The only thing music fans like better than a festival is a free music festival and Bedford River Festival Main Stage is crammed with sounds this weekend.
Head to Russell Park in Bedford (MK40 3RH) this Saturday and Sunday (July 14 & 15) and you'll be royally rewarded. Here's Saturday's line-up, courtesy of the folks at Pad Presents...
Saturday 14th July
Ernest Herb (pictured): 1pm
Kicking off the festival for us this year are the impeccable sounds of Mr Ernest Herb, the finest one man sound machine you've ever heard! Drifting in and out of musical soundscapes from Flying Lotus-esque beats to Funk and Jazz arrangements, Ernest is one bad mudda and will get this party off to the best possible start.
Pearl Handled Revolver: 1.45pm
Quite simply, one of the finest bands to come out of the local scene, ever.
Pearl Handled Revolver are a four piece that take particular solace from the engulfing vibes of Tom Waits, the hypotonic edgy groove of the Doors and the leftfield modern guile and drive of Queens Of The Stone Age.
Their set is longer than most, because they're that good.
Ginger Snaps: 3pm
The promoters first caught Ginger Snaps when they headed down to Brighton for The Great Escape Festival, and have been slightly obsessed with the Northampton native ever since.
Signed to one of the biggest agents in the land, he'll be tearing up many major festival this summer, splicing together beats, guitars and vocals in a way not too dissimilar to 'Midnight Vultures' era Beck.
His last single was BBC Radio One Track Of The Week and we're beyond pleased to have secured him for the festival. Tom Grennan played this slot last in 2016, keep an eye out for Ginger Snaps!
The Hempolics: 4pm
The band have created an infectious mash-up of Reggae, Electro, Hip-Hop and Soul, resplendent with huge hooks and festival friendly choruses.
These are tunes that people will be bopping to across festivals, clubs and car journeys for years to come. Debut album ‘Kiss, Cuddle & Torture Vol. 1’ has seen the band erupt with three singles playlisted by BBC6 Music and support from Steve Lamacq, Toddla T, Rodigan & Don Letts to name a few. T
he album also picked up one of 6Music's albums of the year too - don't miss ‘em.
The Scruff: 5.15pm
The Scruff have appeared on the previous two line ups, but it's been a huge few months for the Bedford boys.
Last October their single 'Her' was chosen as the BBC Introducing Radio One Track Of The Week, as well as picking up the same accolade from Radio X, with support from Steve Lamacq too.
They stop off back home among a summer of festival appearances that include Truck, Isle Of Wight, Y Not, Standon Calling and Tramlines to name a few.
Kuenta I Tambu: 6.15pm
Inspired by Traditional Afro Caribbean Music from Curaçao and European beats, Kuenta i Tambu has created a brand new sound!
They cleverly found a balance between electronic sound samples, singing and chanting and the infectious rhythms played by ritual tambú drums. You WILL be dancing.
My Baby: 7.30pm
To say we are excited about this booking is an understatement - This set could be a proper show stealer. Amsterdam's My Baby play 'Shamanic, psychedelic, dance laden blues'.
Their live show is second to none, being voted the best band at Glastonbury 2 years running and selling out their European tour last year, they also come and grace Esquires for is in November too.
You won't believe that only three people can make these sounds - Make sure you get up close for this one and let lead singer Cato and her brothers in music take you on a journey.
Dub Pistols: 9pm
Getting Dub Pistols to headline Bedford River Festival wasn't easy, and we still sometimes can't believe we convinced them to join the line up! One of the hardest working live bands in the business, festival stalwarts and quite simply the finest party band in all the land.
Over an 18-year career the Dub Pistols have worked with heroes like The Specials, Busta Rhymes, Horace Andy, Madness and Gregory Isaacs. They play live reggae infused breaks with tinges of ska and drum and bass.
The band have graced some of the biggest festival stages in the world, so having them headline for us is something of a coup. Prepare to move!
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