Tidefest is now an established River Thames event which aims to highlight the recreational importance of the Thames to Londoners and to encourage people to 'enjoy the river'. It is part of the month long Totally Thames Festival and is sponsored by Thames Water and Fuller, Smith & Turner with support from the London Borough of Hounslow, Thames Festival, Port of London Authority and the Environment Agency.

Tidefest is once again based at Strand-on-the-Green in Chiswick with activities and events at Brentford, Barnes, Twickenham, Deptford and other locations along the Thames Tideway.

Visit some hidden corners with trips to Oliver’s Island or Lots Ait where African Queen was filmed or the Eel Pie Island museum which saw the start of the careers of Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones.

Strand on the Green Embankment will host marquees along the riverside with community activities, food & refreshments while the Kew Bridge Piazza will host a music stage not to mention a Victorian fire engine.

There are photographic walks, visits to nature reserves, freshwater tanks filled with fish, an angling competition and lots more things to do. Visit the fascinating Museum of Water & Steam and ride a steam locomotive or the hidden gem that is the Musical Museum.

The full programme is now available and can be booked via the Tidefest website at: www.thamestidefest.net 

You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thamestidefest

Mathew Frith, Director of Conservation at London Wildlife Trust said:

“ Thames Tidefest is a great opportunity to enjoy a day by the Capital’s principal river with lots to see and do – both on and off the water. You can discover what lives in the river, its value for London’s wildlife and how important it is as a migratory route for fish and birds. London Wildlife Trust staff will be on hand to talk about the Thames’ wildlife and there will be special walks and talks all aimed at bringing this amazing ‘wildlife corridor’ to life."

Tidefest Chairman Martin Salter added:

“Tidefest is now a well-established annual event that grows in popularity every year and which aims to help reconnect Londoners with their river. The Thames holds over 120 different species of fish and is home to a tremendous array of birds yet surprisingly few people are aware of what a great resource we have here in the heart of London. Once again there will be a special emphasis on highlighting the menace of plastic pollution which is doing so much harm in our rivers and oceans.”

There are range of new attractions this year including:

• Live music from local artists – Duffy & Bird, The Chansongs Trio, Olive+Alex and Saffron.
• New boat trips to Chiswick Pier to catch up with the RNLI.
• Visits to explore the Deptford Creek and Thames Water’s Kempton Nature reserve.

Please make a note in your diaries and come and enjoy the river with us on September 8th.