Written by Amanda David
A month-long annual arts and cultural festival at venues spanning the length of the Thames. The sheer variety of events is staggering, from film, concerts and art installations to activities and exhibits, walks, talks and boat rides.
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When and where are Totally Thames 2024 events being held?
This year’s festival currently has 56 events to browse and there’s a whole lot of river to work with, so you’re bound to find something you like near you. The month-long festival runs along a 42-mile stretch of the Thames, and celebrates arts, culture, river organisations and sustainability. Central spots like London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Cannon Street as well as Fulham, Woolwich and Docklands are generally good bets.
Every year, crowds gather to look at large-scale set pieces both on and off the water but the festival also has an open-call policy for smaller events. That means plenty of river clean-ups, pop-ups, mudlarking, live performances, foreshore walks and workshops.
Free events at Totally Thames Festival 2024
Tickets are available for specific events or activities (more on those later) but there’s plenty of free stuff to get involved with too.
The Great River Race
Not to be confused with the Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge rowing crews, London’s river marathon will see over 250 crews race from Millwall in East London to Ham, Richmond. From young sea scouts to veterans, and from around the world, crews will race to raise money for charity.
The Line at Greenwich Peninsula & Royal Victoria
Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Victoria Dock have created an art trail with works by internationally renowned artists, including Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, Serge Attukwei Clottey, Richard Wilson, Larry Achiampong and Laura Ford. The art is inspired by the history of the river as well as water as a site for public art. Visitors are encouraged to begin The Line’s route in North Greenwich, go along the Peninsula from the O2 to the IFS cable car and then cross the river to the docks.
| Photo by Lucy Young 2017
Classic Boat Festival at St. Katharine Docks
2024 marks the 15th annual Classic Boat Festival. Enjoy over 40 beautiful vintage boats on display, from Dunkirk Little Ships to Thames sailing barges and a Navy P2000 vessel. You can also get involved with a range of family-friendly fun including workshops, live music and kids’ activities.
Hands on History
Experience Tudor London up close by by seeing and handling 16th century artefacts recovered from the River Thames by mudlarks. As a bonus, the exhibitions are held in some of London’s most iconic venues including St Paul’s Cathedral and a Roman amphitheatre.
Move and Sketch by River Thames
What’s not to love about this family friendly two-hour wellness activity, exploring the Thames with a walking session along the Thames pathway in Greenwich, getting creative by sketching the river and the surrounding landmarks. Improve your confidence in walking regularly, boost mental wellbeing, unleash your creativity and get chatting to others.
Ticketed highlights at Totally Thames Festival 2024
Alas, you can’t just wander up to every event and get stuck in, but here are some great value options. To book tickets you will need to set up a free account on their website, which is quick and easy.
Footsteps of Mudlarks
Guided by an expert archaeologist you can try your hand at mudlarking and unearth the archaeology of the Thames foreshore, perhaps discovering evidence of activity going back hundreds of years.
Tickets are £25.00
The Master Shipwright’s House
Settle in for an enchanted evening with pianist Rob Hao performing pieces inspired by water, dance from Def Creative and a lighting projection work in the gardens by artist Will Lindley.
Tickets are £25.00
Nadī
‘Nadī’ a Marathi word for ‘river’ is an interpretation of an Indian folk tale by former Rambert dancers, Aishwarya Raut and Antonello Sangirardi. This contemporary dance duet is by turn humorous, dramatic and intensely physical.
Tickets are £15.00
Water-based activities at Totally Thames Festival 2024
So technically all of the events are water-based – but these events actually take place on the water.
Kayaking taster sessions
Chelsea Kayak Club (CKC), London’s only dedicated sea kayaking club, is running taster sessions on the River Thames. Each session will last about 1hr 30mins and be run by two experienced paddlers and five spaces on each session will be set aside for those new to kayaking (over 18s only).
Tickets are £25.00
Guided tour of Thames bridges by Thames Clipper
A storytelling journey under London’s historic bridges from Westminster to Woolwich Arsenal. Ever wondered why London Bridge was falling down, or what Hungerford Bridge has to do with ice cream? Now’s your chance to find out.
Tickets are £20.00, including the boat trip.
Performances, talks and live events at Totally Thames Festival 2024
It’s not just for active types — there are dozens of opportunities to meet creative folk and experience arts and culture up close, in both the ticketed and free event categories.
There are river-themed film screenings, an introduction to the Winchester Geese (church-licensed historical sex workers of Southwark), a primary school children’s choir and a tour of an island nature reserve – and that’s just a taster of what’s on durung the month.
Check out their website for full details.
Organisers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
