5 fantastic things you can expect to see during the Thames Festival
Taking place for the first time throughout the month of September, the Thames Festival (also known as Totally Thames) is an exciting, new month-long celebration of the river across its 42 London miles.
This 30-day spectacular programme of events will feature arts, music, colourful regattas, river races, archaeology, environmental and educational activities; as well as river-linked activities throughout the 17 London riverside boroughs.
Here, we suggest five events that you definitely should try to see whilst Totally Thames is in full swing.
1. Florentijn Hofman Commission
Something extremely large is coming to the Thames this September!
On Tuesday 2nd, renowned Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman will create an extraordinary new sculpture, which will be his first in the UK, and it’ll be situated at Nine Elms on the South Bank for the length of the Festival.
Inspired by the fascinating prehistory of the river, the installation will be semi-immersed in the water and will rise and fall with the tide.
2. Richmond Riverside Festival
Every weekend in September, from 11am until 6pm, you can take advantage of live music, stalls and family entertainment.
Richmond can boast to having the longest single stretch of the river in London, and with its beautiful royal parks, theatres and town centre bursting with shops and restaurants, this September there’s even more reason to visit Richmond.
Plus, every weekend has a different theme, with local charities benefiting from each one. Perfect.
3. Tower Bridge: A Celebration of 120 Years
Starting on the 12th September and running seven days a week is an exhibition showcasing the many different ways artists have pictured London’s most iconic bridge in its 120 year history. The show includes paintings from the Guildhall Yard Gallery’s permanent collection, contemporary interpretations and a fascinating array of ephemera and archive material.
4. Handel’s Fireworks Music and Illuminations
Throughout the festival the historic Royal Palaces will host what promises to be an unforgettable performance of Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks.
Taking place in the romantic, riverside Privy Garden at Hampton Court Palace, it will be performed by Arcangelo, a 30-piece orchestra, and followed by a breath-taking Georgian fireworks display.
Be prepared for a magical evening in a spectacular, historic setting.
5. The Great River Race
The 27th September sees the London River Marathon, a race up the Thames from Millwall in the east to Ham in the west in spectacular style. The awe-inspiring scene of 300 crews racing on the river is one not to be missed!
All levels of competitor are welcome, from fancy dress to serious sports individuals, and all will compete to become UK Traditional Boat Champions in the process.
These are just five of the events we think you should try to take in throughout the Thames Festival, but there are many, many others, including screenings of some of the best films ever made – E.T., The Goonies, and Raiders of the Lost Ark to name just a few (these are being shown at the More London Free Film Festival).
But whatever it is you choose to take part in, you definitely need to be in London during the month of September to just feel a part of the celebrations and events. It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere!
Looking for somewhere to stay to make for a truly memorable visit? Check out our latest offers and give us a call here at DUKES Hotel to find out more.