Culture Cargo programme unveiled
Announcing the full programme for ‘Culture Cargo’ ... a travelling programme of performance, conversation and creative encounter aboard Raybel, for the Totally Thames festival and taking place throughout September.
We’re delighted to be part of this month-long celebration of the River Thames as a place of culture, heritage and environmental connection – inviting Londoners and London visitors alike to experience the Thames as a living landscape shaped by communities, histories and creativity.
Culture Cargo will transform Raybel into a floating cultural venue, offering a dynamic programme of live music, talks and mini performances exploring themes of trade, ecology and community.
Events will take place at three Thames locations –
Gravesend Town Pier (4th - 6th September)
St Katharine Docks (12th / 13th September)
King George V dock at the Royal Docks in North Woolwich (19th September)
Highlights include: -
🎵 Music from singer/songwriter Mimi O’Halloran, jazz/experimental duo Cirenne, and folk musician Sam Watson as ‘Fey Hound’.
🎻 New work created for Culture Cargo by classical/experimental musicians Juice + Santi Lowe, composer Martha-Maria Mitu and folk singer Mataoi Austin Dean.
🎤 A special edition of the Resonance fm show ‘For the Lost’ with Dee Sada presenting a set of original composition and immersive soundscapes, and poet Rishi Dastidar reading from his acclaimed collection 'Neptune's Projects'.
𓂃✍︎ Poetry, spoken word and discussion from Newham Poetry Prize winner Be Manzini, Eve Atkinson and Billie Duch Gimemez.
💧 A ‘Rights of the River’ gathering led by Friends of the River Medway, with special guests.
💬 Story–telling and habitat making for children on a family Sunday.
🏮 A magic lantern performance in the darkened cargo hold by artists Nicole Mollett and Frog Morris.
𓏲ּ𝄢 An Irene Fiordilino movement workshop on and below deck.
Check listings, see all events and book tickets HERE
ALL TICKETS £10 (plus booking fee)
Raybel will be open to visits outside of performance days - check website and social media for updates on our location during the month.
Culture Cargo is supported by Arts Council England.
Part of Totally Thames festival 2026’