Pageant announcement

[blackrose]

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant,

Sunday 3 June 2012

 

Impacts for boaters on the non-tidal Thames

Dear boater,

 

As part of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, a spectacular flotilla of 1000 vessels will make its way from upriver of London’s Battersea Bridge to downriver of Tower Bridge on Sunday 3 June.

 

We recommend that unless you are an authorised flotilla participant, you do not head towards London with the intention of joining or accompanying the flotilla, as this will not be possible.

 

We have been advised by the organisers that only authorised boats will be allowed to join the flotilla. Of these, around 100 are kept on the non-tidal Thames. Other boats authorised to join the flotilla may use the non-tidal Thames as a route into London from connecting waterways.

 

The flotilla will be made up of a huge variety of craft, coming from all over the UK. In the days leading up to 3 June, it is possible that the non-tidal Thames will see an increase in traffic, as flotilla boats make their way towards London to muster and to take part in rehearsal exercises.

 

All our locks will be fully staffed in accordance with our Customer Charter to ensure that we can facilitate constant lock movements throughout the day, if need be, to let the maximum number of boats pass through them. However, please be aware that there is the possibility of queues at some locks, especially at those nearest to Teddington – the gateway to the tidal Thames – which will have a greater concentration of boats passing through them.

 

Please also be aware that the Port of London Authority – the navigation authority for the tidal Thames – have issued a Notice to Mariners advising that they will implement a staggered river closure from Mortlake Reach at 06.00 on Sunday 3 June, moving progressively throughout the day towards the Thames Barrier. The closure will bar entry to all vessels except those authorised to join the flotilla.

 

For more information, please go to www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org or www.pla.co.uk.

 

Kind regards,

Matt Carter

Harbour Master