This event took place at dusk on Saturday 24 September 2022, the Reflections flotilla was a tribute by the river community marking the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and the accession of King Charles III. As the boats glided peacefully by, it allowed those viewing to remember the past and think positively about the future. The event aimed to raise up to £20,000 for the RNLI, supporting the construction of a new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge.
The illuminated flotilla comprised a hundred and fifty or so vessels, both manpowered and motorised, all of which were decorated in white lights. Her Majesty The Queen’s Row Barge, Gloriana was the flotilla’s centrepiece. Chris Livett, the King’s Bargemaster was at the helm, and Gloriana was rowed by Ben Fogle and past winners of the historic race for Doggett’s Coat and Badge.
The flotilla started by Albert Bridge and from there it floated downriver through central London, passing beneath Chelsea Bridge at 19.00, Westminster Bridge at 19.30, and arriving at Tower Bridge at 20.15. The Reflections flotilla passed under the seven Illuminated River bridges and these were beautifully lit up in a special display by the lighting artist Leo Villareal. Reflections culminated in the raising of Tower Bridge which was bathed in purple light.
London’s River Thames has played an important role in many Royal and State occasions over the centuries, and this memorable event continued this age-old tradition. Reflections is thought to be the first illuminated flotilla to be seen on the Thames for over three hundred years.
Promoted as part of Totally Thames 2022, Reflections was organised by Thames Alive together with a group of people who played a central role in the delivery of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.
We are most grateful for the support of The Rothschild Foundation, City of London, Port of London Authority, Livett’s Group, Illuminated River Foundation, the Company of Watermen & Lightermen, Knighthood, Thames Luxury Charters, Cadogan Pier, Imperial Wharf Marina, Port of Tilbury, St Katharine Docks, HMS President, Nathalie Crouch Photography and Woods Silver Fleet.
Times
- 7pm | Chelsea Bridge
- 7.10pm | Vauxhall Bridge
- 7.30pm | Westminster Bridge
- 7.50pm | Blackfriars Bridge
- 8:05pm | London Bridge
- 8:18pm | Tower Bridge
