It’s back, and as quintessentially British and beautifully bonkers as ever!

The Thames Traditional Boat Festival has been gracing the banks of the River Thames at Henley for forty-six years. It celebrates the best in British boatbuilding and craftsmanship, evoking the nostalgia of boating from a bygone era with the world’s largest gathering of traditional river craft.

If you have ever been to this wonderfully eclectic cacophony of colour and character you will understand our love of this notoriously joyful gathering of people and exhibitors from all walks of life who have an inherent love of a vintage good time, led by the irrepressible Lady Judy McAlpine whose energy and passion of the event knows no bounds.

This quirky annual riverside festival now offers more attractions on the water, in the air and on the land, than ever before. On water and in the water, experience the historic boat rally that brings entrants and competitors from all over the world, along with naval craft and hovercraft, plus there’s always a wonderful contingent of fun and funky amphibious vehicles.

There are also trips on board the ALASKA, which was built in 1883 and is the oldest working passenger ship on the Thames. The boat is part of the National Historic Fleet alongside such esteemed craft as HMS Victory and ‘Cutty Sark’.

The Dunkirk little ships along with lovingly restored boat craft with their polished brass, shiny decks and their multi-coloured flags fluttering in the summer breeze is a sight to behold and one not to miss.

As well as the traditional boat craft, you’ll see vintage bicycles, WWII aircraft, a military encampment with military vehicles, vintage & classic cars, children’s activities, dog show – too much to list that you’ll have to come down and find out for yourself!

If shopping vintage is your thing, you need to get to The Trad with fantastic vintage couture through to all things antique, unique and quirky. It’s a browsers and shoppers delight to wander through the stalls including chandlery, engine spares, accessories and bric-a-brac.

All that activity will make you hungry and thirsty, have no fear, you can indulge in a bit of grazing around the site with street food and local food & drink producers, from breweries, vineyards and distilleries.

And of course, The Trad is not The Trad without the Crooked Billet. This ever popular local gastro pub is at the heart of the Trad once again.  Renowned for its seriously good food, local beers and great atmosphere, owner Paul Clerehugh promises the full “Crooked Billet” experience on the river bank at Fawley Meadows with a brilliant live music line-up to end each festival day.

An event that is packed full to the brim. A full on FUN – FAMILY – FESTIVAL

For more information visit Thames Traditional Boat Festival