Totally Thames Festival 2026 – London, England
Overview
Totally Thames is a month-long, city-wide celebration of London’s iconic river, curated by the Thames Festival Trust. What began in 1997 as a two-day weekend event has expanded into a massive 42-mile artistic and cultural program stretching from Richmond to Barking and Dagenham. The festival explores the river’s heritage, ecology, and future through a diverse mix of large-scale art installations, live performances, and river-based sporting events.
In 2026, the festival continues its tradition of bringing the “life of the river” to the public, featuring over 100 events that take place on, beneath, and along the water. Highlights often include the Great River Race, a 21-mile rowing marathon known as “London’s river version of the marathon,” and the Classic Boat Festival at St Katharine Docks. With a focus on accessibility and environmental awareness, Totally Thames serves as a vibrant farewell to the summer and a celebration of London’s most vital natural asset.
Event Highlights
- The Great River Race: A spectacular pageant featuring over 300 traditional boats, from Viking longships to dragon boats, racing from Millwall to Richmond.
- Classic Boat Festival: A display of over 50 historic vessels at St Katharine Docks, where visitors can board vintage tugs, sailing barges, and Dunkirk Little Ships.
- Reflections on the Thames: An evening illuminated boat procession featuring vessels decorated with shimmering lights, creating a glowing trail through central London.
- Mudlarking Exhibitions: Guided walks and pop-up galleries showcasing the archaeological treasures found by “mudlarks” on the foreshore during low tide.
- Ship of Tolerance: A recurring art installation—often featuring a ship with sails made from paintings by thousands of children—promoting messages of peace and unity.
Why Attend
This festival is perfect for anyone who wants to see a different side of London—one that is focused on its liquid history and maritime spirit. It offers a unique mix of high-energy sporting spectacles and quiet, immersive art experiences in unusual riverside locations, such as the Brunel Museum or old pumping stations. Because the festival spans an entire month, it is easy to integrate into any London itinerary, whether you have an hour to see a bridge projection or a full day to follow the river race.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
For travelers, Totally Thames provides a wealth of free cultural activities that celebrate the city’s diversity. It is exceptionally family-friendly, with many workshops designed to teach children about river ecology and art. Whether you are watching the sunset over the Thames from a river-level concert or exploring a historic ship usually closed to the public, the festival offers a profound connection to the heart of London.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: September 2026 (TBD).
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: London, England.
- Venue: Various locations along the 42-mile stretch of the River Thames.
- Key Hubs: South Bank, St Katharine Docks, Richmond, and Greenwich.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Most outdoor events (marathons, markets, installations) are free; specialized concerts, boat tours, and talks may require tickets via the official website.
- Admission Type: Primarily Free Admission; individual ticket prices for “below-river” concerts or boat parties.
- Ticket Pricing: Free for 80% of activities; ticketed events typically range from $15 to $45.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Hospitality packages are often available for the Great River Race and private boat tours.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: contact@thamesfestival.org
- Phone: +44 20 7928 8998
- Website: https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/ThamesFestivalTrust/
- https://twitter.com/thamesfesttrust
- https://vimeo.com/channels/tfttv
- https://www.instagram.com/thamesfestivaltrust/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/thamesfestivaltrust/
- https://www.youtube.com/c/ThamesFestivalTrust
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and London City (LCY); London City is directly on the river and very convenient for East London events.
- Public Transport: Use the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers for the best views; London Underground stations like Westminster, Tower Hill, and Greenwich serve major hubs.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Black cabs and Uber are abundant throughout London; a riverside drop-off is roughly $15–$30 from central hotels.
- Parking: Parking is extremely difficult and expensive in central London; using the “Park & Glide” or general public transport is highly recommended.
- Other Access: The Thames Path provides a beautiful walking or cycling route that covers almost every festival location.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: The Savoy (5-star, iconic river views ~$600–$900/night); Shangri-La The Shard (5-star, panoramic views ~$700–$1,100/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Sea Containers London (4-star, South Bank design hotel ~$250–$380/night); CitizenM Tower of London (~$180–$260/night).
- Budget Stays: Wombat’s City Hostel London (near Tower Bridge ~$40–$100/night); Premier Inn London Southwark (~$100–$160/night).
Reviews
- The Great River Race is like a carnival on the water; the effort the crews put in is just incredible to watch from the bridges.
- I loved the mudlarking exhibition—I had no idea you could find Roman coins and Victorian pipes just by walking on the beach at low tide!
- Seeing the Classic Boats lit up at night in St Katharine Docks was the highlight of my trip; it felt like stepping back in time.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is there a central "festival ground" for Totally Thames?
Because the festival covers 42 miles of the river, there is no single entrance. Instead, activities are spread across several "hubs." For the densest concentration of events, head to the South Bank (near the National Theatre) or St Katharine Docks (near Tower Bridge). The official digital map released each August is the best way to see which events are closest to you.
How do I find out when the "Great River Race" starts?
The race is timed to coincide with the river's tides, so the start time changes every year. It typically begins in the morning at Millwall and finishes in the afternoon at Richmond. The exact schedule is usually posted on the Great River Race official website and the Totally Thames program in July.
Can I take part in the "Clean Thames Challenge" or other volunteer events?
Yes! The festival places a heavy emphasis on river health. There are several "Clean-Up" events throughout September where volunteers can help remove plastic from the foreshore. These are free to join but often require pre-registration on the festival website for safety reasons and to ensure enough equipment (gloves, bags) is provided.
Are the boat tours and events accessible for wheelchair users?
Most major river piers and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers are fully wheelchair accessible. However, some of the historic "Classic Boats" and smaller vessels used for workshops may have steep stairs or narrow gangplanks. The festival program usually includes accessibility icons for each event to help you plan accordingly.
What is the "Ship of Tolerance"?
The Ship of Tolerance is an international art project by Ilya and Emilia Kabakov that frequently appears during the festival. It is a wooden ship whose sails are made from hundreds of paintings by local schoolchildren. It serves as a floating message of hope and inclusion and is usually moored in a prominent location like the Royal Docks or near the Millennium Bridge.
