Welcome to Tilbury and the first part of the ritual journey.

This is your story, as much as anyone else’s

Those in the past, Those in the future

And those still yet to come

Let us all be good ancestors

Place your headphones around your ears – and allow me to sing my song

Thamesis! 

Run to the Sea!

And so be free 

Instructions to join in our never-ending ritual of love to the Estuary:

1. Go to the beginning of the suggested route

2. And then click Play below to listen to the Myth of Thamesis Soundfile Chapter 1: Tilbury

3. Begin walking

When you have finished walking your walk and listening to me talk, you can journey to the next location in Gravesend.

But for now, take a deep breath, press play and we will begin.

Feel free to follow our route, don’t worry if you get lost. Do try and find your way to the river!

Show Notes and Further Reading:

- This sound walk by Nwando Ebizie was commissioned by Estuary Festival for Estuary 2025 - you can read more information about the project here.

- ‘The water industry prioritising profits over public welfare: In 2023, total net debt across the sector reached £64.4 billion. Yet in 2022-23, water companies paid out £1.4 billion in dividends to shareholders. Meanwhile, Thames Water’s CEO is paid up to £2.3 million annually—showing a stark contrast between high executive pay and the urgent need to invest in our aging infrastructure.’ River Action: https://riveractionuk.com/campaign/river-thames-campaign/

- Find out how to Take Back the Thames: https://riveractionuk.com/get-involved/

- Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

- Our rivers are polluted by private water companies:

Bidders Demand Thames Water Granted Immunity Over Environmental Crimes

Pesticides, antibiotics, animal medicines: the chemical cocktail seeping into our rivers

Is the Thames Alive?

Credits

Writer, Director, Composer: Nwando Ebizie

Story Development - Season Butler

Actors - Lucie Doležalová, Leah Bartram, David Marshall

Sound Engineer Laura Selby

Recorded with Docklands Sinfonia Orchestra and students from Guildhall School of Music

Mixing and Mastering - Tom Richards