
About
the festival
Rivers of Life is a festival of reflection, art and community, exploring the importance of rivers as images of spirit in Christianity and in other traditions.
It's a collaborative festival that connects a range of churches along the Thames, from Battersea to Bankside.
A diverse programme of events celebrates water in different ways, through worship, creative workshops, exhibitions, seminars and interfaith dialogue.
Whether you're part of a church community or simply curious about the connections between nature and spirituality, Rivers of Life festival is open to everyone.
The Programme

Saturday 18 April | 10:30am - 4pm
Pilgrimage: Battersea to Bankside
Journey along the Thames riverside path, from Battersea to Bankside, in this family-friendly 5.5-mile pilgrimage. We'll stop at churches and gardens for prayer, reflection, and conversation, with arts and craft activities along the way. Bring your picnic lunch - refreshments provided at Southwark Cathedral at the end of the day.

Monday 27 April | 6.30pm - 9.30pm
St John's Waterloo, TBAW Room
Printmaking Workshop
Create your own unique river-themed print in this hands-on workshop led by award-winning printmaker Fitzroy Schofield. No prior experience needed - just bring your curiosity, get creative, and leave with your own original artwork. Places limited to 10 participants - 1 spot remaining.

Monday 11th May | 7pm - 8:30pm
St John’s Waterloo, Forum
Rivers of Life: the Spirituality of Rivers in Hinduism, Islam and Christianity
Speakers from the three faiths - Muslim, Hindu, and Christian - will reflect on how important rivers and water are for their traditions. The panel is followed by a Q&A - everyone is welcome!

Thursday 21st May | 9:30am - 1pm
St John's Waterloo Church
Reimagining the River
How can we reimagine the river Thames for the future? With flood defences needing to be raised by 2050, join us for a morning of brainstorming our vision for the river's future -share your priorities and discuss ideas. Run in collaboration with Southbank and Waterloo Sustains Us, Thames Estuary Partnership and the Environment Agency.

Saturday 18 April - Sunday 17 May Southwark Cathedral | SE1 9DA
Water in London -
A Photographer's View
The Royal Photographic Society presents a diverse range of work showing London's water
- from fountains to small rivers and lakes and of the Thames. Free to view all day on the railings outside of Southwark Cathedral.

Saturday 9th May | 2pm - 5pm
St John's Waterloo, TBAW Room
Printmaking Workshop (sold out!)
Create your own unique river-themed print in this hands-on workshop led by award-winning printmaker Fitzroy Schofield. No prior experience needed - just bring your curiosity, get creative, and leave with your own original artwork. This re-run is now sold out.

Friday 22 May | 1pm - 5pm
St John's Waterloo
Rivers of Life, Rivers of Spirit: Deep incarnation - the divine spirit flowing through all creation.
What we can do to heal, care for and protect our rivers? This mini-conference brings together church leaders, environmental activists and community practitioners to explore deep incarnation - the idea that divine spirit flows through all creation. Speakers include: Bishop Martin, Paul Powlesland, Al Barrett (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) and John White (Hazelnut Community). The conference opens with a riverside blessing.
Festival
Partners
The Rivers of Life festival brings together a range of parishes and organisations, along the Thames.
Partnering Churches:






.png)






