Mayor's Thames Festival

12th September 2009 to 13th September 2009
Southbank Centre, Banside and Embankment, Lambeth, London, SE1 8XX
Telephone: 020 7928 8998
Ken Livingston may be gone from the post and Boris Johnston installed but this festival, instigated by Ken, carries on regardless and draws over half a million visitors each year. The Mayor's Thames Festival takes place over two days on the banks of the world famous River Thames and on the best known part - between Tower Bridge and Westminster.

The Festival mixes and wonderful series of events involving hundreds of dancers and other artists in daytime displays along with a very lively night time carnival feel. There are many, many activities specifically intended for children and a race on the river in which over 300 oared boats - many with rather eccentric styles, such as the Viking Dragon Boats - vie to win. The climax of the Mayor's Thames Festival is a Night Carnival, which includes over 2,000 costumed performers of various arts, floats and a final huge fireworks display to light up the night sky.

Visiting Mayor's Thames Festival:

Cost: Free
Time: Noon - 10pm
Age Restrictions: n/a

Nearest Underground Stations:
Waterloo Tube (6 minutes)
Lambeth North Tube (12 minutes)

Nearest Hotels: Stay at Quality Crown Hotel Hyde Park and travel to any point on the river bank of your choice - we suggest taking the Bakerloo Line to Waterloo and taking the short walk to the Southbank Centre, which is the focal point of the festival.