The Ska, Rocksteady & Reggae Thames cruise

A Thames boat trip presented by the London International Ska Festival, with music drawn from the 2 Tone era and from the ska, rocksteady and reggae that shaped it. The sailing is hosted on the Golden Flame Party Boat.

The London International Ska Festival organises this cruise along the Thames, passing some of the capital's historic sights. The programme is built around the music of the 2 Tone era and the Jamaican styles behind it. The music named includes that of The Specials, Madness, The Beat, The Selecter, Dexys Midnight Runners, The Clash and The Jam, alongside Prince Buster, Toots & The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff and The Pioneers, with many more acts in the mix.

The sound is curated by two DJs. Sean Flowerdew is linked to Pama International and the London International Ska Festival, and has played in bands with reggae figures including Laurel Aitken, Rico, Derrick Morgan and Ken Boothe. Nanker P founded the Brixton club night Time Tunnel. Together they bring the ska, rocksteady and reggae repertoire to the water, from the upper deck of the boat.

The Golden Flame Party Boat hosts concerts and shows in London. The cruise suits anyone interested in the 2 Tone sound and in the Jamaican records that inspired it, and it is presented as a festival-led night on the river rather than a live concert by the artists named.