The waterways around Canary Wharf and east London will become a breath-taking floating spectacle next week.
From Wapping to London Bridge, a mile-long Avenue Of Sail will see 105 large vessels line the banks.
And West India Dock will become a hub for hundreds of motor craft that will be taking part in the £10.5million privately-funded Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday, June 3.
Pageant master Adrian Evans said: "London will never have seen its like."
The pageant itself, which begins at Battersea bridge, will come down river as far as Wapping but the vessels will head off into waters around Canary Wharf and Greenwich.
However, anyone hoping to view the dispersal beyond the Royal Docks is likely to be disappointed. The Thames Barrier will be closed for the day to stabilise the tide.
Mr Evans, pictured, said: "Things really start happening [next Thursday]. That's when the Avenue of Sail starts to build. This will be made up of 105 vessels too large to pass under London Bridge.
"We put down moorings on the mile from London Bridge on both sides of the river to Wapping so you'll get this fabulous vista tall masted vessel from London Bridge right through on to Wapping and there are all kinds - tall ships, Thames sailing barges, a Royal Navy minehunter, a whaler, a schooners, some steam tugs, a classic ocean racing yacht, there is even a Chinese junk.
"The Avenue of Sail also includes St Katherine's Dock - we're putting a dozen vessels in there."
Water taxis will buzz to and fro taking invited guests and crew to their vessels in a scene reminiscent of the heyday of the 18th century lightermen. In all, there will be 20,000 people in 1,000 vessels afloat during the pageant.
Mr Evans said: "On Thursday and Friday several hundred motorised vessels will be gathering in West India Dock which will be turned into a marshalling yard for boats.
They'll be coming from all over the country - historic vessels, barges, narrow boats, service vessels and so on.
"Whilst they're in West India Dock they'll be given the once-over by the Port of London Authority and the Marine and Coastguard Agency to make sure they pass safety checks and are appropriately ship-shaped and ready for the pageant.
"On Saturday morning they all leave to make their way to their mustering positions."
One of the showpiece vessels normally berthed in South Quay is notably absent. The Spirit Of Chartwell is undergoing a transformation to a royal barge fit for a Queen.
Mr Evans said: "She will look majestic dressed in the most exquisite detailed adornments which have taken months of work by some of our most talented craftsman including hand-sewn banner and superb prow sculpt, made by City and Guilds."
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "This is the biggest such flotilla for 300 years, a kind of Dunkirk except more successful and more cheerful."
Go to thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org for details of times and vantage points.
© First published in The Wharf, May 24, 2012
