UK Smart Guide For Tourism - The Thames Festival Celebrating the River Thames

home

Site Map

England

Scotland

Wales

Ireland

Links

Print | river Thames

Bookmark

2nd November 2008 - by Edward Grey

The Thames Festival Celebrating the River Thames

The Mayor's Thames Festival is one of the most popular celebrations in London. You will see people around singing and dancing, rejoicing as they celebrate the River Thames, which is one of London's greatest natural assets. The event happens every September of each year. Anyone can come as the festival is free.

This festival is one of the largest of its kind in the whole of Europe. You will be able to see people of different ages and nationality come together to witness all the spectacular music, carnivals, special effects, and fireworks.

The purpose of this is not only for enjoyment but is also for the people to be educated about the history of Thames River and its role in the city. That is why some local schools require their students to get involved in this event and sometimes even have them do assignments related to this event.

The Main Events

There are a few unique main events that are held during the festival:

- Sing for Water - It is actually an association that aims to raise funds in order to support projects concerning aiding water. The very first Sing for Water event took place during the 2002 Thames festival. This event is highlighted by an exhibition of an adult choir.

- Feats on the Bridge - is a 300-metre banquet created by a person named Clare Patey. It offers high-quality food aside from the various ceremonies held in this particular event.

Aside from the main events, of course there other parts of the Thames Festival that you shouldn't fail to miss. There is live music everywhere as there are nine stages that offer different types of music. Dancing will always be part of the celebration. There are dance exhibitions everywhere as well some workshops that will teach visitors how to dance.

All the singing and dancing are just a couple of many attractions throughout the celebration. There are circus, art installations, illuminations, and many other street arts surrounding the event and even on the river.

Participation of Different Cultures

The Thames Festival doesn't focus on just the River Thames. It also allows other cultures to get involved. You can hear and immerse yourself from different music from different countries around the world. There are around 350 different kinds of international food that are served on different stalls all around the place. This is not just a feast for the senses but for the stomach as well.

A Vacation in London

If you're looking for a city to have a vacation, London may be a good choice for you. Aside from the Thames Festival, there are a lot of other good places to go. Though the Thames Festival is free for all, you must remember that London is one of many expensive cities in the whole world. You need to budget you money by finding cheap accommodations and stores to shop on so you'll have a lot of extra money to spend on other attractions. So make sure you bring enough so you can enjoy your stay to the fullest.