Today, barriers are up along the river's edge, and every inch of ground along the river is marked for traders or cordoned off for access or dignitaries. Advertising banners now adorn each of our bridges and everyone is busy, busy in preparation for tomorrow.
The ducks, geese and swans appear a little agitated and seagulls are squawking argumentatively as if in protest to the disruption and thereby causing more. The large family of young goslings have deserted their hanging out patch but not without leaving their mark which the tradesmen are busy trying to clear. I am left wondering - where do all the river birds go when 250,000 people descend upon their patch?
The inflatables have been inflated, the stalls are stocked and the boats are queuing back along the river to filter one by one through the single lock to reach their appointed slot along the Embankment. Even the Mayor has his launch ready and waiting to join the procession.
The Market Place started trading this afternoon. An array of culinary delights from so many parts of the world, reflecting the cultural mix that is Bedford.
As Jeremy Corbyn wrote to the French Ambassador today, "we stand together, now and always, in defence of tolerance, peace and justice" It is my prayer for Bedford over this coming weekend, that we do indeed stand together as one.
I hope your festival is a really fun day. I bet you are thankful that you don't have to drive to it aren't you.