River Revelry: The South Bank riverside
walkway: Thousands of people take part in activities on the riverside walkways and right up to the water's edge. There are lots of free activities including lantern-making workshops, street theatre, a
riverside funfair, wandering musicians, face painting, a river clean-up, sand castle competition and food and craft stalls (Sat & Sun, 2pm to 6pm).The Great River Race:
The Thames between Westminster and Blackfriars Bridges: This race from Ham House to Island Gardens is open to any traditional boat that is coxed, carrying a passenger and powered by at least four oars. Over 300 boats take part in this 22-mile river "marathon" from wherries to war canoes, from Cornish gigs to Chinese dragon boats, all striving to become the UK traditional boat champions (Sat, 2.30pm & 3.30pm).
My River: The north facing side of the LWT Tower:
What does the river mean to you? Hundreds of people's Thames-inspired thoughts, artworks and sounds have been selected and woven together into a monumental sound and light show. For this extraordinary event, the LWT tower plays host to the biggest projection screen ever seen in Central London: a billboard half the size of a football pitch. (Sat & Sun, 8.30pm to 10pm).
A River Odyssey Lantern Procession:
Victoria Embankment to Blackfriars Bridge to Upper Ground: This spectacular procession – a glittering, flickering river of light – is the result of over three months of creative work by teams of artists working with schools and community groups from all over London. There are huge illuminated sculptures, carnival costumes that light up, brilliant images built on floats and vibrant street music sounds.(Sun, 7.30pm to 9.30pm)
Groupe F (fireworks): The Thames between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges: For the third year running, the festival's fireworks finale is a special commission from the French master
pyrotechnician Christophe Berthonneau (Groupe F) who is widely acknowledged to be the world's most creative fireworks artist. (Sun, 10pm). |
