Think of a city, any city anywhere in the world. Like as not, it will have a river running through it. Why? Because our forebears gathered around rivers for water and food and an easy way to get from A to B. But as cities grew, many urban rivers became lost, forgotten or polluted. Fast forward to now, and the good news is that rivers are getting their mojo back. Citizens are demanding clean water. Architects are designing cool riverfront locations. Rivers are great for urban well-being.
A sign of its own rejuvenation, the River Thames in London has a festival. Taking place annually in September, Totally Thames is a month-long season of river-inspired art and culture, water sports, boating fests, and riverine heritage activities.
With almost 90 events on the Totally Thames festival website, there’s loads to choose from. Here are a few highlights:
- Catherine Yass, the Turner Prize-nominated artist, has created a site-specific film installation which will be projected onto the columns of Blackfriars Railway Bridge.
- The riverfront in Brentford is transformed into an open-air exhibition space with life-size reproductions of paintings from the National Gallery.
- There’s a 5k and 10k wild-water swim in the Thames from Putney to Teddington Lock.
- The Great River Race, the Thames’ equivalent to the London Marathon, 300 rowed boats will race over a 21-mile course, raising money for their chosen charities.
One of the festival’s most sought-after programme strands are exhibitions of mudlark finds. The River Thames is tidal and twice a day, when the tide is out, a beach or foreshore is exposed. Mudlarking is the practice of searching these areas for items of historic interest. There’s a surprising amount to be discovered, because throughout history the river was used as a dumping ground. Look carefully, and you might find a broken sherd of Roman tableware, a Medieval pilgrim’s badge, a Tudor button, a Victorian clay pipe, an Edwardian children’s toy.
Every weekend during Totally Thames festival, thousands of such curios are displayed, with the mudlarks on hand to explain their backstories, in The Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral, in the Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall and at the London Museum in Docklands.
When the festival first started in 1987, only a few people were combing the Thames beaches for items of interest. However, recently, social media has fuelled a craze for mudlarking, and thousands of people apply for the limited number of Port of London Authority mudlark licences. If you are thinking of becoming a mudlark yourself, please note that a licence is required!
A characteristic of Totally Thames festival is the distinctive locations chosen for its events. Each has a unique relationship to the river. Many places are discoveries in themselves. Here are a few tips:
- Enjoy classical music at Sir Joseph Bazalgette’s remarkable Victorian Crossness Pumping Station with The Orchestra for the Earth
- There is contemporary music and an immersive environment of sound, moving image in the hold of SS Robin, the oldest complete steam coaster in the world, built in London in 1890 and now moored at Trinity Buoy Wharf.
- Shakespeare’s The Tempest is performed aboard the historic replica vessel The Golden Hinde.
- In Brunel’s Thames Tunnel Shaft, dancers Aishwarya Raut and Antonello Sangirardi present a contemporary duet.
- And, running throughout September, Culture Cargo transforms the historic Thames Sailing Barge Raybel as it journeys from the Thames Estuary into central London.
If you are looking for a day out with your family, then visit The Classic Boat Festival at Katharine Docks. This brings together over fifty beautifully restored historic vessels, including Thames sailing barges, Dunkirk Little Ships and steam tugs, alongside live music, talks and family activities celebrating Britain’s rich maritime heritage.
Or, if you’re looking for more activity on the Thames itself, then head for Tidefest, a free family festival at Strand-on-the-Green, featuring live music, kayaking, paddleboarding, foreshore walks, children’s activities and London’s largest fishing competition.
The joy of Totally Thames festival is allowing both Londoners and visitors to rediscover the amazing wonder that is the River Thames. For years, people considered it divide the capital. Famously, those that lived ‘south of the river’ were wary about venturing north, and visa versa. Nowadays, the river is acknowledged to be London’s greatest natural asset, a wildlife superhighway. A place of tranquillity and well-being in the bustling heart of the metropolis.
One last tip from the director. There are two unmissable events. Both are iconic to Totally Thames festival. They are massed choirs. Sing for Water brings together more than 300 adult singers in the Bargehouse Courtyard behind the Oxo Tower. Later in the month, Kids’ Choir fills the iconic West Steps of St Paul’s Cathedral with over 300 children. Both adults and children are raising their voices in harmony, reminding us all of the precious value of community, of creativety and the need to ensure everyone has access to fresh clean water. Promoting these qualities and aspirations is what Totally Thames festival is all about.
