Totally Thames 2020 is back for an uplifting festival celebrating the river at the heart of the city, which connects us to places far and wide. Now in its 24th year, Totally Thames is one of the world’s most important river festivals. As part of this year’s reimagined festival, there will be an exciting new Totally Thames online hub with a rich programme of river and cultural content.
While the programme has changed due to social distancing, Totally Thames has always been committed to bringing together artists and authors as well as mudlarks, anglers, kayakers, hikers and environmentalists to celebrate our river – this year will be no exception with an amazing mix of outdoor and digital events this September, that can be enjoyed safely by the public.
Festival highlight Rivers of the World sees artists working remotely with over 2,000 13 and 14-year-old students from across the globe to create river-themed art. The artworks have been created by young people from London, Coventry, Peterborough, Halton, Warrington and Stockton-on-Tees in the UK and from Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, Lebanon, and India. Aïcha El Beloui (as pictured) led workshops in Morocco. This year due to international lockdowns the work has been created from home, using digital briefs and short films by artists to teach students new creative skills and about the significance of their river. These remarkable artworks show young people’s strength of spirit and creativity in the face of Covid-19. The works will be exhibited on display boards and flags on the riverside walkway by Tate Modern this September.
Arts Council England’s London Area Director Joyce Wilson adds, Totally Thames is a wonderful event that celebrates one of London’s best-known landmarks. With a mix of outdoor and digital events, all of which can be enjoyed with safety front of mind, this year’s festival will once again provide audiences with an eclectic mix of engaging and entertaining experiences.
Alistair Gale, Director of Corporate Affairs, Port of London Authority says, At the PLA we want as many people as possible to treasure the Thames, which is why the Totally Thames programme is so important. This year, perhaps more than ever, the opportunity to pause, reflect and enjoy this fantastic space in the heart of the city, either in person or online, has never been more important.
