Look out over the Thames this weekend and you might be just be put in a trance by the dazzling lights. Yes, the murky waters of London’s river are going to illuminated – and if you’ve seen the Reflections Flotilla in years past, you’ll know that the results are scintillating.
And this year, the procession of around 150 vessels is marking the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III in a special tribute by the river community. After the longest-reigning Monarch in the country’s history passed away on September 8, the annual Reflections Flotilla takes place this Saturday, September 24 where the boats will float down the river for a fitting tribute.
Every boat will be decorated with grandiose white lights, with the event starting at around 7pm, just after the sun goes down, and lasting for around 90-minutes. Initially, the flotilla was planned to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. It is thought that event will raise around £20,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which will support the construction of a new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge.
Gloriana is the main showstopper, with the King’s Bargemaster, Christ Livett, heading up the front and Ben Fogle, among others, on rowing duty. Proceedings are kicked off at the Albert Bridge before heading under six more bridges, all of which will be illuminated as part of the display. The final destination, Tower Bridge, will be doused in purple lighting to commemorate the Queen, and raise as part of the ceremony’s ending.
Which bridges are part in the Reflections Flotilla?
The Flotilla will take this route through the Thames on Saturday, September 24.
- Albert Bridge;
- Chelsea Bridge at 7pm;
- Vauxhall Bridge at 7:10pm;
- Westminster Bridge at 7:30pm;
- Blackfriars Bridge at 7:50pm;
- London Bridge at 8:10pm;
- Tower Bridge at 8:18pm.
Find out more about the Reflections Flotilla here.