The Thames Traditional Boat Festival 2023

The Thames Traditional Boat Festival 2023

14 July 2023 – 16 July 2023

Come along to the Thames Traditional Boat Festival on 14-16 July and enjoy an exciting family fun day and a celebration of the best in British boatbuilding and craftsmanship throughout history.

Originally held at Fawley Meadows in 1978, the Thames Traditional Boat Festival was held as a rally for likeminded boat enthusiasts who wanted to show off their passion for the older, traditionally built craft that were fast disappearing from the River Thames.

From these small beginnings to its re-launch in 2015, the “The Trad” as it became known, has flourished into the renowned annual celebration we know of today. Whilst keeping the tradition and core values derived from its origins, the festival now incorporates the traditional values of many other traditional trades and crafts too, with more attractions on the water, in the air and on the land, than ever before.

Some highlights include the fleet of Dunkirk ‘Little Ships’, the largest display of traditional boats in Europe, the WW1 air display team and PA 474, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s WW2 Lancaster bomber, to name just a few. A must for war fanatics and historians!

If you want to get on the water, why not enjoy your lunch aboard the ‘Windsor Belle’ steamboat and cruise along River Thames while you dine. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a cruise in the oldest working passenger steamer on the Thames, ‘Alaska’ built in 1883. Queen Elizabeth II travelled in it as the ‘Royal Barge’ in July 2009 to witness the ancient ceremony of ‘Swan Upping’ – the first time a reigning monarch had attended the event since Henry VIII!

So why not round up the family and head down for an afternoon embracing all things quintessential English summer by the river, enjoying the bars and street food on offer while listening to live music from popular local bands and losing yourself in the rich history of boating throughout the years.

Tingdene at the Trad Show

We will be showcasing the Maxima 620 and Henley FIVE dayboats weekend, so come and have a look. The Henley FIVE comes with a limited time offer of just £24,950 inc. VAT with a Mercury 15 outboard engine, while stocks last!

Both boats are superb day boats, perfect for memorable weekends on the water with loved ones while fishing, swimming, enjoying watersports or simply cruising along the water and stopping off for refreshments at a quaint riverside pub. Both vessels are reasonably priced, fuel efficient, incredibly reliable and are easily towed and stored, so you can cruise with complete peace of mind.

Come and see how your boating dreams can be a reality at the Trad Show on 14-16th July!