Totally Thames 2026 festival brings river events to 20 London boroughs
Free and ticketed activities include kayaking, art installations and a 250-boat race along the Thames
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Residents across 20 London boroughs will have the chance to explore the River Thames through art, sport and history next month. The Thames Festival Trust is hosting Totally Thames 2026, a month-long programme of events running from 1 to 30 September.
The festival includes exhibitions, performances, guided walks and boat trips. Some events are free, while others require tickets. The full schedule is available on the Totally Thames website, as reported by Londonist.
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Kayaking and sailing barge events in west London
Beginners can try kayaking at Kew Bridge on 5 and 6 September. Chelsea Kayak Club will run taster sessions for those new to the sport. The sessions are part of the festival’s focus on river access and outdoor activity.
From 5 to 19 September, the sailing barge SB Raybel will host Culture Cargo, a floating venue for live music and talks. The barge will travel from Gravesend to St Katharine Docks and Royal Docks, offering events at each stop.
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Art, race and cultural performances along the river
On 12 September, over 250 boat crews will compete in the Great River Race, a marathon from Millwall to Richmond. The event is one of the festival’s largest, drawing participants and spectators from across London.
Turner Prize-nominated artist Catherine Yass will present *Turning the Tide* on the columns of the disused Blackfriars Railway Bridge from 17 to 20 September. The installation was created in partnership with Graeae, a disabled-led theatre company, and highlights Deaf and disabled voices.
Other events include *Sing For Water* at the Oxo Tower Courtyard on 12 September, where over 40 choirs will perform, and *Ganga Aarti on the Thames* at Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College on 13 September, a free cultural celebration inspired by Indian traditions.
What happens next
Residents can check the Totally Thames website for updates on event locations, ticket availability and accessibility information. Some events may require advance booking, while others are drop-in.
Questions this report answers
+When does Totally Thames 2026 take place?
Totally Thames 2026 runs from 1 to 30 September 2026 across 20 London boroughs. The festival includes exhibitions, performances and boat trips, with events scheduled throughout the month.
+Is Kayaking for Beginners at Kew Bridge free?
It is unclear whether the kayaking sessions at Kew Bridge on 5-6 September are free. The festival includes both free and paid events, so residents should check the Totally Thames website for details.
+What is the Great River Race?
The Great River Race is a marathon along the Thames on 12 September, featuring over 250 boat crews. The race starts at Millwall and finishes at Richmond, attracting competitors and spectators from across London.
+Who created the *Turning the Tide* art installation?
The *Turning the Tide* installation on Blackfriars Railway Bridge was created by Turner Prize-nominated artist Catherine Yass. It runs from 17 to 20 September and was developed with disabled-led theatre company Graeae.
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