spectacle thames festival

The highlight of last year's Thames Festival was the spectacular high-wire walk across the dark waters of London. This year's event is more of a collective effort. It opens at dusk on Sunday with a magical riverbank procession in which a cast of thousands will be parading along the riverbank - giant illuminated sculptures (above), bright-shining carnival costumes and thousands of flaming torches and hand-held lanterns will bathe the city in a firey glow. The public are encouraged to bring their own torches and add their own light to the burning throng as it heads south across the river at Blackfriars Bridge. On the water itself, a flotilla of illuminated rivercraft and a choreographed speed-boat display will be augmented by an extravagant display of pyrotechnics while a floating stage booms live music into the night air. Finally, in case you get peckish en route, a colourful night market will sell snacks with a fishy theme, including barbecued trout.

Thames Festival, tomorrow from 8pm, Victoria Embankment (by Waterloo Bridge), London SE1 info: 0171-928 8998