Thames Festival 2009

I spent most of my waking hours this weekend at the 2009 Thames Festival. It was a huge collection of dances, performances and food followed by a night carnival and fireworks (my favorite!). Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend (not in any order...):

The Night Carnival is special because many of the dancers and floats cover themselves in bright lights. The dancers were a lot like the Notting Hill Carnival (some floats were even the same), but the lights added a nice nighttime effect.
Tamryn found an excellent spot for us to take photographs - with the National Theatre, The London Eye and Big Ben all in the background. How perfect.
They also shut down most of Southwark Bridge and turned it into a big eating festival - tables and chairs were set up, as well as light bulbs and banners. It was a lovely view of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Here the woman had strung her dress with lights - she was spinning, hence the blur.
Here is another attempt at "bokeh", this time with the lights of London Eye.
A man watches the Dutch dancers in front of Tower Bridge.
Another bokeh with hearts!
Korean dancers perform in front of City Hall.
More fireworks!
Another Korean dancer! (I told you these were not in order...)
And finally, my favorite picture of the fireworks. It was worth standing outside, in the cold, in a corner that smelt like pee to be able to have a view like this. Well worth it.

As a side, the Olympus people are running a competition for a photo of the carnival. I've posted here what I think are my best photos, and I'd like to submit one to the contest. The winner wins a pretty kick ass camera (Olympus... but still, I'd take it). But I'm not sure which one to choose! And I want your help! Which one is your favorite?