Thames Festival London -UK 2025
Background & History
The Totally Thames Festival, organized by the Thames Festival Trust, began in 1997 as the Thames Festival with a high-wire walk across the River Thames. From 1998 to 2012, it focused on the stretch between Westminster and Tower Bridges, featuring street arts, dance, and a riverside market. Relaunched in 2013 as Totally Thames, it expanded to a month-long celebration covering 42 miles of the Thames, from Hampton Court Bridge to Dartford Crossing.
This not-for-profit event, supported by the Port of London Authority, promotes the river’s cultural, historical, and environmental significance through arts, heritage, and education programs. The 2025 festival emphasizes ecology and community, addressing challenges like pollution and habitat loss.
Festival Director
Adrian Evans, Director of the Thames Festival Trust, leads the festival’s vision to celebrate the River Thames as a cultural and environmental asset. His team collaborates with artists, communities, and river organizations to deliver a diverse program.
Event Highlights
- Over 100 events, including art installations, live performances, river clean-ups, and educational workshops.
- The Great River Race (September 20), a 21.6-mile marathon with over 300 crews from Millwall to Richmond.
- Classic Boat Festival (September 6-7) at St Katharine Docks, showcasing over 50 vintage vessels.
- Mudlarking exhibitions and tours, revealing Thames artifacts at venues like London Museum Docklands and St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Live music and choral performances, such as River Recital and Sing for Water, raise funds for charities.
Key Activities and Events
- River Recital 2025 Summer Concert (September 7, The Arts Ark, Tower Bridge Moorings): Composer Narotam Horn’s performance on a floating stage, celebrating biodiversity and raising funds for the Museum of Homelessness.
- Conduit at Crossness Pumping Station (September 13): A jazz performance by five femme artists exploring elemental change and climate themes.
- SKYE ZONE Burial (September 27, Brunel Museum): A dance performance by Samara Langham reflecting on nature’s dualities.
- Sing for Water (September 14, The Scoop at More London): Over 40 choirs perform to support WaterAid.
- Kids’ Choir (September 14, The Scoop): 300+ children from London primary schools perform a curated repertoire.
- River of Sound: A month-long avant-garde audio broadcast with Resonance FM, featuring river-inspired soundscapes.
- Clean Thames Challenge (September 1-30): Community litter-picking with free Clean Thames kits.
- Mudlarking Exhibitions: Displays at London Museum Docklands (September 27-28), Cutlers’ Hall (September 13-14), Roman Amphitheatre (September 6-7), and St Paul’s Cathedral Crypt (October 11-12).
- Guided Mudlarking Tour (September 13, Millennium Bridge): Led by Richard Hemery, exploring Thames artifacts.
- Mudlarking Alchemy: Tools from the Thames (September 27, London Museum Docklands): Monika Buttling-Smith shares dockworker artifacts.
- Shadwell Sailortown Walk (September 27, Shadwell Overground): Explores Docklands history.
- William Morris’s Thames Lecture (September 24, online): Examines the designer’s river-inspired patterns.
- Rekindling by Compagnie Carabosse (September 25-26, Royal Victoria Dock): A large-scale fire installation celebrating Royal Docks’ heritage.
- For the Lost: Sonic Waves (September 14, Theatreship, Canary Wharf): A performance exploring sound and sustainability.
- Serene Sounds (September 20, Fulham Palace): A meditative classical music and sound bath experience.
- Lost & Found Heritage Project (September 2, 10, 21): Mudlark Nicola White shares finds at London Museum Docklands, Enderby House, and Woolwich Works.
- Urban Sketching (September 6, Chiswick Riverside): A free drawing session with Urban Sketchers London.
- The Line Art Trail (Greenwich Peninsula & Royal Victoria Dock): Features works by artists like Antony Gormley and Tracey Emin.
- Kayaking for Beginners (September 6-7, Kew Bridge): Taster sessions with Chelsea Kayak Club.
- Thames Tidefest (September 20, Kew): Free kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and river dipping.
- Roman London Walking Tour (dates TBC): Explores Roman sites, led by Sarah Williams-Robbins.
Educational and Heritage Programs
The festival includes year-round initiatives like Rivers of the World and The Story of Water, engaging over 500 UK schools and 40 countries. The Tide Changers program supports young artists under 30 with funding and development. Heritage projects like A Voyage Through Time and Working River document London’s boatyards and tidal history.
Date
- Dates: September 1 – September 30, 2025
Duration
- Duration: 30 days
Venue
- City: London, United Kingdom
- Main Venues and Addresses:
- St Katharine Docks: 50 St Katharine’s Way, London, E1W 1LA
- The Arts Ark, Tower Bridge Moorings: 31 Mill Street, London, SE1 2AX
- Crossness Pumping Station: Bazalgette Way, Abbey Wood, London, SE2 9AQ
- Brunel Museum: Railway Avenue, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 4LF
- The Scoop at More London: 1A More London Riverside, London, SE1 2DB
- London Museum Docklands: No. 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London, E14 4AL
- Millennium Bridge (North Bank): Thames Embankment, London, EC4V 3QH
- Shadwell Overground Station: Cable Street, London, E1 2QF
- Royal Victoria Dock: Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL
- Theatreship, Canary Wharf: Westferry Circus, London, E14 8RR
- Fulham Palace: Bishop’s Avenue, London, SW6 6EA
- Enderby House: 23 Telegraph Avenue, London, SE10 0TH
- Woolwich Works: The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, London, SE18 6HD
- Cutlers’ Hall: 4 Warwick Lane, London, EC4M 7BR
- Roman Amphitheatre: Guildhall Yard, London, EC2V 5AE
- St Paul’s Cathedral Crypt: St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD
- Kew Bridge: Kew Bridge Road, London, TW8 0EW
- Chiswick Riverside: Chiswick Mall, London, W4 2PS
- Greenwich Peninsula: Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0SQ
- Note: Some events, like the Great River Race, span multiple locations from Millwall (E14 8DH) to Richmond (TW10 6QX). Online events require no physical venue.
Contact Information
- Official Website: thamesfestivaltrust.org
- Email: contact@thamesfestival.org
- Phone: +44 20 7928 8998
- Virtual Address: 7 Bell Yard, London, WC2A 2JR
Ticket Information
Most events are free, including markets, art trails, and the Clean Thames Challenge. Ticketed events require booking via thamesfestivaltrust.org or venue websites.
- Guided Mudlarking Tour (September 13, Millennium Bridge): $31.50
- Mudlarking Alchemy: Tools from the Thames (September 27, London Museum Docklands): $15.12 (adults), $12.60 (concessions)
- Shadwell Sailortown Walk (September 27, Shadwell Overground): $25.20
- William Morris’s Thames Lecture (September 24, online): $11.34 (general), $8.82 (William Morris Society members)
- Kayaking for Beginners (September 6-7, Kew Bridge): $33.24
- Roman London Walking Tour (dates TBC): $29.26
- SKYE ZONE Burial (September 27, Brunel Museum): $26.60
- Prices for events like River Recital, Sing for Water, and Meet the Makers are TBD; check thamesfestivaltrust.org closer to the event. Cash and cards are accepted at most venues.
Cultural Experience
The festival celebrates London’s connection to the Thames, blending art, history, and environmental awareness. Expect vibrant performances, from jazz at Crossness to choral events at The Scoop, and interactive experiences like mudlarking and sketching. The Great River Race features colorful vessels, including a Ukrainian-Cornish flag boat, symbolizing solidarity. Casual attire is common, with some attendees wearing nautical or historical outfits for themed events. The festival fosters inclusivity, engaging diverse communities and young artists.
Food & Drinks
Food and drink vary by event:
- Street food at St Katharine Docks and Thames Tidefest includes fish and chips, burgers, and vegan options (~$6-$12).
- Festival bars at The Scoop and Royal Victoria Dock serve local ales, ciders, and soft drinks (~$5-$8).
- Taste trails during mudlarking events offer historical food insights (no additional cost).
- Non-alcoholic options like teas and juices are available at most venues.
Family & Accessibility
Many events are family-friendly, with activities like the Kids’ Choir, River of Hope exhibition, and Thames Tidefest workshops. Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly venues (e.g., St Katharine Docks, The Scoop), with detailed guides at thamesfestivaltrust.org. Well-behaved dogs are allowed at outdoor events; guide dogs are permitted throughout. Contact venues for specific needs.
Getting There
- By Air: London Heathrow (LHR, 16-20 miles, 1-hour train or drive) or London City Airport (LCY, 6-10 miles, 30-minute DLR).
- Public Transport: Venues are near Tube, DLR, or Overground stations (e.g., Tower Hill for St Katharine Docks, Rotherhithe for Brunel Museum). Use TfL services from London King’s Cross or Waterloo.
- By Foot: Most venues are walkable from central London stations (e.g., 5-minute walk from Tower Hill to The Arts Ark).
- Parking: Limited; use public car parks like Tower Hill (E1W 1LA) or Royal Victoria (E16 1XL). Pre-book via london.gov.uk.
- Taxis: Available at major stations or book via Uber or local services.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed for event setup, litter-picking, and visitor assistance. Benefits include festival access and community engagement. Apply at thamesfestivaltrust.org/volunteer.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsors, including non-arts sectors, can support the festival’s cultural and environmental goals. Contact contact@thamesfestival.org for details.
Local Attractions
- Tower Bridge: Iconic landmark near The Arts Ark (SE1 2UP).
- St Paul’s Cathedral: Historic site hosting mudlarking exhibits (EC4M 8AD).
- Greenwich Peninsula: Home to The O2 and art trails (SE10 0SQ).
- Southbank Centre: Cultural hub near The Scoop (SE1 8XX).
- Museum of London Docklands: Showcases Thames history (E14 4AL).
Accommodation Tips
Book hotels like Premier Inn London Bank or Hilton London Tower Bridge early, as prices rise in September. Budget options in Greenwich or Stratford are 20-30 minutes by public transport. Airbnb offers flats near festival venues.
Safety and Etiquette
- Carry cash for some vendors; ATMs are available but may charge fees.
- Respect communal areas and tip vendors ($1-$2 per order).
- Bags may be checked; avoid large backpacks.
- Follow foreshore safety guidelines during mudlarking and water-based events.
- Photography is common; inform photographers if you prefer not to be captured (see thamesfestivaltrust.org for photo policy).
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is entry to the festival free?
Yes, most events like markets, art trails, and the Clean Thames Challenge are free. Specific events require tickets starting at $8.82.
Are children allowed at the festival?
Yes, family-friendly events include the Kids’ Choir, Thames Tidefest, and River of Hope exhibition, with activities for all ages.
Tidefest, and River of Hope exhibition, with activities for all ages. What is mudlarking, and can I participate?
Mudlarking involves finding historical artifacts on the Thames foreshore. Guided tours ($31.50) and exhibitions ($12.60-$15.12) are available.
Can I volunteer at the festival?
Yes, roles include setup and litter-picking. Apply via thamesfestivaltrust.org/volunteer for festival access and community engagement.
Are venues accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, venues like St Katharine Docks and The Scoop are wheelchair-accessible. Check thamesfestivaltrust.org for detailed guides.