The Love Bedford free family shows on the top of the riverside Castle Mound brought in 750+ people across two Sundays in July.

Designed to attract visitors to Bedford to boost business trade in the town, the Castle Comedy and Amazing Bedford People productions did just that.

Organiser Karen Fryc of Get into Bed events said: “The rain was a bit challenging on the first weekend – but people still came with wet weather gear. The second weekend the weather couldn’t have been better and 100s attended.

“The Bluecaps were great giving out balloons and goodie bags and everyone went home happy

“Judging by the names and address given in the Love Bedford competition entries people came from all parts of Bedford Borough and beyond from Dunstable and St Neots.”

*Next up on the Love Bedford free events calendar are the August Thursday evening open air cinema shows at the Archaeological Site next door to the Castle Mound.

Said Director of BedfordBID Christina Rowe: “The Castle Quay area was designed to bring culture and community together. By visiting our events people can see what there is to offer there. We hope they will then take the time to visit and view the rest of the town, encouraged by our summer Town Trail activity.

“Businesses were encouraged to put leaflets and information in the goodie bags given out to families on the day so they will know where to visit when the come back during the rest of the summer.”