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News

Weather fails to dampen spirits and this year’s Tidefest

Despite a dire forecast nobody let the wind and rain dampen their spirits at this year’s Tidefest on Sunday. All the activities went ahead as planned at Kew Bridge, Barnes and Chiswick including kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, canoeing, river dipping and foreshore history walks.

Now in its 11th year Thames Tidefest is an celebration of the river whose future was in doubt until new sponsors stepped forward in the shape of the Port of London Authority (PLA). Tidefest began in 2014 as a coalition of volunteers from many river related organisations with the aim of increasing public awareness and appreciation London’s river as an environmental and recreational resource. It grew out of the desire to see a cleaner Thames with the successful Thames Tunnel Now campaign in favour of what is now the Thames Tideway Tunnel, which opened earlier this year. 

Special guests included Amy Croft (Mayor of Hounslow), Ruth Cadbury MP, Andy Slaughter MP and Cllr Gabriella Giles. This year’s event also showcased the In the Drink campaign, supported by the PLA, which aims to tackle scourge of plastic pollution in the Thames. 

The Tidefest Angling Championship run by the Angling Trust is London’s biggest angling competition and the catches give a good indication of the health of the river. With the Thames Tunnel now in operation intercepting sewage discharges from over 30 outfall points along the Tideway all eyes were on what the anglers could catch this year. The river fished extremely well with big catches of prime roach recorded throughout the match length in addition to dace, chub, bream, barbel, carp and even a couple of sea trout!

Lots of smaller species were collected in the nets including elvers, bass, mullet and flounder. 

Hammersmith and Chiswick MP Andy Slaughter said:

“ It was great to see so many people enjoying what our local stretch of the River Thames has to offer and being able to do so safely. A lot of effort has gone into cleaning it up and reducing pollution and from what I could see of the fish being caught by the anglers and collected in the river dipping trays, we have an improving wildlife corridor running through the heart of London. It was another great day out with Tidefest and I’m extremely grateful to the PLA for coming in to support this long standing and worthwhile event.”

Brentford and Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury added:

‘It was good to see In The Drink at Tidefest this year. I’m fully behind the campaign to replace single use plastic cups with reusable alternatives in an effort to reduce pollution and litter in our river. This is something that the PLA also strongly supports and it’s great to have them on board. However, I think we need to consider using a cup deposit system as there are still too many reusables not being returned and clogging up street bins and pavements and then finding their way into the river.”  

Emmeline Endresen, Impact and Partnerships Officer, Port of London Authority added:

“Tidefest is a wonderful local event that brings people together to celebrate the Thames and the unique role it plays in our community. As the organisation responsible for looking after the tidal river, the Port of London Authority is pleased to support Tidefest, which encourages people to explore, enjoy, and appreciate the river right on their doorstep.”

What's On

Paddle Boarding at Tidefest 2025

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is one of the countries fastest growing sports and it’s a brillinat way to get afloat on the Thames and see the river from a different perspective.

Our Friends at Active360 will be running four different paddle boarding activities during Tidefest

  • Paddle & Pick River and foreshore clean up (1.5hrs) – 12.30pm (age 14+) 

he River Thames is on the mend after decades of toxic overflow, neglect and mismanagement. Birdlife and marine life are returning to the river, with regular sightings of seals and even dolphins. However, the sustainability of the Thames is under threat from growing plastic pollution entering the river and threatening birdlife and contaminating marine life.

Join us for a paddle and river clean up heading out around the local islands at Low tide where we will be stopping along the way to pick litter from the foreshore, trees and the water. You must have some previous paddling experience to join this session as although guided it does not include a lesson. You can always join one of our group sessions to get some experience and learn the basics first.

This session is only suitable for adults children age 14+

BOOK HERE

  • Intro to safe paddling on the Thames Tideway (50 mins) – 11am, 12midday, 1pm (age 11+)

These intro to safe paddling sessions start at our base in Kew Bridge on the tidal Thames. You will learn about SUP safety and navigation rules and this is a good starting point for any safe Tideway paddling whether you are looking to paddle independently, join a club or rent from us on the Thames.

We start with a safety briefing where we discuss tides, navigation rules and safety on the Tideway before heading out on the water – after a short on land lesson for anyone with little or no previous paddleboarding experience.

We will either be paddling up towards Old Isleworth/Richmond or down towards Barnes/Hammersmith – this depends on whether we are paddling around high or low tide. Both routes are rich in wildlife and history.

This stand up paddleboard session is suitable for beginners and adults of all abilities and ages. These sessions are only suitable for adults and children age 11+

BOOK HERE

  • Natural History tour (2hrs) – 2.45pm (ages 14+)

Join us as for a Thames Natural History Tour, as we explore the wonderful wildlife of the River Thames. The river was once biologically dead, all life extinguished by industrial pollution, but since the 1970s wildlife has been returning, and thriving. And we’re on a mission to find it.

The Thames is now home to more than 125 species of fish, which in turn support two species of seal, deep-diving cormorants, stealthy grey herons and more. Stand up paddleboarding allows us to enjoy a unique perspective of the river’s wildlife, immersing ourselves in nature.

As we paddle, you will also learn about the natural history and ecology of the Thames, and the issues that still threaten this iconic waterway.

Not suitable for anyone under the age of 14yrs.

BOOK HERE

  • Paddle to the pub  (2hrs) – 2.45pm (ages 18+)

We will be paddling out with the last of the Ebb (Low) tide up towards Barnes stopping at the Ship Pub in Mortlake next to the Old Stag Brewery. We will stop for a refreshment break whilst waiting for the tide to turn. We will then glide back with the start of the Flood (High) tide.

This stand up paddleboard session is suitable for beginners and adults of all abilities and ages. The River Thames is a tidal river and so the conditions may not be suitable for participants under the age of 16. Please contact us directly if you would like to book a child onto your session. You will need to be able to swim and be confident in the water. Certain level of flexibility and ability to get up to standing from kneeling is required for learning to paddleboard.

This session will start and finish at our base inside Kew Bridge.

BOOK HERE

What's On

Our Amazing Angling Competition

Angling Competition

Some of the top anglers in the south will be competing for the annual Tidefest Trophy at Strand on the Green, Chiswick and Barnes.

Even if you don’t want to fish, why not come down and watch.. there are some amazing fish to be caught from the Thames.

Tickets are £20 and available through theAngling Trust at –  https://anglingtrust.net/competitions/tidefest-sunday-14th-september-2025/

Fishing is from 10.30am to 3.30pm and spectators are welcome for free.

News

Meet Lara The Mudlark !

The London Mudlark, Lara Maiklem, will be at Tidefest this year on Sunday, September 8th signing copies of her new book – A Mudlarking Year: Finding Treasure in Every Season (Bloomsbury, 2024)

“Lara wanders the shores of the River Thames at low tide, searching for lost and forgotten objects that tell tales of the past and bring forgotten Londoners to life.”

Come along to the marquee at Strand on the Green between 12 and 3pm to learn more about the fascinating history of London’s river.

Mudlarker and author, Lara Maiklem, photographed on the Thames forshore in Greenwich. PHOTOGRAPHER: TOM HARRISON COPYRIGHT: Tom Harrison
Book Now !, Uncategorized

Book Canoe & Kayak Taster Session 2024

If you’ve never been in a canoe or kayak before this is your chance! If you’ve had a go before and want to try it again, then this is for you too!

We will be running family canoe sessions and adult (age 16+) kayak sessions on the Thames. We provide boats, paddles, buoyancy aids and qualified coaches to guide you as you explore the Thames all for just £5 per boat.

Your session will last around 1 hour and 15 minutes in total: first we will ask you to complete a short form, fit you in a buoyancy aid and boat and brief you on safety and paddling technique. Then you will be out on the water for about 45 minutes. Please do make sure you arrive on time or you will likely lose your slot. Arrive early if you need to change.

• Kayaks are for one person aged 16 or over. Meet times 10:45 or 14:30.

• A family canoe is typically for 2 adults and 1 or 2 children. At least one person must be over 18. The second person should be over 16. Children will be under 16 and old enough to follow instructions. If you are not sure if a canoe is suitable for your group or have any other questions, feel free to contact us on kitofficer@edgepaddling.com. Meet times 12:00 and 13:15

For further deatils and to book CLICK HERE

Book Now !

Book Paddleboarding at Tidefest 2024

Whether you’ve paddleboarded before, or are an absolute begginner, Thames Tidefest is a great pleace to get on the water and SUP !

We are offerring two Stand Up Paddleboard experiences this year.

Paddle & Pick Litter Clean Up: The River Thames is on the mend after decades of toxic overflow, neglect and mismanagement. Birdlife and marine life are returning to the river, with regular sightings of seals and even dolphins. However, the sustainability of the Thames is under threat from growing plastic pollution entering the river and threatening birdlife and contaminating marine life.

Join us for a river clean up as part of our first Kew Bridge open day of 2024!

We will start with a lesson for anyone who needs one before heading out around the local islands where we will be stopping along the way to pick litter from the foreshore, trees and the water. For more details and to book CLICK HERE

PADDLE TO THE PUB: We will be paddling out with the last of the Ebb (Low) tide up towards Barnes stopping at the Ship Pub in Mortlake next to the Old Stag Brewery. We will stop for a refreshment break whilst waiting for the tide to turn. We will then glide back with the start of the Flood (High) tide.

This stand up paddleboard session is suitable for beginners and adults of all abilities and ages. The River Thames is a tidal river and so the conditions may not be suitable for participants under the age of 16. Please contact us directly if you would like to book a child onto your session. You will need to be able to swim and be confident in the water. Certain level of flexibility and ability to get up to standing from kneeling is required for learning to paddleboard.

This session will start and finish at our base inside Kew Bridge. For further information and to book CLICK HERE

2023 activities

Free Events

One of the brilliant things about Thames Tidefest is the atmosphere that is generated around Kew Bridge and Strand On The Green during the event. It’s absolutely joyful ! Plus you don’t have to spend a penny to enjoy the event as there are loads of free attractions and stalls.

River Dipping

Find out for yourself some of the amazing creatures that live in the river with our fantastic river dipping sessions run by Thames 21This is always a hugely popular activity is suitable for both adults and families with children.  These will be walk up sessions from 11am till 4.00pm. No need to book and boots are supplied. Just come on down and get dipping !

What’s In The River ?

If you don’t fancy grabbing a net yourself then…..The Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) will be giving demonstrations of seine netting and displays of their catches from the slipway adjacent to Kew Bridge and Strand on the Green from around 11.30am onwards. A small stand with fish tanks and educational material will be in the Thames 21 marquee from 11am to 5pm Come along and find out what is living in the Thames Tideway.

Watch the boats go by !

There’s always something happening on the water and Tidefest is a great time to head to the shore and see some of the amazing craft that use the Thames as a highway

Fishing Competition

Angling Competition Weigh-in from 3.30pmCome and see the amazing range of fish that live in the tidal Thames. 40 top anglers will be competing in this year’s Thames Tidefest Angling Championship. You can watch them catch all sorts of amazing fish. Fishing takes place : Four hours from 9am – 1pm   (depending on tide height) 

The weigh in is from 1pm and the prize giving at Strand on the Green at 2.30pm 

Thames Artefacts

The River Thames contains a living history of human life in the area over the many previous thousand years including the last Ice Age. It acts as self- excavating trench exposing where our ancesters have lived, what they ate  and wore, as well as tracing the changes through the prehistoric periods to modern day.   Evidence of this can often be seen on the modern foreshore, which is twice a day exposed to view. Come and see some of the range of the finds uncovered with Thames archaeologist,  Dr Fiona Haughey. Artefacts dating from the last ice age, through prehistory, the brief Roman period as well as times up to the present period (artefacts of the future!) will be on display.  Come and hold a piece of history in your hand!!!