On Saturday 6 September everyone can enjoy a flotilla of boats through the ages, thrilling river races, and superb music, dance and theatre all celebrating 1000 years of life and work on the river. Stretching 1.5 miles between Queens Promenade, Eagle Brewery Wharf and Canbury Gardens over 100 boats will take part on the day. The event is part of the capital’s Totally Thames festival and the Royal Borough’s Kingston 2025 cultural celebrations.
A flagship six month celebration of past, present and future in the Royal Borough of Kingston. The diverse Kingston 2025 programme has included large scale public events, performances and exhibitions as well as many diverse community-led cultural activities. It marks the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of King Athelstan, the first King of a unified England, right in the heart of Kingston in 925.
Cllr Andreas Kirsch, Leader of Royal Borough of Kingston, said:
Highlights of the River Cultures Festival include a colourful flotilla launching at 12.00 noon with commentary available at Eagle Brewery Wharf and Canbury Gardens. Notable boats include a Saxon replica craft Sae Wylfing, the Royal Shallop Jubilant, and Lindsey 2111, a WWII RAF flying boat refueller. Hundreds of people from across Kingston’s communities will join the Mayor Kingston on the water.
There will be thrilling river races, dozens of community stalls and performances in Canbury Gardens sharing information about all things Thames - from how to get into sailing to protecting river wildlife and live music at the new look Eagle Brewery Wharf.
Visitors can also look forward to dance, music, street theatre for all the family and take a final chance to join artist in residence Carlos Cortes' creative workshops making colourful boat sculptures for the Kingston Carnival Parade the following day (Sunday 7 September).
Make a day of it by packing a picnic or fueling up at one of our pop up catering stands or relaxing at your favourite riverside bar or eatery and see out the summer in style.
Nearest Station: Kingston, Surbiton