Bedford’s Stunning New Riverside Leisure Hotspot to Hold Grand Opening Event with Free Tastings, Entertainment and Competitions

Riverside Bedford is holding a series of events from 1st to 3rd September 2017 to celebrate the newest addition to Bedford’s leisure scene. 

Set in a stunning location on the banks of the River Great Ouse and opposite St Mary’s Gardens, the development features restaurants, a cinema, hotel and new public open spaces along the river. 

With the likes of wagamama, Zizzi, MEXico, Miller & Carter, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Vue Cinema and Premier Inn already very popular following their soft openings in July, we are expecting a very busy weekend in this stunning location next to the River Great Ouse.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “Huge numbers of people are already enjoying some of the many benefits Riverside Bedford is bringing to the town. With further attractions still to come, the development is bringing more footfall, more jobs and more reasons to visit and enjoy Bedford Town Centre. I encourage everyone to come along over the Grand Opening weekend to sample what’s on offer.” 

On Friday 1st September Mayor Dave Hodgson will officially open Riverside Bedford with a ribbon cutting and tour of the site 

On Saturday 2nd September, between noon and 5 PM wagamama, Zizzi, MEXico, Miller & Carter and Gourmet Burger Kitchen will be offering free tasters of some of their most popular dishes, while a fantastic team of street performers including puppetry, musicians, stilt walkers, dancers and more will perform all around the venue, in Bedford’s newest public square. There will also be voucher giveaways and chances to win free meals, cinema tickets and an overnight stay at the Premier Inn. 

The fun is set to continue over on St Mary’s Gardens with local bands, children’s rides and inflatables. There will also be a range of activity on the river. 

The fun continues on Sunday 3rd September with giant games and activities spread around the venue and across on to St Mary’s Gardens from noon to 5 PM. There will also be demonstrations, talks and displays from local arts, culture, sports and leisure groups providing a great opportunity to plan activities for the school year ahead and try them out for yourself. 

Riverside Bedford is a great choice for a relaxing Sunday with the family before the kids go back to school. Eat Italian at Zizzi, Japanese at wagamama, Mexican at, well, MEXico, steak at Miller & Carter or gourmet burgers at GBK. Then enjoy a walk along the river or catch the latest blockbuster in one of Vue’s seven screens. 

Riverside Bedford is in the centre of Bedford with pedestrian entrances on Horne Lane, St Paul’s Square and via the footbridge from St Mary’s Gardens, and is a fully accessible site.

For more information about the grand opening, restaurant and cinema opening times please visit www.riversidebedford.co.uk or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• Saturday tasters are bite-sized samples not full meals. 
• Tasters are available to the public only on Saturday 2nd September between noon and 5pm while stocks last. 
• Vouchers given away on Saturday 2nd September are valid for use on Sunday 3rd September not valid on Saturday 2nd September.
• More restaurants, cafes and bars are due to open later this year.