The Totally Thames Festival, an annual celebration of London's iconic River Thames, returns in September 2024 with a diverse program of arts, culture, and environmental events spanning the river's 42-mile stretch. From dance performances and art installations to boat races and mudlarking expeditions, this month-long festival offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the Thames' rich heritage and vibrant present.
Exploring the Thames Through Art Installations
The Totally Thames Festival transforms the River Thames into a vibrant canvas for artistic expression, featuring numerous art installations that celebrate the river's cultural and historical significance. Notable among these is "The Line," an art trail spanning Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Victoria Dock, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, and Serge Attukwei Clottey. These installations, inspired by the river's history and its role as a site for public art, offer visitors a unique perspective on the Thames. Additionally, site-specific performances and exhibitions, like "Standing Ground" at Thames-Side Studios Gallery, explore themes of diaspora and identity through landscape painting, reflecting the river's influence on contemporary British culture
Thames-Focused Dance Performances
The Totally Thames Festival 2024 features several dance performances inspired by the River Thames and its cultural significance. A highlight is "Nadī," a contemporary dance duet performed by former Rambert dancers Aishwarya Raut and Antonello Sangirardi at the Rambert Studios. This piece, inspired by a folk tale from India's Konkan region, combines physicality with theatricality. Another notable performance is by Def Creative, a team of multifaceted artists specializing in movement, who will present a dance inspired by the Thames Barrier and its role in flood prevention. These performances offer unique interpretations of the river's influence, blending cultural narratives with environmental themes to create engaging and thought-provoking experiences for festival attendees.
The Great River Race: A Marathon on Water
The Great River Race, known as London's River Marathon, is a highlight of the Totally Thames Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 21, 2024. This spectacular boat race covers 21.6 miles from Millwall in East London to Richmond in the West, passing under London's iconic bridges. The event attracts around 300 crews from diverse backgrounds, including international competitors, and features a wide variety of fixed-seat craft. With over 2,500 participants competing for 37 trophies, it has become Europe's largest and most prestigious event of its kind. The race, which starts at approximately 13:15 from Masthouse Terrace Pier in Greenwich Reach, not only showcases athletic prowess but also embraces a spirit of fun, with many crews donning fancy dress and raising money for charity.
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