A fleet of historic vessels will gather in London for a celebration of maritime heritage.
More than 70 classic boats will assemble at the Classic Boat Festival, returning to St Katharine Docks this September.
This year’s event marks the largest gathering in the festival’s history. The display will include Dunkirk Little Ships, WWII-era vessels, wooden sailing barges, and narrowboats from the 1930s.
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A highlight of the festival will be the Guide of Dunkirk, a restored RNLI and Dunkirk Little Ship. The vessel was brought back to life by award-winning boat builder Abbey Molyneux.
Tom Cunliffe, the well-known writer and yachting personality, will appear at the event on Sunday at 1pm.
Other featured boats include the recently restored barge Raybel, Sir Alec Rose’s yacht Lively Lady, Arthur Ransome’s favourite yacht Nancy Blackett, and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Courageous.
The festival will also welcome two 1930s narrowboats making their debut appearance.
A record 24 Dunkirk Little Ships will take part, alongside the Thames Sailing Barge Gladys, Motor Tug Kent, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee barge Gloriana. The event will also include appearances by the Wapping Marine Police Unit, the Royal Navy, and wooden boat builder Landamores.
Organisers said: "Opening and closing to a salute of horns, what makes the festival so special is how it transforms the entire estate.
"The docks come alive with colour and festival vibes as flags adorn the ships and landside, the waterside fills with a excited energy, and the restaurants across the marina offer maritime specials to match the occasion. It's not just a boat show, it's the docks reimagined, with historical working boats that reminds you why maritime heritage matters."
The family-friendly festival is open to all, and tickets can be booked online through the St Katharine Docks website.
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