20/01/2026
We are happy to announce that The Harpur Trust will be Sponsoring the Community Stage at the Bedford River Festival. The Harpur Trust are long time supporters of the event and the Community Stage which provides a platform for all of the great local talent that we have to perform to the crowds.
Lucy Bardner, Community Programmes Director at The Harpur Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to sponsor the Community Stage at the Bedford River Festival again this year. The festival is one of Bedford’s most treasured events, and the Community Stage is a fantastic platform for local talent. From music and dance to theatre and community performances, we love giving Bedfordians their moment to shine...
“What makes the River Festival so special is the way it brings people from all backgrounds and generations across the borough together to celebrate community, creativity and connection. We’re passionate about building communities that are stronger, healthier and happier together. We do this through our grants programme, investing over £1m annually to improve local lives, through championing education through our schools and bursaries, the HEART Academies Trust, and programmes helping children from low-income families make rapid progress at school. We are founding partners and hosts of Bedford Giving - a movement dedicated to creating a brighter future for the next generation. For us, being part of inclusive events like the River Festival are so important in finding out what matters to local people and keeping our work relevant.
“We can’t wait to see how the River Festival will evolve this year and watch the incredible talent and community spirit on the Community Stage – come and have a chat to us when you’re there!”
