Cavalcade

Each day the festival begins with a Fab Fifty Cavalcade of iconic vehicles, 10-10.15am, along The Embankment, over Bedford Town Bridge and to Mill Meadows where they will be on display.

Over 200 vehicles will be on display, from a 1904 Model C Ford, through to a McClaren 720S V8.

Find them in Russell Park, the Embankment, either side of the Butterfly Bridge, and Mill Meadow Islands. 

In Russell Park

There'll be professional kite flying in the main arena. Sit and listen to our expert commentator to learn more about some of the wonderful creations, from the beautiful and elegant to the playful and gigantic.

Don't miss the huge arts and crafts marquees!

Come and meet the teams in the Blue Lights area from local Police, Fire, and Ambulance services, and our Community Safety team.

An Inclusive Activity Area from our Local Offer team provides a wonderful space for families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

You can also discover trade stalls, funfair and inflatables (these are charged for), an art and craft tent, plus a food court and a bar.

Year of Reading comes to the Kite and Motoring Festival!

Over the road, between Russell Park and The River Great Ouse

Discover the Green Earth Vegan Lounge and relax in the Chill Out Area.

You’ll find interesting vegan stalls, delicious food and drink, live music, children’s activities, wood turning demos and a place to sit and relax under the trees.

Try a refreshing glass of pressed fruit and sugar cane juices, iced coffee and flavoured water. Foods on offer include pizza, samosas and East African food, plus a focaccia special, wraps and more from the team at the Green Earth Café.

Either side of The Butterfly Bridge

View a range of vehicles on display - more are in Mill Meadows.

On the river and outside the Schools' Boathouse

Canoeing, kayaking, climbing and stand-up paddle boarding will be on offer close to the Butterfly Bridge for all to enjoy throughout the weekend.

All equipment and guidance will be provided by the Canoe Trail team, just pop along to meet them to find out more, but don’t forget to bring a towel!

Mill Meadows

View more of the vehicles being exhibited.

There will also be more inflatables and rides for children, again there will be charges for these.

You can give a new sport a try in Mill Meadows with GLL, who run our local Leisure Centres under the brand name 'Better'. Come and try table tennis, volleyball, badminton, short tennis, and more.

You'll also find the brilliant team from Spiral Freerunning who will be delivering their pop-up parkour / freerunning workshops with trained professionals to guide you as you explore their obstacles - it's a fantastic opportunity to give it a go!

John Bunyan Boat

Relax on a John Bunyan river cruise while attending the Kite and Motoring Festival.

Find the boat near Bedford Town Lock, Mill Meadows on lower river. No booking needed for a 30-minute return cruise, adults £6, children 5-16 years £4.

Licensed Galley Bar from midday.

Dragon Boat racing on Sunday 22 June

This year we continue our support with local hospice Sue Ryder St. John’s Hospice, as they host their third Dragon Boat Race.

Local businesses and community group teams take to the water to battle it out along a 200-metre River Ouse racecourse between the lock on Mill Meadows and the Suspension Bridge.

The heats start from 10am and run through the day with the finals planned to begin from 2pm, with presentations at 2.50pm.

We encourage everyone to consider walking, wheeling, cycling, or to use public transport where possible. Not only is it a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also be a more relaxing and enjoyable way to start your festival experience.

For those that choose to drive, we have a special car park for the event located on-site at Mill Meadows Car Park
and Meadow, Longholme Way, Bedford, MK42 0BQ. The cost is £5 per vehicle (card payment only).

We continue to offer four hours free parking at Lurke Street and Allhallows car parks every day and parking is free all day in all town centre council-owned car parks on a Sunday.