Spectators at the illuminated flotilla procession down the Thames, commemorating the Queen, have hailed the “fantastic spectacle”.
On Saturday, September 24, thousands gathered along the Thames’ banks to watch 150 brightly-lit boats float from Albert Bridge to Tower Bridge.
Led by the Queen’s row barge, Gloriana, the procession passed beneath seven bridges, each dazzling with light shows curated by lighting artist Leo Villarreal.
Michelle Amin, 56, travelled 200 miles from Ammanford, Wales to witness it. She said: “It was incredible to see such a unique event.
“The lights of each boat, the reflection on the water, the crowds on London Bridge, all backdropped with St Paul’s. Seeing the Royal Barge, with the rowers and the flags, was particularly poignant. It is something I will never forget.”
'Reflections' flotilla on the Thames this evening – a tribute to the Queen.#reflections #thamesfestival pic.twitter.com/QaSi6dkg1U
— ?????????? ????? (@McAndrewFace) September 24, 2022
The procession departed around sunset, went through central London, and finished at a Tower Bridge bathed in purple light at 8.15pm.
Gary Jenkins, vicar of St James’ Church on Jamaica Road and St Anne’s in Thorburn Square, came to remember the Queen.
He said: “It was a fantastic spectacle. It was very powerful to see all those boats pass down the river. There were thousands upon thousands watching.
“When Gloriana went through Tower Bridge, she sounded her horn and all the other boats sounded their horns and the crowds applauded. It was incredible to witness.”
The flotilla featured both manpowered and motorised vessels with Gloriana manned by celebrity rower and TV presenter Ben Fogle.
The event raised money for the RNLI, supporting the construction of a new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge.