The Thames Traditional Boat Festival was established in 1978 

“To encourage the restoration, maintenance and use of traditionally built craft”

In the 1970s a group of boat-lovers became concerned about the number of neglected craft rotting along the river Thames. Members of The River Thames Society decided to organise Rally at Fawley Meadows for owners of beautiful traditional river craft.

The following year, 84 craft and over 800 crew and River Thames Society members were registered as attending.  Holding the rally immediately following the Royal Regatta meant Boats could attend both functions and the Rally could make use of Regatta booms.

Over the years the Trad expanded as more clubs and societies became involved and new activities were incorporated; but always the emphasis was on the preservation of beautiful craft. Awards were presented and are still keenly fought for. The judging is microscopically precise. The public discovered the rally as word got around and for a while its name changed to Festival, but for some reason reverted to Rally and as years passed it became clear that it was no longer seen as a public event and costs became prohibitive.
 


In 2015 we reverted to "Thames Traditional Boat Festival" to show the public that this is an inclusive event, and not just for those who own boats as "Rally" suggests. TRAD has always been run by volunteers and the current committee's aim is to sponsor apprenticeships in traditional boatbuilding.. 'though as yet we have insufficient funds.  As always, the main focus is the magnificent array of traditional boats lining the river bank at Fawley Meadows. The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships now considers the TRAD as an essential event in its calendar.  We even have foreign boats here each year. Our fame is spreading!

We now hope that with the addition of more varied attractions (but always in good taste!) and really good catering, we will continue to widen the event’s appeal and provide a weekend to remember for all participants.   The past few years have seen a huge increase in interest and visitor numbers. This is the only truly “inclusive” family event held on the river in Henley (Regatta and Festival are by their nature not “inclusive” and are not actually in Henley!) We want to encourage young people to understand the pleasure of “messing about in boats” and to realise that there are boat and river-related employment opportunities which offer that elusive mix of work and pleasure.

On a lighter note, to use a Motor Sport analogy which seems to be pretty universally understood, if the Regatta is the Festival of Speed, the “Trad” is the Revival Meeting.  So - dress up (prizes offered) and come to play, to learn, simply to revel in a weekend on the riverbank or, if lucky, on the river. Do, please, spread the word!