THE THAMES REVIVAL, St Katharine Docks, Tower Hill, London

What/Why:

Vintage Boating At St Katharine Docks, London 9-11th September 2011

The Thames Revival is an annual event that celebrates vintage glamour, classic boats and the golden days of sailing, and will be taking place from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th September 2011. Taking place in St Katharine Docks in the shadow of Tower Bridge, The Thames Revival will feature beautifully restored classic boats and stylish vintage dress, forming an eye catching gathering never seen before in central London.

Over seventy classic boats will moor in St Katharine Docks for the occasion, representing Thames boating throughout the ages. Entering the historic docks will be like stepping back in time as guests view a fabulous variety of craft. Admire hearty fishing smacks, the finest racing yachts, steam tugs and upriver motor launches. Making the spectacle even more charming, the sailors will be in classic sailing costume that is particular to the era of their boat, reviving the timeless elegance of English boating.

There will be a special family friendly area at the revival, where a Steam Coaster and one of Arthur Ransome’s yachts will be on display for free in the South East corner of the West Basin. During conducted tours of the Steam coaster, children will get the chance to blow the boat’s whistle and experience the steam crane the way it operated a hundred years ago. Families will also love the Swallows and Amazons experience at The Arthur Ransome Display, featuring the well loved writer’s boat, the Nancy Blackett and the Peter Duck, a yacht built for him at Kings of Pin Mill. A highlight of the weekend will be the Thames Revival Oyster Run, a revival of a race whose origins are lost in the mists of time. The event – an Oyster Smack race to London – includes boats from all the East Coast growers and will create a fabulous spectacle as these greyhounds of the working fleet arrive on Saturday. There will be a prize giving and stall on the docks, giving spectators an opportunity to compare and contrast Oysters from Suffolk, Essex and Kent.

The marquee, run by Bourne and Hollingsworth, will serve signature classic cocktails and Champagne, while beer enthusiasts can enjoy Spitfire Ale, and peckish sailors will be able to choose from a selection of British hearty fare. Enjoy a Vintage Fashion Show, watch a Swing Dance display and competition, or the World Sculling Championships.

Delighting sailing and vintage enthusiasts alike, The Thames Revival is a unique and quintessentially English event that, after 2 successful years, has grown significantly and is set to become an iconic fixture on the London summer festival circuit.

Entry to St Katharine Docks is free to all festival goers. All the boats and activities can be seen from around the basin.