Mylne's design was replaced by the current bridge 100 years later, and widened in 1910. It is now the Thames' widest bridge, used by approximately 54,000 vehicles per day.

Find out more about the history of Blackfriars Bridge:

40-minute Festive Sailings leave from Tower Pier at 5pm on:

Fri 5th Dec
Tue 9th Dec 
Tue 16th Dec 
Tue 23rd Dec 
Tue 30th Dec 
Mon 5th Jan 

Adults £14.70
Children £9.90

Tickets:

As long as your film has a clear connection to the Thames and runs under 2.5 minutes, it’s welcome. Find out more via the link in our bio.

https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/

@londonportauth.bsky.social

You could tell a story, capture the Thames or the Illuminated River artworks through your own lens, or create something entirely new. This will be the first year that video has been included in the competition, so this is your chance to show what the category can be.

Thirty years after the Festival, the site was developed into the Southbank Centre, the UK’s largest arts centre.

Look out for the statue next time you're walking along the Southbank, and when the sun sets, see the artwork of Illuminated River's bridges take centre stage.

Enjoy seasonal food and drinks in The Glasshouse or gather friends for an evening of Swift Stone Curling in a cosy, glass-enclosed riverside venue. 

Finally as the sun goes down, see the artwork of Illuminated River's bridges take centre stage.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance, so don't miss your last opportunity to take part in 2025.

Full details and booking:

Final dates for 2025:

🎟️ Thursday 20th November - Eastern Bridges (City Bridges)
🎟️ Thursday 4th December - Western Bridges (City to Westminster Bridges)
🎟️ Thursday 18th December - Eastern Bridges (City Bridges)

When you join one of these 90-minute tours, you'll discover the remarkable architecture and heritage of the Thames bridges, and the fascinating story behind Illuminated River.

Look out for them next time you're walking along the Embankment, and when the sun sets, see the artwork of Illuminated River's bridges take centre stage.

Read more about the history and design of Blackfriars Bridge, and the artist's vision for the Illuminated River artwork, on our website:

The bridge was widened in 1910 to allow trams to cross, and to accommodate the high volume of traffic.

Since May 2016, it has also carried the north-south Cycle Superhighway 6. Used by approximately 54,000 vehicles a day, at 105 feet it is now the widest bridge over the Thames.

6th November 1896 must have been a busy day for Queen Victoria, because following the Blackfriars Bridge opening ceremony, she travelled up to Farringdon Road, where she opened the Holborn Viaduct.