Totally Thames Returns: Here Are 5 Events You Won't Want To Miss

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Totally Thames Returns: Here Are 5 Events You Won't Want To Miss

This is a sponsored article on behalf of Totally Thames 2018.

The River Thames. It's the lifeblood of London, so it's only right that we give it a bit of love. In fact, how about a whole month of love?

Totally Thames is back from 1-30 September, bringing with it more than 100 river-inspired events and activities — from archaeological walks to poetry boat parties. This year, the focus is on our beloved waterway as an inspiration and source of creativity connecting London to other cities around the world.

There's plenty going on (you can check out the full line-up here), but if we had to pick our top 5 events? You won't want to miss these...

1. Inua Ellams’ The R.A.P Party

What better way to celebrate the Thames than to be cruising right on top of it? Climb aboard London's replica paddle steamer, Dixie Queen, and enjoy hip-hop inspired poems and songs at Inua Ellams' Rhythm and Poetry Party. Specially curated for Totally Thames, the evening features top names in contemporary poetry like Laurie Bolger, Tyrone Lewis and Ross Sutherland.

7.30pm, Wed 12 Sep | Tickets £15 | Dixie Queen, Butler's Wharf | Find Out More

2. Bascule Chambers Concerts

During bridge lifts, these mighty subterranean chambers house Tower Bridge's huge counterweights — but when the bridge is at rest, they stand completely empty. Perfect place to host a concert, right? Explore one of Victorian engineering's greatest feats whilst charmed by performances from the likes of the Marian Consort, Rae Levine and Kuljit Bhamra. These will sell out, so get your tickets quick.

Various times, Thur 20-Sun 23 Sep | Tickets £26 | South Bascule Chamber, Tower Bridge | Find Out More

3. The World's Oldest Boat Race exhibitions

Did you know that the Thames is home to the oldest continually competed sporting event in the world? The Race for Doggett's Coat and Badge has been passionately rowed by apprentice river workers since 1715, and despite its fascinating history, it's largely overshadowed by the more famous Oxford-Cambridge boat race. This fascinating exhibition — featuring recorded oral histories, photographic portraits and 100 years of never-seen-before archive material — brings the tradition to life.  

Various times, Sat 18 Aug-Sun 30 Sep | Free | Various locations | Find Out More

4. Rivers of the World exhibition at Oxo Gallery & Barking Creative Studios

What do rivers mean to communities today? This colourful exhibition showcases the river-inspired artwork created as part of the Rivers of the World project. Thousands of 12-14 year olds have taken part in the two-year programme, learning about both their local river and those in other countries, before teaming up with artists and designers to create a collective work of art.

11am-6pm, Wed 29 Aug-Sun 9 Sep | Free | gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower Wharf | Find Out More

5. More Than Just A Fish: The Scandalous Story of Whitebait

The Thames once teemed with fish. Catch of the day? Whitebait. Served on silver salvers and accompanied by wedges of bread, this little fish had London society hooked — such was its popularity amongst the high-classes, all other fish were cast aside, leading to a decline in the Thames fisheries. Join Roger Williams, author of Whitebait and the Thames Fisheries, and discover the story of this fashionable dish, and the state of London's river today.

7.30pm, Wed 19 Sep | Tickets £15 | The Trafalgar Tavern, Park Row | Find Out More


Totally Thames 2018 takes place from 1-30 September, and there's something exciting going on every day. Check out the full line-up here.

Last Updated 28 August 2018