Enjoy the free Mayor's Thames Festival and celebrate the river

London family vacation

Event: The Mayor's Thames Festival
Date: September 11th to 12th
Location: Across London

Come and celebrate the end of summer in the capital at the Mayor's Thames Festival.

Those on a London family vacation will be able to have a fun-filled day with activities for young and old alike for free at the city's largest arts festival.

Attendees will be able to watch the live world premiere of Jonathan Dove's River Songs, inspired by the Thames, on the opening night.

Dove is a British composer of opera and choral works that are sometimes used in films and on TV.

People on a London family vacation may especially enjoy the House of Fairy Tales as 90 performers will be telling stories using gymnastics and music.

Boris Johnson, mayor of London, said: "The Thames Festival is a great event, a lively and magical celebration of London and its river."

One of the highlights may be the night carnival and fireworks, which close the festival, as over 2,000 dancers and performers take to the streets of the city with lanterns, creating an exciting street art display.

This is followed by a firework display from the middle of the river.

After a fun-filled family day at the Mayor's Thames Festival, parents can tuck their youngsters up in the five star Langham, London hotel.