The 2025 Bedford Kite and Motoring festival takes place this coming weekend in Russell Park along the Embankment and in Mill Meadows, 10am-4pm each day.

The programme is packed with things to do and see, many at no cost. Visit the festival website and download the programme below to view the full timetable of events nd actvities.

Head to the Schools' Boathouse side of the Butterfly Bridge for Come and Try Watersports with Canoe Trail, and find Come and Try Sports and an opportunity to try parkour with Spiral Freerun CIC in Mill Meadows.

Following the news of a £10,000 grant from The BIG Local fund managed by Bedford and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF) to create free ‘Healthy People, Healthy Communities’ activity sessions between June and next March, residents can now sign up for the free activities.

Sessions include boxercise, yoga, walking football and many more – you can find a full timetable here.

If you’d like to take part, all you need to do is complete this form and we’ll be in touch. If you have any questions, please email hphc@bpha.org.uk.

Better Swim School is dedicated to not only teaching vital swimming skills for life, but also creating a lifelong passion for the water.

Join weekly lessons with Better Swim School at Robinson Pools and Fitness or Kempston Pool and Fitness and when booking online new participants can get 50% off your first payment with code SUMMER50.

Bedford International Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB

Sunday 22nd June 2025, 1pm – 4.30pm

Now in its second year in Bedford, this event is more than just children riding bikes or scooters. It’s about creating lasting memories, building confidence, and giving children a chance to contribute to something bigger.

Each child raises funds towards building a water well and that sense of purpose stays with them. To date, over 70 children have registered, come and join in. 

Canoe Trail are open for the hire of canoes, kayaks and Stand up Paddleboards on the River Great Ouse. Enjoy daily tourism hire river trips, from one hour to full day activities and overnight camps at their private riverside campsite.

Paddlesport courses, qualifications and all other outdoor activities are also open. Escape the heat and cool down on the river, the jewel in Bedford’s crown

Finally the 2025 expeditions and trips are live with bucket list trips to Canada, Scotland, and around the UK.

Find full details of all events, other activities and expeditions by visiting the website or get regular updates by subscribing to CanoeTrails Newsletter.

Canoe Trail's Holiday Club courses are available for students to enjoy outdoor activities, just £35 per day.

Bookings for summer holidays are now open and you can book ahead for canoeing, kayaking, Stand Up Paddle boarding, high ropes, climbing, bouldering, tag archery, urban coasteering, axe throwing and so, much more.