News
Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Revealed
18 January 2012
The organisers of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant have today revealed the major details of the 1000-boat tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s 60-year reign. National Historic Ships UK has been part of the working group.
One of the largest public events ever held in London, the Pageant will take place on Sunday 3rd June - on the river from Putney to Tower Bridge.
Adrian Evans, Pageant Master and Director of the Thames Festival, said: “The breadth and high quality of applicants has made the selection process for participating boats very challenging. I thank everyone who has responded so enthusiastically to this unique event. We have a wonderful collection of vessels, a wide spectrum of every type of craft from humble kayaks to magnificent tall ships, with rowed shallops, oyster smacks, steamers, cutters, cruisers and barges.” More Detailed Vessel Information
The Sequence of the Flotilla
Heralded by The Royal Jubilee Bells, and led by Gloriana, the hand-built, 88-foot rowbarge, the first section will include rowed and paddled vessels, including Watermen’s cutters, modern row boats, kayaks and Dragon boats. The second section includes boats carrying the flags of the Commonwealth nations, Realms, Territories and Dependencies. Then comes the Royal section, with support vessels from the former Royal Yacht Britannia, accompanying the Pageant’s flagship, the Royal Barge, on which The Queen will travel. She will be followed immediately by the Guard of Honour. In the fourth section will be the Dunkirk Little Ships, followed by historic vessels in the fifth. Following the historic boats will be the working boats, including steam boats and tugs. The next – the seventh – will see an array of leisure vessels, followed by the eighth section of narrow boats and Dutch barges. The final two sections are designated for passenger vessels, allowing for significant public participation as part of the flotilla itself. More information on the Pageant order and detailed vessel information.
Applications to take part from boat owners throughout the UK and the Commonwealth have been three times oversubscribed. Boat owners were told at the end of December whether they were successful. Those who were not successful have been invited to a special reception in a prime position on the day of the Pageant. Further details will be released at a later date.
This item was taken from www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org
