“Festival” is when it is our Province’s turn to step up to the mark and put something back into the MCF.

Brethren, let me extend you a warm welcome to the 2026 Festival section of our Provincial website. I am sure that you, like me, are looking forward to reading the reports of the many innovative and memorable fund-raising events and occasions which are going to be held in support of this special period.

All of the Festivals that we have held since the Province of Bedfordshire was formed in July 1885 have been successful and I have no doubt that this, our 2026 Festival in support of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), will achieve that same result – “a successful Festival”.

The MCF enjoys the general approbation of us all; many of us will know a brother or member of his family who has benefited from their advice, their counselling, and their grants, and from the wide range of other services they provide. We should also not overlook the MCF’s assistance and support given to many Bedfordshire charities, especially Food banks, and Homeless and Domestic Abuse Victims during the Covid-19 crisis, and also their mainstream activities in “normal” times such as grants to local hospices, hospitals, air ambulances, and to disaster appeals.

“Festival” is when it is our Province’s turn to step up to the mark and put something back into the MCF.

The launch of our Festival has been overshadowed by the trials and tribulations of living through a Global pandemic, but we have shown the determination and resolve to overcome that, and I am delighted, but not surprised, by the enthusiasm and commitment that is already evident within the Province for the 2026 Festival.

It is my sincere hope that all of you will be able to participate in this special event and my wish that you will proudly wear your Festival jewel to show your commitment, and what it means to you to be a Freemason.

The values and virtues that Freemasonry embodies cannot but become embedded within us and help make us the men we are today. We will embrace this Festival with commitment, energy, passion and inventiveness, and together we will work hard and enjoy each moment that we expend to achieve our Festival goal.