Reclaim the Beach 23 @ Thames Festival

Sunday 19th September 2004 1.00pm -7.00pm

    Reclaim the Beach will be putting on a special beach party for you pleasure as part of the Mayor's Thames Festival 2004 (www.thamesfestival.org). A Festival Sandcastle Competition will invite fantastic creations, with prizes to be won. This will be accompanied by an array of world music from reggae to funk to folk, performed live on the beach. And if you are still not happy there will be some comedy to put a smile on your face from the great Ken Campbell. Most spectacular of all will be the Thames lapping, ducks quacking and sand between your toes- right here in the centre of the capital. So join us in the sand once more.
  • Sandcastle competition: 'A new landmark for London' Judged by a panel of artists, designers and a politician, on innovation and creativity in creating 'a new landmark for London' from Thames sand. This is in homage to all the built 'landmarks' that are flying out of the ground, but also to give credit to the Thames and it's foreshore as the important but sometimes forgotten London landmark. Rules: reinforcement or decoration is allowed but must be removed from the beach after the event. Making can start as soon as there's beach. To take part: turn up, register with us and start creating - all ages welcome.
    Programme:
  • 1-2pm Signal Malinga Founded by Risa Risa in 1993 bringing together a group of hugely talented Congolese musicians. Signal Malinga is a fresh and contemporary sound with traditional rhythms and the golden voice of Africa.
  • 2.15-3pm Alice Mclaughlin Animated and impassioned Alice delivers her Ricky Lee Jones meets Laura Nyro songs with an acoustic folktronica sound.
  • 3-4.30pm Ken Campbell You really ought to know who Ken is. Described by The Guardian as 'British theatre's antic visionary', by The Times as 'Hilariously anarchic genius', and by The Observer as 'Sheer bliss'. Mr Campbell has written, directed more plays, TV and film than we can decently expect you to read through, so just take our word for it.
  • 4.45-5.45pm Velarsound Imagine an equilateral triangle with corners in the respective hearts of trip-hop, R&B and elctronica. Thrilling beats and melodic vocals
  • 5.45 pm Prizes presented to winners of the Sandcastle competition
  • 6-7pm Kitoto Kitoto band has been based in London since 1996 and was formed by Freddy Macha in Rio De Janeiro in 1991. The band play Afro-pop-music; a blend of African and Caribbean music with Latin-Rhythms and elements of Blues.
    Please: DO NOT LITTER! MAKE SURE THAT YOU TAKE EVERYTHING OFF THE BEACH THAT YOU BRING, OR THE THAMES WILL BECOME POLLUTED. ITS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! TELL YOUR FRIENDS TOO.
  • email beach@swarming.org.uk to be put on the mailing list for future dates of organised events but there's absolutely nothing stopping you doing your own!
  • Also: mail if you'd like to play/perform/help or want to contribute something else-suggestions always welcome.

How to use the beaches otherwise:

  • Use common sense and remember to check where points of access are so that when the tide comes in you're not stuck.
  • The Thames is a fast flowing river so just be aware of tides (see below) and the currents.
  • You dont need a licence to use the foreshore or the Thames for boats.
  • Find out when other low tides are and go to the Port of London Authority website .
  • Respect the River- always take whatever you bring away with you.
  • The Thames is one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in Europe, but just like any outdoor playground, you'd wash your hands before putting you fingers in your mouth, just like you mum says.
  • Enjoy it! its yours to enjoy.

Alternatively try: WWW Tide and Current Predictor