Advertisement
We're pleased to be working with Bedford Borough Council to bring another eclectic line up of artists to Bedford River Festival's main stage in Russell Park on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July. The River Festival is the second largest free festival in the UK, second only to Carnival. Held bi-annually, the event shines a light on Bedford's river and town, with a number of community areas and events over the weekend. As always, we have tried to program a mixture of exciting national touring artists that regularly play major festivals, while giving local artists a chance to play the biggest stage over the weekend.
The line up this year really does cover all the bases and we hope you enjoy discovering something new. We take over the stage from 1pm both days, after the community artists in the morning. Here's how it's looking...
SATURDAY
Ultimate RnB:
We’re thrilled to bring Ultimate RnB to the festival - a celebration of classic R&B. Drawing from their diverse musical backgrounds, members of their 7-piece lineup have supported and billed with legends like Jocelyn Brown, Mica Paris, Soul to Soul, Sister Sledge and Clean Bandit, bringing a wealth of experience to their performances. From En Vogue to Boyz II Men, their 90-minute show features hit songs from the genre's most iconic artists, promising an unforgettable experience.
Henge:
Extra-terrestrial joymongers – HENGE – have been delighting audiences in the UK and Europe since they landed on Planet Earth seven years ago. Their scintillating live performances earned them ‘Best Live Act’ at the Independent Festival Awards and they have since cemented their reputation with two acclaimed albums, numerous tours and regular main-stage festival appearances.
The Brass Funkeys:
Formed in 2011, this 9-piece collective has a unique sound forged from their strong personalities and eclectic individual tastes, whilst still paying homage to their New Orleans Brass Band roots. This 9-piece collective has a unique sound which pays homage to their New Orleans Brass Band roots, forged while playing as regulars on the festival circuit (Glastonbury, Boomtown, Lost Village, Love Supreme).
The Pride:
Local legends, the Pride, will be taking us through the finest in Ska and Reggae in the late afternoon. Expect to hear a whole host of chilled out, bouncy classics that will get the party well and truly started as we get into the evening.
Mr Griff:
Mr Griff is a session drummer turned front man, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Cambridge. Playing catchy, soulful and incredibly funky original music, with a top draw six-piece band. Their infectious groove and powerful performance will compel you to open your heart and move your feet.
Balter:
Formed in the summer of 2021, Balter are a four-piece from Northampton making anthemic, jangle-pop that belies their years. Consisting of Tom Drury (vocals/guitar), Jake Lewis (guitar), Liam Kay (bass) and Jack Cox (drums), the band have only just sat their GCSEs, which is even more surprising to anyone who has caught the band at their early, buzzy, packed-out shows. Still yet to release any music into the world, the band have been quietly bubbling away in the studio with producer, Jonathan Hucks (Hallan), with the release of their debut single imminent. With early support already from BBC Introducing, the potential Balter have is unnervingly big – the future could well be theirs.
Sunsinger and the High Seas:
Sunsinger, aka Simon Gutteridge, is a Bedford-based songwriter. Expect alt-country, folk and Americana tinged songs with a hint of pop, with tunes packed full of catchy melodies and soaring choruses.
SUNDAY
The Marley Experience:
The Marley Experience is the world’s number 1 ‘sound, look & vibe’ alike Bob Marley Tribute band. The lead vocalist Lionart has an uncanny vocal resemblance to the King of Reggae himself, having performed alongside famous Reggae stars such as Dawn Penn, Erroll Dunkley & David Rodigan. The Marley Experience will be coming to the River Festival in his jam-packed festival and international touring schedule.
RSVP Bhangra:
RSVP Bhangra present a high-energy, interactive and fun Bhangra music experience that could keep you dancing all night. From legendary UK festivals such as Glastonbury, WOMAD and The Secret Garden Party (to name but a few) to Feest in ‘t Park over in Belgium, Pennabilli down in Italy and Kulturekosmos in Germany, RSVP has rocked them all, leaving delighted audiences everywhere screaming for more.
SPECIAL GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED
Life of Riley:
Having formed in Bedford in 1991, The Life Of Riley are one of Bedford’s best loved bands and are still going strong after 35 years. The band are a full throttle nod to Irish folk and trad music - dancing shoes compulsory! Expect to hear all the classics, The Pogues, The Dubliners, The Wolf Tones, and more…
The Zipheads:
The Zipheads hail from St Albans, UK. Initially formed as a punk band around 2005, taking influence from The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, Descendents and the like, the band members eventually became more and more enamoured with 50’s Rock’n’Roll and Rockabilly. The Zipheads also found a home in the Psychobilly scene, where their punk-infused rockabilly made a lasting impression and has seen them play with legendary psychobilly bands The Meteors, Guana Batz, Demented Are Go, King Kurt, Mad Sin and many more as well as appearances at Psychobilly festivals across Spain, France, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands.
Duzzy Avocado:
Combining original songs with some inquisitive covers, thoughtfully dipped in folk and country, with intricate 3-part harmonies and vivid violin melodies. All-female Duzzy Avocado are able to seamlessly fuse classic sounds with a modern twist, encompassing a wide range of influences drawing from folk, country and bluegrass and performing a variety of covers and originals.
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Russell Park, 23 Russell Avenue, Bedford, MK40 3TD, United Kingdom,Bedford, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
