River Festival: Come and Try It Activities

Come and Try It Activities at Bedford River Festival. Cool down at the watersports arena with zorbing, SUP, kayak and canoe sessions from just £9 (early bird) or the Adventure Village to enjo…

Level: Grade 0 flat river with water safety on hand

£9 early bird deal

18th and 19th July 2026
Duration: 20mins for paddling activities or specific to activity

Come and Try It Activities at Bedford River Festival with Canoe Trail at the Watersports Arena (all things paddling) and the Adventure Village including climbing, bushcraft, animal encounters, tree climbing, axe throwing and gladiators.

Options: Hire a kayak, canoe, SUP or zorb

What's Included

Buoyancy Aid
Bank Based Briefing
Paddles
Professional Coaches
Activity Equipment

Come and Try It Activities at Bedford River Festival. Cool down at the watersports arena with zorbing, SUP, kayak and canoe sessions from just £9 (early bird) or the Adventure Village to enjoy Axe throwing, inflatble gladiator, crate stack, climbing wall, archery, bushcraft activities and animal encounters.

DATE: 18/07/2026 and 19/07/2026

Time 10.00 - 17.00 | Location Bedford River Fest - Watersports Arena and Adventure Village

The ever-popular Bedford River Festival takes place in July every other year, and will be back bigger and better for 2026.

Canoe Trail will be running several key areas of the River Festival in partnership with Bedford Borough Council and running a wide range of watersports and adventure activities. Some activities are demo events such as the Big Air Ramps, canoe polo with Viking Kayak Club and other elements. Don't worry there are plenty of activities where you can get involved and come and try it.

Watersports Arena - Come and Try It Activities

canoeing
kayaking
Stand up paddle boarding
zorbing

Adventure Village Come and Try It Activities (St Mary's Garden)

Climbing wall
Axe throwing
Archery
Gladiator inflatable ring
Bushcraft Activities
Tree climbing and tree basket rides
Animal encounters with zoo keeper Jonny Young (Saturday 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm) and (Sundayn11am, 1pm and 3pm)
Canoe and Brew - coffee and refreshments served with love by locals

Watersports Arena - Demonstrations

Big Air Ramp displays with members of GB Freestyle and World champion Ian Whitcombe, Local GB Paddler Dean Buckingham and a host of other stars
Big Air Ramp Displays ( Saturday 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm and 5pm) and (Sunday 12noon, 2pm and 3.30pm)
Activity races for young people through charity partners each morning Saturday and Sunday
Slalom demo with Olympic Medallist and Viking Kayak Club Saturday 11.30 Saturday 18th July
SUP Fun Race 12 noon Sunday 19th July - meet at 11am
Canoe Polo matches with Viking Kayak Club Sunday 1pm to 4pm

What do you need to bring?

Bring a towel and a change of clothes (just in case!)
Hats, suncream and any medicines

Important Information

Children and young people (under 18) are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
All activities are superivsed by professional outdoor instructors who will provide a briefing which must be adhered to
Participants must complete a booking in form and provide any medical info and special requirements
Participants will be expected to adhere to our behaviour code and alcohol policy
The river is independently tested by the council in advance and Canoe Trail take daily river samples throughout the season to monitor water quality (with 30 years of sampling experience)

We look forward to seeing you at the Adventure Village and Watersports Arena.

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.

What if it rains?

Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.

How does the booking process work?

We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.