• Night Carnival

I have attended this festival every year for the last three years with my husband, and son who is 24 and daughter who is 9 and we all have really enjoyed this spectacular display of vibrant colours, exciting floats and wonderfully dressed people and the amazing firework display afterwards.
The festival is a real treat as an end to the light summer evenings and as long as you have a jumper for later in the evening I dare you to defy not enjoying this wonderful event for the whole family.

By Deborah Walsh from London on Fri 31 July 2009

I agree with Deborah. The festival is such good fun and will definitely go back this year!

By Oana from London on Tue 8 September 2009

This year is going to be better than last year!! Hope everyone enjoys

By Kevin Smith from Cardboard Citizens on Tue 8 September 2009

Can anyone advise on a good viewing place for the procession for someone with a 7 year old child, and what would be the best time to get there to find a reasonable spot? Thanks.

By Mara from London on Thu 10 September 2009

This is a fantasic event for participants and spectators alike. There are some amazing artists joining the Night Carnival this year and I look forward to seeing their diverse range of illuminated work. Wishing everyone a great evening, with lots of fun…...

By Amanda from The Creative Arts Company, London on Fri 11 September 2009

This will be my first time with my daughter whens a good time to find a good spot for parade as am disabled and is there parkijng anywhere near thanks for help and hope we all have fun Dee

By Dee from Westminster on Fri 11 September 2009

My partner ,myself and our two children really enjoyed this event last
year and we are looking forward to it again this year. As the days become shorter and the kids are settling back into a routine this is something extra special to enjoy.

By Teresa from London on Fri 11 September 2009

My partner and I look forward to this festival every year.  It’s truly magical and the night time carnival is not to be missed.  The people who go are friendly and considerate making a pleasant, family-friendly alternative to the Notting Hill carnival which can be a bit intimidating.

To ensure good viewing, and particularly if you have smaller children, I would suggest crossing over from the South Bank (after having had a good look around there) at no later than 7pm and settle yourself somewhere towards the middle between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge.  If you’re able to bag one of the public seating benches then this can act as a handy platform so children can get a big higher.  However, if you can’t then don’t worry as the crowd is really friendly and children can generally stand right at the front with taller adults behind them.  Also, if you stand on the side closest to the river then you can just turn round to enjoy the fireworks display at the end.

By Bylco from Stoke Newington, London on Sat 12 September 2009

Is it me or do the words ‘magical’ and ‘amazing’ find their way into the language a little too often these days? And seldom do they ever reliably match what they are describing. I think such words should really be pulled from the lexical toolbox sparingly: Perhaps once a year at most. I saw in a brochure selling refill cartridges that the latest ones were amazing and no doubt if I had read further ‘magical’ too. 

I saw the Thames Festival last year and my expectations were adequately met. Therefore I would recommend it to others.

By joseph from London on Sun 13 September 2009

Went to the Southbank last night and was amazed by the amount of activity taking place.  The night carnival was very impressive.

Things like this make me proud of London

By Steve from London on Sun 13 September 2009

it was good

By tommo from London on Sun 13 September 2009

Blackfriars bridge is the place to be. Closed to traffic and usually the best spot.

By Alan from waterloo on Sun 13 September 2009

I attended both days and this was my forth time in the 12 years and I have to say this event makes me proud to be a Londoner!!!

First Class event and roll on next year is all I can say!!!

Woo Hoo…..  Way To Go London!!

By Mikey Mike from London on Mon 14 September 2009

This was my first time and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The food and activities were varied and suited all ages. The best was saved for the last and by that I mean the fireworks;it was just out of the world.Someone infront of me shouted “This is the best free entertainment I have ever experienced!!” ...........and I agree.

By Shri from London on Mon 14 September 2009

loved the parade, the magical fire installations & musical accompaniment, and the firework finale was fantastic!

By millie from london on Tue 15 September 2009

Night carnival - what a splendid idea. We loved it!

By Bodil from Stavanger, Norway on Sat 19 September 2009