find any targeted objects in the latest searches.

“We will continue to work closely with our community partners to ensure everyone across the Borough, young and old, is supported and continues to feel safe.”

10/06/2026

What can go in your orange-lidded bin for recycling……use the Recycle Now Recycling Locator to find where anything else can go!

Nearly 800 people took part in a free day of yoga and wellness at Bedford Park.This year’s annual Yoga and Wellbeing in ...
10/06/2026

Nearly 800 people took part in a free day of yoga and wellness at Bedford Park.

This year’s annual Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park returned on Sunday 7 June, offering a range of 20 different activities across two zones and attracting people of all ages, abilities and interests.

Now in its ninth year, the event at Bedford Park next to the Pavilion, showcased and supported local wellbeing talent in one of Bedford’s most loved green spaces.

Organised by Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Unit and sponsored by The Harpur Trust and Delomac Roofing, the event was part of the Great Big Green Week, a national celebration of community action on climate and nature.

Some of the most popular yoga sessions this year included the Sound Bath for all ages and abilities and the Shift Your Energy yoga session. Accessible to all, a total of three sessions were adapted to people who are less able and those with disabilities.

Other highlights included wellness chair massages and women’s and family sessions.

Attendees also explored a wide range of practices, such as laughter yoga, a Reiki group session, cacao ceremony, breathwork and Qigong.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing the inclusive and accessible sessions, family-friendly atmosphere and high-quality instructors.

One participant said; “This is my second year attending Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park and I had the best time. I was so impressed at how many different activities and sessions were available. A British Sign Language interpreter was there too, which made the event really inclusive. I enjoyed the Breathwork session and having wellness chairs made it much easier for people like me who struggle with mobility.”

Councillor John Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (inc. Leisure, Recreation and Culture) added; “It was wonderful to see people from across the Borough and beyond come together to boost their physical and mental wellbeing.

“The Council is grateful to all participants, instructors, volunteers and staff who contributed to its success, and we look forward to next year's event.”

Planning is already underway for next year's event.

Free live music concerts will take place every Sunday throughout August at the Mill Meadows bandstand on The Embankment....
08/06/2026

Free live music concerts will take place every Sunday throughout August at the Mill Meadows bandstand on The Embankment.

Music in the Meadows celebrates the very best of local music from the Borough and surrounding area with a series of vibrant and uplifting gigs for every musical taste.

Come along and bring the family, a picnic and some seating, and enjoy an afternoon of live traditional bandstand music, from jazz to brass ensembles.

This year’s line-up includes:

2 August – Bedford Town Band from 3-5pm
9 August – May Blossom Vintage Songbird from 3-5pm
16 August – Fynnius Fog from 2-5pm
23 August – South Beds Concert Band from 3-5pm

Portable toilets and limited deckchairs will be available on-site at each event.

Councillor John Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (inc. Leisure, Recreation and Culture) said; “This year’s Music in the Meadows spotlights the very best of homegrown music in the beautiful setting of Mill Meadows on The Embankment.

“From the big brassy beats of Bedford Town Band, to the legendary 1970s local pop and rock band Fynnius Fog, this summer’s programme offers a variety of different sounds for everyone.

“Join in this well-loved event and bring your family, a picnic and your dancing shoes for a wonderful afternoon of live music by the river.”

Good morning☀️ Discover a fantastic variety of local stalls — from fresh produce and delicious homemade treats to unique...
06/06/2026

Good morning☀️
Discover a fantastic variety of local stalls — from fresh produce and delicious homemade treats to unique crafts and much more! Whether you’re stocking up for the week or just fancy a browse, there’s something for everyone.

We have secured a series of prosecutions as part of our work to tackle environmental crime and protect local communities...
05/06/2026

We have secured a series of prosecutions as part of our work to tackle environmental crime and protect local communities. Our Enviro Crime team obtained multiple convictions at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 28 April 2026, with offenders ordered to pay more than £14,000 in fines, costs and victim surcharges.

The cases cover offences including fly-tipping, fly-posting, failure to provide commercial waste documentation, and breaches of environmental and public health regulations. Those prosecuted include:

Maison Le Votre Ltd, Bedford - fined £3,095 and Mohammed Lal Khan, Bedford - fined £1,355, for failure to provide commercial waste documentation.

Kashmir Peri Peri Grill & Pizza Ltd, Bedford - fined £1,041; director Sikander Sagher - fined £901, for similar commercial waste offences.

Vasilica Cojic, Bedford - fined £2,000 for failing to assist an investigation into fly-tipped waste linked to her property.

D&F Trading Solutions Ltd, Blackpool - fined £3,727 for breaching a Community Protection Notice for widespread fly-posting.

Florin Visan, Kempston - fined £507 for fly-tipping in Beatrice Street, Kempston.

GPAL Ltd, Newport Pagnell - fined £2,163 for failing to take reasonable steps to control vermin on land in Kingsway, Bedford.

These offences breach legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.

Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity, Planning, Housing, and Regulatory Services, said, “These prosecutions send a clear message: Bedford Borough Council will not tolerate acts that damage our environment or blight our communities. Fly-tipping and other environmental crimes are not victimless - they harm neighbourhoods, undermine local pride and cost taxpayers’ money to clear up.

“We will continue to take robust action against those who break the law, while making it as easy as possible for residents and businesses to dispose of their waste responsibly.”

We urge residents and businesses to dispose of waste correctly and to use available services: household waste can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Barkers Lane, and bulky waste collections are available. Businesses must ensure they have lawful arrangements for waste disposal.

We'll be there - at least in spirit - with everyone celebrating Eid at this weekend's Bedford Eid Festival, which takes ...
05/06/2026

We'll be there - at least in spirit - with everyone celebrating Eid at this weekend's Bedford Eid Festival, which takes place on both Saturday and Sunday in Kempston's Addison Howard Park.

The event is open to all, with something for everybody to enjoy.

Address

Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK429AP

Telephone

01234 267422

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