Tidefest is a free, family-friendly community festival celebrating the tidal River Thames at Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick. First held in 2014 on World Rivers Day, it has grown into a firm fixture in the London calendar, bringing together local residents, families and river enthusiasts for a packed day on and around the water.
The new annual programme includes kayaking with Chelsea Kayak Club, river dipping with Thames21, guided foreshore walks with community archaeologist Fiona Haughey with boat trips to Olivers' Ait, water sports and paddleboarding with Active 360 and London's largest fishing competition — run by the Angling Trust and complete with prizes and trophies!
This year Thames Festival Trust has taken Tidefest back in house after The Angling Trust has successfully run it for the last 12 years. New activities and partners in 2026 include a street party and games with Strand on The Green Residents' Association (SOGA), dance workshops for young people with Linden Dance Company.
Come and discover your river!
What's On
Sunday 5th September | Access from 7:30am
Morning
- 9am | Fishing & Sailing Event | High tide 10am - Low tide 5pm | 12–5pm fishing slot
- 9am–1pm | Linden Dance Company - Closed Workshop
- 9am–6pm | Canoeing — EdgePaddling
- 10am | Paddleboarding — Active 360 (3 events)
- 1. Paddle and Pick: Foreshore Clean Up (low tide)
- 2. Natural History Tour (turn of the tide)
- 3. Tideway Explorer Trips
- 10am–4pm | Kayaking — Chelsea Kayak Club | Set up 12:30pm | Sessions: 1:30–3pm · 3:30–5pm · 5–6:30pm
Midday
- 12–4pm | Street Party SOGA
- 1pm | City Barge — Reception Room Lunch | VIPs meeting point
- 2pm | Linden Dance Company — Open Workshop
- 2pm–5pm | River Dipping with Thames 21
- 2pm–5pm | Foreshore Walks
Afternoon
- 4pm–6pm | Boat Trips to Oliver's Ait
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