Totally Thames Festival

September is the month that celebrates all kinds of fun things around our beloved river Thames during the Totally Thames festival. It is actually a collection of 150 events ranging from walks, movies, music performances, exhibitions, dining experiences and lots more. All taking place on or around the Thames of course during the full length of the month September.

It happens every year, and yet I have managed to miss it every single time. I decided to put an end to that and actually go and see some of the events and goings-on this year.

I headed to St Katherine's Dock to see the classical boat festival and to help out the lovely people at Thames Estuary Partnerships in their stand.

 St Katherine's Dock is a lovely place in its own right and absolutely worth checking out if you're ever near the Tower Bridge or the Tower of London. A lot fewer tourists there as well.
It is the only marine in central London where sailors can come and enjoy the unique experience of sailing up the Thames and mooring right next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. And for the non sailors amongst us, it is a lovely place to watch the boats and enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes around the marina.

Today the boats looked a tad bit different as the marina was filled with beautiful classic boats. Visitors had a chance to chat with the owners and even climb on board.

There were also food and river related stalls and a lovely corner where people could chill on beanbags and enjoy some live music from the National Youth Jazz Orchestra Academy, the sea shanty singers and the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands.

I walked around for a wee while and admired some of these boats and they were absolute gems. There were river cruisers from the 1940s, classic sailing boats, an old school fire boat and even a royal rowing boat. A lot of bling on that one. Not that I am much of a boat person, but it was a very enjoyable afternoon.

This festival was held only this weekend, but have a look at the Totally Thames website to find lots more interesting and Thames related things to do this month.