The Thames Barge Race

The Thames Barge Race has been going since 1974 and begins at Greenwich about one hour after low water with barges held in place by the Thames tugs. As the working Freeman and young apprentices drive these barges under oars up the Thames, passenger boats, tugs, and private craft weave in and out of the competitors cheering them on.

The atmosphere is filled with the sound of cheering and music and the smell of BBQs and pie & mash as they approach the finish line at Westminster. Everyone gets in position to see them finish and as the first barge enters the arch of Westminster bridge all the following tugs, pleasure cruisers and passenger boats sound there hooters.

After the race the barges are towed back to Greenwich for the prize giving.

If you would like to be part of this day call us for tickets.

The river Thames Barge race history starts in 1974 a few members of the then transport On Water Committee looked into what could be saved of the old skills of the Thames Watermen, as river transport was improving rapidly. They decide to gather a few Thames watermen together and have a race from Tower Pier in the City of London to Greenwich Pier. This small race was successful and motivated a lot of interest from companies and people.

In 1975 the year that the Transport on Water became an Association many people include Members of Parliament; the race took on its present form. Starting at the Palace of Greenwich and finishing at the Palace of Westminster approximately seven miles further up river. Barges are sponsored by local businesses and are decorated in bright colours. The crews are in fancy dress reflecting the current year’s race theme. This is a spectacular occasion as the river comes alive with thousands of people following the race in various vessels and viewing the spectacle from vantage points along the course.

If you wish to follow this event and watch from the river then us London River Cruises will allow you hire our boat and we will take you to Greenwich where the race starts and you can follow the race until the end. As well as watching the race you can also incorporate a party with all your friends and family on the boat. We will try to make the experience as enjoyable as possible and any request you have from decorating the boat, putting up posters or a special DJ we will try to accommodate this. The river Thames barge race party boat hire is a great way to watch the event, maybe support a participant or just have a great party.

Think about having a London barge race boat hire and make it an annual event for you and your friends and family. The event is a great spectacle and creates a great carnival atmosphere to set your party on its way. Get all your friends involved and we are sure you will have a great time and want to do it again.

The Thames Barge Race

The Thames Barge Race

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