The Thames Traditional Boat Festival

The Thames Traditional Boat Festival TTBF 2027 - THURSDAY EVE 15th TO SUNDAY 18th July. FAWLEY MEADOWS, HENLEY ON THAMES. There will also be opportunities to take trips on vintage steam boats.

Following on from the highly acclaimed event in 2024, The Traditional Boat Festival returns on July 18th to 20th 2025 with an even bigger and better range of attractions aimed at creating an exciting and fun filled weekend for families and traditional boat owners alike. Highlights to be announced but it will include over 180 traditional boats that makes this the largest event of its type in the Wo

rld plus all the quintessentially English eccentricity that makes it so utterly unique! We have some special surprises planned with many beautiful, exciting, weird and wonderful (and very fast) boats planned to attend and display – keep checking our website and page. In addition to all the activity on the river, we have vintage flying displays, classic cars and bikes, wartime military hardware and a special amphibious vehicle display, traditional fairground attractions and a great selection of top quality places to eat and drink, including a pop-up Pub! There is interesting shopping too and we have entertainment throughout the Festival and run into the evening on Saturday with the illuminated boat parade. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings come and enjoy our pop-up Pub, with excellent food and drink, and dance the night away with our house bands. The Festival is located in the beautiful Oxfordshire town of Henley-on-Thames. There is easy access by car, with lots of free parking; by train to Henley-on-Thames station; and, of course, by boat. We’re even running a ferry shuttle service from the town either for people arriving by train or just wanting to arrive by boat! So, save the dates 18th to 20th July 2025 and we look forward to seeing you there! Tickets are available on-line at a discounted rate at www.tradboatfestival.com

The Traditional Boat Festival is set to fill the riverside with amazing music and entertainment! 🎶🚤 Enjoy live bands, cu...
17/05/2026

The Traditional Boat Festival is set to fill the riverside with amazing music and entertainment! 🎶🚤 Enjoy live bands, cultural performances, delicious food, and watch the boats drift by as you soak in the atmosphere. Bring your friends and family for a great day out! Yes, we ARE open on Thursday night!
(Keep your eyes on the socials as more will be added)
Get you tickets via the link in the biog/comments

13/05/2026

You know it’s the Trad when Henley Brass take ‘How Much is That Doggie in the Window’ for a spin — literally — on the Big Wheel!
The Traditional Boat Festival: where fun, music, and pure Henley spirit meet

09/05/2026

Illuminations Parade — Henley-on-Thames at its most magical!
As dusk falls, the river comes alive with a flotilla of beautifully lit traditional boats gliding past in a shimmering celebration of craftsmanship and community. The reflections, the laughter, the glow — and let’s not forget the vintage bicycles in all their regalia -it’s a sight you’ll never forget
Traditional Boat Festival, Henley-on-Thames
17-19 July 2026 - Don’t miss the Illuminations Parade – a highlight of the weekend!
fans Svbtcuk

All aboard for the Thames Traditional Boat Festival 2026!We’re delighted that Rivertime will again be running the free f...
06/05/2026

All aboard for the Thames Traditional Boat Festival 2026!
We’re delighted that Rivertime will again be running the free ferry service between Hobbs of Henley and Fawley Meadows throughout the Festival weekend.
Hop on board for a relaxing 15-minute cruise to the heart of the celebrations, enjoy the sights of the beautiful River Thames, and support accessible boating for all.
Running 10am–6pm, Friday to Sunday
Boarding at Hobbs of Henley (RG9 1AZ)
Festival tickets can be bought on board
Find out more at rivertimeboattrust.org.uk or tradboatfestival.com

29/04/2026

What to do at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival? Well, you can step back in time and soak up the ultimate riverside summer vibe! Here’s how to make the most of the Thames Traditional Boat Festival:

Admire historic boats – From elegant wooden launches to iconic steam boats, it’s a floating museum on the Thames.

Hop on the water – Book a ride on a traditional steam launch for a truly unique experience.

Look to the skies – Catch vintage aircraft displays and flyovers throughout the day.

Explore classic vehicles – Amphibious cars, military vehicles & vintage motors add to the nostalgia.

Enjoy family fun – Craft stalls, fairground rides, and classic Punch & Judy shows.

Relax with live music – Jazz, acoustic sets, and evening performances by the river.

Eat, drink & chill – Street food, riverside picnics, and summer drinks with a view.

Stay for the evening – The atmosphere only gets better as the sun goes down.

Perfect for a day out with friends, family, or anyone who loves a bit of British heritage with a summer twist.

29/04/2026

What to do at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival? Well, you can step back in time and soak up the ultimate riverside summer vibe! Here’s how to make the most of the Thames Traditional Boat Festival
Admire historic boats – From elegant wooden launches to iconic steam boats, it’s a floating museum on the Thames.
Hop on the water – Book a ride on a traditional steam launch for a truly unique experience.
Look to the skies – Catch vintage aircraft displays and flyovers throughout the day.
Explore classic vehicles – Amphibious cars, military vehicles & vintage motors add to the nostalgia.
Enjoy family fun – Craft stalls, fairground rides, and classic Punch & Judy shows.
Relax with live music – Jazz, acoustic sets, and evening performances by the river.
Eat, drink & chill – Street food, riverside picnics, and summer drinks with a view.
Stay for the evening – The atmosphere only gets better as the sun goes down.
Perfect for a day out with friends, family, or anyone who loves a bit of British heritage with a summer twist.

26/04/2026

Slender rowing skiffs and elegant saloon launches – just a few of the extraordinary wooden boats at the The Thames Traditional Boat Festival, back from 17-19 July this year.

Colin Henwood - Boatbuilder reflects on the festival and the ‘ecosystem’ of people who make beautiful boats like these possible in our May/June issue, out now.

For stockists and subscriptions: www.watercraft-magazine.com

Photograph: Kathy Mansfield

22/04/2026

Vintage amphibious vehicles gliding down the river—half road legend, half nautical oddity. There’s something unbeatable about seeing history do exactly what it was built to do. You can see a whole raft of them at the Trad this year - get your tickets via the link in the biog / comments

28/07/2025

OKAY! OKAY! - yes it IS technically, The Thames Traditional Boat Festival …. HOWEVER - we DO love dogs too! Each day we held a crazy, totally nutty Dog Show …. Goodness gracious was it CHAOTIC! Lady McAlpine even had a whole team of her puppies, (now ex) you can imagine how excited they were to see each other!
Not to mention - Henley Brass - it’s not often that a dog show is seranaded by Brass Band and they did a sterling rendition of “How Much is that Doggie in the Window”!
These dog shows are NOT to be missed. Make sure you sign up next year, for the most extraordinary time!
Photography: Tim Hodges

Address

FAWLEY MEADOWS
Henley On Thames
RG92HY

Website

http://www.tradboatfestival.com/

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