• Fireworks

I saw the fireworks last year and loved them. I came to the festival with some friends and we went to this great pub in Blackfriars where we chatted for hours. We came out of the pub just in time for the fireworks. It was unexpected and beautiful….. This year I’m definitely going again and this time I’ll take some great photos!

By Ela from Krakow on Tue 4 August 2009

I am really look forward to this. I will be coming this year and staying overnight on Sunday especially to see this and the night parade. We have been to the festival before but have always had to leave before this to reach home in time for work the next day.  We are hoping for a lovely summer evening to really appreciate both events.

By Linda Warlosz from Folkestone, Kent on Thu 6 August 2009

As my birthday is the 13th September, I now keep the 2nd weekend in September free to travel up with my partner by motorbike to the south bank and enjoy the Thames Festival.  I must have come, if not from the beginning, soon after it started just for the procession and fireworks, which are always fabulous. 
As these events fall on the day of my birthday this year, I’m bringing younger family members earlier to sample more daytime fun as well.  I couldn’t wish for a better birthday celebration!

By Janet from Chislehurst on Tue 1 September 2009

I watched this from the Embankment opposite one of the barges last year and thought the fireworks were stunning and the atmosphere was excellent. You’ve got to be there to appreciate the spectacle and the sound. I took my camera and a cheap mini-tripod then used the self timer so that it wouldn’t shake to get some decent photos. I’m really looking forward to the event again this year. Hope everyone who goes has a great night to remember.

By Richard from London on Tue 8 September 2009

It’s my sons 10th Birthday on this date and we will be in London - does anyone know what time this starts please? I can’t wait to see it!

By Sarah from France on Wed 9 September 2009

I love this event; I go every year!  Looking forward to seeing all the fireworks from somewhere near Blackfriars

By Mark from Brick Lane, London on Wed 9 September 2009

For those who have attended before - where is the best place to catch the fireworks?  With photography in mind - is there any way to catch the fireworks with the Eye or Houses of Parliament in the backround?

Thanks!

By Jason from West Kens on Thu 10 September 2009

This weekend we are defiantly going to make the trip to London and see Thames Festival Fireworks. Last weekend we saw Edinbrugh’s excellent fireworks and this weekend we are looking forward to seeing the winners of the Montreal International Fireworks Competition in action. Sounds like there will be a great atmosphere as well.

By Rob from Bristol on Fri 11 September 2009

last year was so fun, hope it will be better! i enjoyed all the sights around me and the music from different cultures and the stalls, i think that is so good to know about other countries. plus it will attract a lot of tourists and they will get to see some of the best street performers on the london eye, like my best friends, the cameleons on the bicycles and the blue man!
make sure you have some spare change!

By Mandy from london on Fri 11 September 2009

I always enjoy going to see the carnival procession first then the amazing fireworks after.This year there’s also the Saturday night fire display at Tate Modern.We’re being spoilt for sure.

By Michael from London on Fri 11 September 2009

My partner and I took our two children to see the firework display last year and it was really great. They brought along some sparklers which they shared with some children who were visiting this country. It was lovely to see the sky lit up and no traffic on the bridge.

By Teresa from London on Fri 11 September 2009

Get there early if you want to be at the front of the crowd, nearest the fireworks.  If you don’t mind being behind a few people, or being a bit further away then get there about 20-30mins beforehand so you can choose the best spot. 
To avoid the worst crowds, the North side of the river is best I think - e.g. Victoria Embankment around temple gardens. But for best chance of good photos you are best to be on the south-side (eg Gabriels Wharf) as there are no trees (the ones on the North side can get in the way).  If the tide is low enough you can even stand on the beach which is great, if a bit damp!
There’s a huge crowd so don’t expect to make a quick exit by public transport… just go with the flow and enjoy the atmosphere :o)

By Alison from Peckham, London on Fri 11 September 2009

The fireworks were fantastic but unfortunately the effect was ruined by someone stealing my wife’s purse during the event, then i accidentally dropped my mobile phone into the Thames and one of my shoes fell off.  But I don’t hold this against the organisers, I would recommend it to everyone but just take care, and maybe check your shoelaces from time to time.

By Leonerd Wzocek from Tunbridge Wells on Sat 12 September 2009

I will be a first time during this Thames festival and I belive that will better than I saw a lot years ago in France in Paris

By zbyszek i iwona from Poland on Sat 12 September 2009

Last year the fireworks were amazing so we will be going along again this year. All the stalls and activities along the waterfront are brilliant too. But this year, which muppet decided to shut the circle line THIS weekend?

By Sarah from London on Sun 13 September 2009

I saw the fireworks last year and they were quite possibly the best I’ve ever seen. Well worth waiting until the end to see these.

By Dave from London Town on Sun 13 September 2009

i go to festival every year the fire works are fantastic my 3 children love them soooo much i dont know of anywhere that does them the way they are done at lord mayors festival

By kerry from london waterloo on Sun 13 September 2009

I’ve just watched these from my roof garden in NW3 and they were the most beautiful I’ve ever seen - so artistic, fabulous shapes and brilliant colours. More, more, more please.

By Catherine from London, NW3 on Sun 13 September 2009

Best fireworks ever - just fantastic!!!!  And the parade was great too.  In fact the whole weekend was wonderful, thank you!

By judy from london on Sun 13 September 2009

We were in London yesterday as it was my sons birthday and knew nothing of the festival before arriving. We stayed last night for the night carnival and fireworks. This was a fantastic show which I would recommend to anyone. My sons comment was “my best birthday ever”. Thanks to all involved.

By Martin Brooks from Somerset, UK on Mon 14 September 2009

amazing carnival and great fireworks amazing

By Jordan from London on Mon 14 September 2009

Fantastic fireworks display!!  The stalls were great and of exceptional quality.  I look forward to the next event and introducing newcomers.  As a entrepreneur I support small business and may be able to take up small space at the next event. 
Thank you in advance

By Elizabeth McNichols from Oxford on Mon 14 September 2009