AAM at the Thames Jubilee Pageant

On the afternoon of Sunday 3 June 2012, over one thousand boats gathered on the River Thames to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. It was one of the largest flotillas ever assembled on the river.

The Academy of Ancient Music was positioned on the second of ten musical barges, close to the front of the procession. Conducted by Music Director Richard Egarr, we performed Handel's Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks, putting this music back at the heart of public celebration - for which it was originally written.

Read on to find out more about our appearance, the music, and how to watch and listen to this extraordinary event.

"From Handel's famous Water Music in the 18th century onwards, the Thames has been the site of all manner of spectacle and celebration. But even this great river will never have seen or heard anything quite like the riches of this Jubilee pageant. Music old and new from around the globe, ceremonial bells and much‐loved English classics, specially commissioned pieces and hits from the Queen's reign ‐‐ it will be a spectacular, moving musical feast available to all."

Sir Nicholas Kenyon CBE, Managing Director, Barbican Centre

Handel on the Thames: footage from the Pageant