Every September the Mayor’s Thames Festival celebrates the continued importance of the River Thames. This year this free event is getting an Olympic boost as it coincides with the Olympic Closing ceremony bringing an end to the Paralympic Games. This boost comes in the form of a euphoric atmosphere, bigger crowds and even more live riverside performances.

Over the course of this two-day event, from 8-9 September, there will be street entertainment, art installations, music and dancing dotted along the Thames riverbank between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge. The spectacular finale will be a show-stopping fireworks display eating through more than one ton or pyrotechnics in just 10 minutes.

Despite being one of London ‘s biggest and greatest free events, it is one of the lesser-known happenings outside of the capital. This year the extra publicity given to the event due to its Olympic tie-up should elevate its status outside of the capital.

For visitors to London LondonTown.com is advising booking accommodation early to avoid disappointment. LondonTown.com has secured exclusive online discounts at some of the most luxurious, centrally located hotels in London including the four-star Crowne Plaza London The City and the exclusive Me London Hotel, a five-star property in Covent Garden.

Rooms at the modern, spacious Crowne Plaza London The City start at £117 per night and it boasts an enviable location just minutes from the Thames and right in the middle of all the action. There are babysitting and crib facilities available for families and a late checkout time of 12pm.

The Me Hotel is an ultra-high end property in the heart of theatreland that opened last month. This lavish hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop bar, both ideal spots for viewing the fireworks display. If you want to escape somewhere quieter, the marble-lined champagne bar is perfect. Due to the high-end nature of this property room rates are higher. Prices start at £500 per night including a discount from LondonTown.com.