Event Timetable 2027
Trad Highlights
Detailed event running order for each day will follow in 2027
10.00 a.m. Gates Open
10.30 a.m.
First trip on Alaska - beautiful old Passenger Steamer - these are every hour and need to be booked in advance as very popular.
First Boat Parade 10.30 a.m.
At roughly half-hour intervals, each category of boats parades past the site with the commentary team telling you about each boat in turn. This means a continuous stream of boats with a slight lull at lunchtime but then no break until 6.00 p.m. We do issue a programme and will have one you can pick up on your phone as well as the running order changes each day.
Meanwhile....& all Day
Roving entertainers, face-painting etc.. for children and adults!
From 11.00 a.m.
The Fairground is open
Music: around the site: roving Jazz, Acapella, choirs, an acoustic stage at one end of the site all day and a more central one with bands (to be announced) from 6.00 'til 11.00 p.m.
"The River's Tales" pavilion will entertain, enchant and intrigue with songs, talks, tales inspired by or of the river and its environs.
3.0 p.m.
The Very Bonkers Dog Show, always popular for it's total insanity!
5.30 p.m.
Final Trip on Alaska
6.00 p.m.
Music starts on main stage: To be announced later.
11.00 p.m.
Close Down.
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.