Bookings are already flooding in for the popular John Bunyan Boat, which has been supported by BedfordBID on behalf of town centre businesses.

Run exclusively by volunteers, and funded by loans and small donations, the John Bunyan Boat has so far welcomed 22,000 trippers aboard.

It flies the flag for Bedford and has been supported under the Love Bedford banner by BedfordBID since its launch.

The first trip on the river is Easter Saturday April 15th with a fish and chip supper cruise. Thereafter there are regular trips on weekdays and weekends. 

As well as private parties, there are the popular Bedford Swan Hotel Sunset and Afternoon tea trips which can be booked direct at the riverside hotel

BedfordBID was one of the original funding supporters of the John Bunyan Boat and has continued to support the tourist crowd-puller, which has to date taken 22,000 on river cruises. In addition BedfordBID which represents 500 levy-paying businesses in the town centre, has promoted Heritage Bedford which includes attractions like the boat and local museums.

“Bringing in visitors from far and wide to the town centre is part of the brief of the BID. The John Bunyan Boat delivers people to our shores,” said BedfordBID Director Christina Rowe.

John Bunyan Boat Director Graham Mabbutt added: “We are delighted to have the continued support of ‘Love Bedford – Bedford BID’ and we are looking forward to another successful season. 

“If you would like to help us we are always looking for more volunteers to come and help us run the boat”

Visit the John Bunyan Boat Website: www.johnbunyanboat.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BedfordCommunityBoat

Twitter: twitter.com/johnbunyanboat