The Totally Thames festival returns once again this September, transforming London's riverbank into a festival of cultural activities. The 42-mile stretch of riverside will be taken over by more than 150 events and activities for a month-long celebration. Get ready for art installations, musical performances, regattas and riverside archeology, all along the banks of the Thames.
Last year, over 2.6 million people attended the Totally Thames events. This September there's more to choose from than ever before. Here is our round-up of festival highlights to guide you through all the fun. Click here for the full festival line-up.
Unmissable Art
Floating Dreams by Ik-Joong Kang
A glittering, three-storey high, illuminated lantern by Ik-Joong Kang, one of South Korea's most celebrated multimedia artists, will drift along the river from Millennium Bridge on a series of journeys. The lantern is a memorial to the millions of people displaced during the Korean War. If you look closely you'll see that the Floating Dreams spectacle is made of 500 tiny drawings. Go at night for maximum impact.
Thursday 1 – Friday 30 September
Bankside, adjacent to Millennium Bridge
Free
Fluxland by Cyril de Commarque
Jump aboard this 25-metre long freight boat, which has been converted into a life-size work of art. Travel down the Thames within the visual and sound installation. Inspired by Greek philosophy which states that the polyhedron form inspires artistic contemplation, the boat's mirrored surface invites introspection whilst simultaneously reflecting the external world.
From 7 September
Various locations, River Thames, London
For the other artistic celebrations taking over the city as part of Totally Thames, click to read about Anne Krinsky’s installation of paintings, photographs, digital prints of river and the embankment, at the The Gallery, Thames-Side Studios, Harrington Way London.
And here to discover Rivers of the World Exhibition: an international arts education programme exploring environmental, social, ecological and cultural aspects of their river.
Musical Highlights
Bascule Chamber Concerts curated by Iain Chambers
When Tower Bridge is down, the Bascule Chamber is an otherworldly, brick-lined, subterranean Victorian space. The spine-tingling vibrations of award-winning Juice Vocal Ensemble and Ben See Group as curated by composer Iain Chambers, make this underground hideaway the city's most atmospheric auditorium. Last year the Bascule Chamber Concerts sold out quickly; book fast.
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 September
£25 (plus booking fee)
South Bascule Chamber, Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Rd, SE1 2UP
The Singing Bridge by Claudia Molitor
Walk along Waterloo Bridge with a headset from Somerset House for a 40 minute musical experience curated by artist Claudia Molitor. The composition questions Londoners' relationship to the bridge and those who built it. Don't expect your standard classical fare; the eclectic Singing Bridge music combines drum and synth, folk and spoken word poetry.
find out more
Friday 9 – Sunday 25 September
Free
Somerset House, New Wing, Strand, WC2R 1LA
Click here to read more about the live performances and large-scale photographic projections designed to celebrate the women who built Waterloo Bridge. Read about a colossal choir of over 450 primary school children singing as one in Thames Festival Trust’s Kids’ Choir.
Atmospheric Theatre Highlights
Mooring by Vocal Point
Inspired by true events, Mooring challenges preconceptions of what life sleeping rough on the banks of the river Thames might be like. This emotional tale is staged in the cavernous chamber of the Brunel Museum's remarkable Sinking Shaft (formerly an entrance hall to Brunel Tunnel). Prepare to be see a whole new side of London.
find out more
Thursday 1 - Friday 9 September
£8/£6 concessions (plus booking fee)
Sinking Shaft, Brunel Museum, Railway Avenue, Rotherhithe, SE16 4LF
On the Docks: 5x15 and Totally Thames presents Stories from the River
First ferry along the Thames, then join a conversation with sculptor Richard Wilson, historian Rachel Lichtenstein, poet Inua Ella, author Iain Sinclair and musician Orlando Seale as they discuss the influence of the river on their art in the historic Grade II-listed Chainstore built in 1854.
find out more
Thursday 15 September
£25/£15 concessions (including one-way river trip) plus booking fee
Trinity Buoy Wharf, 64 Orchard Place, London, E14 0JY
Check your knowledge of the river with the Londonist Quiz Afloat with Matt Brown - a pub quiz with a difference on the Battersea Barge, testing participants' London knowledge and observation skills. Those with a soft spot for riverboats discover the little told history of life aboard the Thames with Life Afloat.
River Events
TideFest 2016
Get onto the water for kayaking, river dipping, guided bankside walks, boat trips, an angling competition, nature reserve visits, artists displays, seine netting, live fish tanks, children’s games, refreshments and much more.
Saturday 11 September
Free
Strand on the Green, Chiswick, W4 3RE
Sail Royal Greenwich: Tall Ships Cruise
Step back in time and onto a tall ship, as they return to the river for the Totally Thames festival for four days only. Make an unforgettable journey on the historic vessel and drink in the sights and delights of the city. Fireworks complete the evening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 September
Cruise tickets from £39.90
There's so much more happening on the river this September. Go for an invigorating swim in the Thames (only the brave). Or, if you want to get into the river without getting wet, join the Sea River Relay, jump onto a paddle board and carry a bottle of fresh Thames water filled at the source down the river.
Boat lovers get involved in the Great River Race, London's spectacular River Marathon for traditional boats up the Thames from Millwall to Ham. On the 17 September, join the Thames Sailing Barge Parade, a collection of barges not seen in once place since the Industrial Revolution that gather together in West India Docks as a pop-up museum. If that doesn't float your boat, join the St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival with family entertainment, live music and British street food.
Walkers admire the history of London with a series of Foreshore Walks. There's so much more happening as part of the festival - click here to explore the full line-up.
Architectural activities
Tower Beach Open Day
Ever fancied yourself an amateur archeologist? Tower Beach will be open to the public offering the unusual chance to explore the Thames' riverbank. Visitors can comb the beach for historic objects washed up. Experts from Thames21 and the Thames Discovery Programme will be on hand to help identify your potential treasures.
Sunday 18 September
Free
Access via Queens Staircase, The Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB
| What | Totally Thames festival 2016 |
| When |
01 Sep 16 – 30 Sep 16, Times vary |
| Price | £Free - £25 |
| Website | Click here for more information and to book |
