After a spectacular season of events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the River Thames is extending this summer’s charm. The annual Totally Thames festival is marking this year’s Jubilee celebrations, by illuminating the River Thames with an evening by a flotilla festival.
On 24 September over 150 boats, including the Queen’s Row Barge, will make their way down the river. They will coast their way through central London, adorned with white lights reflecting on the river to create this extraordinary vision and a wonderful sea of light.
The River Thames Trust have put together this nighttime flotilla as an opportunity for reflection. As the boats glide by, take a moment to reflect upon Her Majesty’s reign and celebrate such a momentous achievement.
Illuminated Bridges
Buildings and structures on the backsides of the River will light up to create an enchanting nighttime scene. Included on this Thames journey will be the art project by Leo Villareal, the Illuminated River. This is the extraordinary art project that launched last year of illuminating the River Thames with our historic bridges.
Evening tours will relaunch this September – they are really worth doing. Alternatively you can download a map and do your own walk tour.
Jubilee Flotilla | Details
The event is also raising money for charity. They hope to raise vital funds for the construction of a new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge for the RNLI. The boats will set off from Chelsea at 7:15pm and make their way to Tower Bridge for 9pm.
This event will be nothing short of memorable. I can’t think of anything better to do on the night of the 24th than watch the magic.
Thames Festival listings can be found here
Stuck for ideas on what to do in London? Read this month’s Super Seven