Totally Thames 2026: Month-Long River Festival Comes to London
A Month-Long Celebration of London’s Waterways
Mark your calendars for September 2026, when the Thames Festival Trust transforms London into a celebration of everything riverine. Running across all 20 boroughs—from Hounslow and Whitton in the west through to Richmond and beyond—Totally Thames brings together hundreds of events designed to deepen our connection with the water that shaped our city.
This isn’t just about the Thames itself. The festival encompasses London’s other rivers, historic docks, and beaches, recognising the rich aquatic heritage that defines our communities. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or relatively new to the area, there’s something here to discover.
The Thames Festival Trust has curated an impressive range of experiences: from intimate guided walks exploring medieval riverside life to large-scale art installations, live music performances, boat races, and kayaking lessons. Many events are completely free, making this an accessible celebration for families, school groups, and anyone curious about London’s waterways. The diversity of programming means you can engage with the river on your own terms—whether through active participation, quiet contemplation, or cultural exploration.
What’s Happening Near You: Key Events Across West London
If you’re based in Hounslow, Whitton, Richmond, or the wider southwest London area, several flagship events will hit close to home. The Great River Race on 12 September is unmissable: over 250 boat crews will thunder down the Thames in a marathon journey from Millwall to Richmond. It’s a spectacle that draws crowds to riverside viewing points, and local families often make it a tradition.
For something more relaxed, kayaking taster sessions at Kew Bridge (5-6 September) offer newcomers a chance to learn from Chelsea Kayak Club experts in a supportive environment. It’s perfect if you’ve always wondered what it’s like to take to the water.
The floating venue Culture Cargo—a transformed sailing barge—will journey through the region with live music and conversations throughout September. Meanwhile, the Ganga Aarti at Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College (13 September) celebrates Indian traditions with food, music, and a traditional light ceremony—a wonderful opportunity to experience cultural diversity rooted in water traditions from across the world.
How to Get Involved and What Comes Next
Totally Thames isn’t something to passively observe from the sidelines. Many events actively invite participation. The “Sing for Water” event on 12 September brings together over 40 choirs to form a “super choir” at the Oxo Tower Courtyard—if you sing, consider joining or attending. Helen Epega’s “Where the River Holds Us” (27-28 September) is designed as a multisensory, interactive experience that blends music, storytelling, and audience participation.
For those interested in history and riverside heritage, Laura Agustín’s walking tour (12 September) brings six medieval women to life—scullery maids, laundresses, and other workers who lived and laboured along the Thames centuries ago. It’s a chance to explore your local area’s deep past.
Catherine Yass’s installation on Blackfriars Railway Bridge (17-20 September) celebrates disabled and Deaf perspectives, created in partnership with disabled-led theatre company Graeae.
Head to the official Totally Thames website for the complete programme, ticket information, and registration details. Many events are free, but some require advance booking. Check what’s happening in your borough and plan your September accordingly. This is London’s river, and it belongs to all of us.
Source: Totally Thames 2026: London’s Month-Long Festival Of All Things Riverine
