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Thames Traditional Boat Festival 2025
18 July 2025 to 20 July 2025
About the Thames Traditional Boat Festival 2025
Marking the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo year we salute the “Little Ships” on their return from Dunkirk
The 46th Thames Traditional Boat Festival
The Thames Traditional Boat Festival was first held at Fawley Meadows in 1978 as a rally for like minded enthusiasts who wanted to show off their enthusiasm for the older, traditionally built craft that were fast disappearing from the river Thames.
From these small beginnings the TTBR, or “The Trad” as it became known, has flourished to the extent that it now attracts interest the world over.
This prestigious event, re-born in 2015 as the Thames Traditional Boat Festival, whilst keeping faith with the precepts of its founding fathers, now incorporates the traditional values of many other traditional trades and crafts, as well as providing a fun day out for all the family.
Another exciting and fun day out or maybe even a weekend for the whole family, celebrating the best in British boatbuilding and craftsmanship, evoking the nostalgia of boating from a bygone era.
This popular, long-running event, now offers more attractions on the water, in the air and on the land, than ever before.
Featuring the largest fleet of Dunkirk “Little Ships” ever to attend the Trad and the largest display of traditional boats in Europe, amphibious and military vehicles, aircraft and much more.
Event Schedule
Each full-on festival day starts at 10.00am with welcome and safety announcements and runs until 6.00pm. This is followed by the Crooked Billet (music and partying at a pop-up pub/restaurant and music stage) until 11.00pm with closedown at midnight.
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Adult tickets
Friday – £15.00 (online) / £20.00 (on the gate)
Saturday or Sunday – £20.00 (online) / £25.00 (on the gate)
All 3 days – £45.00 (online) / £50.00 (on the gate)
Junior tickets (13 to 17 years)
Friday – £10.00 (online) / £12.00 (on the gate)
Saturday or Sunday – £10.00 (online) / £12.00 (on the gate)
All 3 days – £18.00 (online) / £20.00 (on the gate)
12s and under – Free
Dates and times:
Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July 2025 at 10.00am daily
Good to know
- All day tickets include evening access to the Crooked Billet
- Carers accompanying disabled visitors have FREE entry to the festival.
- There is a free car park for Blue Badge holders.
- There are discounts for booking tickets online.
- Tickets can be purchased at the gate for each day or 3-day tickets.
