Tidefest 2025 Proceeds Despite Storms

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Celebrates cleaner Thames and community engagement with the river

Two MPs and the Mayor of Hounslow at Tidefest. Picture: Sean Geer Photography

September 17, 2025

Despite persistent wind and rain, this year’s Thames Tidefest went ahead as planned on Sunday, drawing hundreds to the riverbanks at Kew Bridge, Barnes and Chiswick. Now in its 11th year, the event showcased the Thames as a revitalised environmental and recreational asset, with activities ranging from kayaking and paddleboarding to angling, river dipping and foreshore history walks.

Organised by a coalition of river-focused organisations, Tidefest began in 2014 as part of a broader campaign to improve water quality and public access to the Thames. Its origins are closely tied to the Thames Tunnel Now initiative, which advocated for the Thames Tideway Tunnel—now operational and intercepting sewage discharges from over 30 outfall points along the river.

One of the event’s highlights was the Tidefest Angling Championship, run by the Angling Trust. The competition provided a snapshot of the river’s ecological health, with anglers reporting strong catches of roach, dace, chub, bream, barbel, carp and even sea trout. Smaller species such as elvers, bass, mullet and flounder were also recorded, suggesting improved biodiversity in the tidal Thames.

Local representatives including Hounslow Mayor Amy Croft, MPs Ruth Cadbury and Andy Slaughter, and Cllr Gabriella Giles attended the event. Their presence underscored the growing political and civic support for river stewardship and public engagement.

This year’s Tidefest also featured the “In the Drink” campaign, which aims to reduce plastic pollution by promoting reusable alternatives to single-use cups. While the initiative has gained traction, Ruth Cadbury MP noted the need for a deposit-return system to ensure reusables are properly collected and not discarded in public spaces.

Andy Slaughter MP praised the event’s role in reconnecting Londoners with the Thames. He said, “We have an improving wildlife corridor running through the heart of London. It was another great day out with Tidefest and I’m extremely grateful to the PLA for coming in to support this long-standing and worthwhile event.”

The Port of London Authority (PLA), which stepped in as a key sponsor this year, emphasised its commitment to supporting community-led efforts to protect and celebrate the tidal river. Emmeline Endresen, PLA’s Impact and Partnerships Officer, described Tidefest as a “wonderful local event” that encourages Londoners to “explore, enjoy, and appreciate the river right on their doorstep.”

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This page is sponsored by West London Queer Project who support community initiatives in Chiswick.