Check out the St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival
© Jesper Mattias

With speedboats and tourist cruisers the dominant vessels on the River Thames these days, it’s not often Londoners get the chance to see some classic boats. However, this September as part of the Totally Thames festival, St Katharine Docks will be playing host to the Classic Boat Festival.

Docking at central London’s only marina, 40 sail and power vessels will be on display over the weekend of 12-13 September 2015. Visitors will be given the chance to get up close with boats from a bygone era by chatting to the owners and even stepping on board.

As well as the nautical action, there will be plenty of waterside entertainment, including live music from the National Youth Jazz Orchestra Academy, the Sea Shanty Singers and the Dutch Marine Rowing Band. There will also be food and river related stalls and a national maritime museum gallery exhibition. When you fancy a bite to eat, there’s a huge choice of waterside restaurants, including Tom’s Kitchen, Bravas Tapas and White Mulberries.

Totally Thames is a month-long river-related events taking place on the 42-mile stretch of the River Thames. Among the activities taking place are the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival, The Great River Race, walks, archaeological explorations, live music and many more activities.

• St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival takes place from 12-13 September 2015 between 11am-5pm. St Katharine Docks, 50 St. Katharine’s Way, Tower Bridge, E1W 1LA. Nearest station: Tower Hill or Tower Gateway (DLR). For more information, visit the St Katharine Docks website or Totally Thames.

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