About the Trad
The Thames Traditional Boat Festival was first held at Fawley Meadows in 1978 as a rally for like minded enthusiasts who wanted to show off their enthusiasm for the older, traditionally built craft that were fast disappearing from the river Thames.
From these small beginnings the TTBR, or "The Trad" as it became known, has flourished to the extent that it now attracts interest the world over.
This prestigious event, re-born in 2015 as the Thames Traditional Boat Festival, whilst keeping faith with the precepts of its founding fathers, now incorporates the traditional values of many other traditional trades and crafts, as well as providing a fun day out for all the family.
Two of the many messages received following the 2021 Festival​
"It was like a fairy tale! You gave us all back our lives for a short period of time and we are all tremendously grateful. The memories of the entire event are sprinkled with fairy dust. I can hardly put into words how much I personally appreciate all of the hard work that the committee puts into each event. After a year away, let me just say a humble congratulations on a resounding success once again."
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"Congratulations for achieving such a wonderful return of the Thames Traditional Boat Festival. It was a very welcome restoration of normality for the Thames boating world and a chance to meet friends and talk to other organisations whom we had not seen for ages. All this in addition to the first-rate entertainment and spectacle."