Taking place at dusk on Saturday 24 September, the Reflections flotilla is a tribute by the river community marking the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and the accession of King Charles III. As the boats glide peacefully by, it will allow those viewing to remember the past and think positively about the future. The event will raise up to £20,000 for the RNLI, supporting the construction of a new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge.
The illuminated flotilla comprises a hundred and fifty or so vessels, both manpowered and motorised, all of which will be decorated in white lights. Her Majesty The Queen’s Row Barge, Gloriana is the flotilla’s centrepiece. Chris Livett, the King’s Bargemaster will be at the helm, and Gloriana will be rowed by Ben Fogle and past winners of the historic race for Doggett’s Coat and Badge.
The flotilla starts by Albert Bridge and from there it will float 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 will pass under the seven Illuminated River bridges and these will be beautifully lit up in a special display by the lighting artist Leo Villareal. Reflections culminates in the raising of Tower Bridge which will be 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 will continue 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 is 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
