Events
What to see along the Thames Path
2020 events & Festivals
What is there to see along the Thames Path? We provide quite a lot of information on our page About The Thames. But there are also many festivals & events taking place along the Thames Path. Use these to help you decide the best time to walk the Thames Path.
COVID 19 UPDATE: Most of these events are now cancelled or postponed. We are continuing to list them in order that you can consider these if planning for 2021.
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University Boat Race 29 March
Slightly out of the walking season. Starts at Putney Bridge and finishes upstream at Chiswick Bridge. 4 miles and 374 yards.
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Reading Beer Festival 7-10 May
Held in Christchurch Meadows which is on the other side of the river but accessible over the new Christchurch footbridge
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Let's Rock the Moor, Cookham 16 May
A day of 80's music featuring original acts including UB40, Tony Hadley, ABC, Kim Wilde, Howard Jones, Midge Ure, The Gibson Brothers, Toyah, The Undertones, The Real Thing, Tenpole Tudor and Captain Sensible
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Chelsea Flower Show 19-23 May
Held at Kew Gardens which is on the right bank of the Thames between Richmond and Hammersmith. Can be visited whilst walking the Thames Path.
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Hampton Court Palace Festival 3-19 June
10 nights of music featuring Rick Astley, Tom Jones, Lionel Richie and George Benson among others.
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Marlow Town Regatta 13-14 June
Apart from the usual races, there is a dragon boat race on the 14th
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Marlow Regatta 20 June
Not to be confused with Marlow Town Regatta, this is an international event actually held at Dorney Lake (between Maidenhead and Windsor)
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Royal Ascot 16-20 June
The premier horse racing event of the year attended by the Queen. Just 7 miles from Windsor so why not take a day off from the walk?
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Garter Ceremony, Windsor 20 June
Knights of the Garter gather with the Queen at Windsor Castle. Knights include UK Royal Family members, European Kings and Queens, and ex-prime ministers and senior civil servants.
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Wimbledon Tennis Championships 29 June - 12 July
Wimbledon is just 3 tube stops from Putney Bridge in West London
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Henley Royal Regatta 1-5 July
It's a great time to visit Henley but book early as Henley will be very busy during this time
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Henley Festival 8-12 July
An upmarket music festival for more mature pop fans. This year's line up includes Madness, James Blunt, Sister Sledge and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Like the Regatta held in the previous week, accommodation will be limited.
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Fairford Air Show 17-19 July
The airbase is a mile or so north of the Thames in the upper reaches between Cricklade and Lechlade. Expect to see (and hear) fighter jets.
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Swan Upping Sunbury to Abingdon 20 - 25 July
Swan Upping is the process by which unmarked swans are assigned to the Crown and two livery companies from the City of London. Starting at Sunbury, the three groups row as far as Abingdon and mark the swans they catch.
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Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta 7-8 August
Another regatta! Smaller than the others but also less crowded.
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Reading Festival 28-30 August
This is a rock festival held on farmland adjoining the Thames. The Path goes right past the festival and diversions are in place only at night. Expect loud music if staying near Reading during that time. This year's acts include Stormzy, Liam Gallagher and Rage Against The Machine