Mayor Dave Hodgson recently visited The Waterfront Hotel, Spa & Golf at Wyboston Lakes Resort which has undergone a £1.5m makeover adding a modern and stylish design, plus many new feature areas.

The transformational project included a major renovation of the four-star hotel's reception, Y Spa Bistro, and outdoor terrace, as well as the re-branding and refurbishment of the brasserie and bar. Three new event spaces were also added, which can be booked either separately or together, for corporate events, private functions, events, and social gatherings.

Bedford Borough Council's Town Centre Jubilee Trail has launched today (Thursday 19 May), kicking off local celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Twelve crowns have been hidden in various windows around the town centre, and the Council is inviting children and their families to explore the town while following the map to find the crowns.

Bedford Central Library will host two Royal Talks in the coming weeks to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The first will take place on Wednesday 25th May at 11:30am and look at Royal Visits to Bedford.

The second will take place on Thursday 9th June at 11:30am and look at Royal Occasions in Bedford

Following the spectacular spring flowering display along the Embankment, the Council is giving the tulip bulbs away for free to community groups.

The Council planted over 40,000 tulip bulbs in the autumn as part of the spring seasonal bedding display, which is now coming to an end. These spring bulbs and plants will shortly be removed along the Embankment to make way for the summer display.

The BBC Music Introducing stage is making its first ever appearance at the Bedford River Festival this year, curated by the team at BBC Music Introducing in Beds, Herts & Bucks.

This stage joins events and activities for the whole family across the River Festival weekend, 23 and 24 July, including music, boat races, funfair rides, stalls and much more.

A new outdoor gym featuring seven pieces of equipment and a calisthenics centre is being installed in Priory Country Park.

Outdoor gyms have become increasing popular, and this new gym in Priory Country Park will bring a high quality facility to a popular and well-used, Green Flag award-winning park.

Work on the solar farm at the new Bedford Green Technology & Innovation Park is progressing well as all 8,004 solar panels have now been installed. Meanwhile, Bedford Borough Council have also launched a new group-buying scheme which offers residents and businesses cheaper access to solar panels.