River Tours

Current Portfolio   Outdoor  

“What makes a river special is what happens on it, along it and in it”

Nothing could be simpler. We survey rivers, noting down the positions of all bridges, dams, major settlements and confluences along their lengths, then commission textile artists to turn this data ribbon maps.

To compliment these maps we commission guided tours. Some start at the river’s source, others at the river’s mouth. They cover thousands of years of history, beautiful natural history, famous sights and fascinating facts.

The tours are performed in an engaging, friendly style,, with wit and energy to a live audience.

Tour Dates

  • 18th March 2023:
    The Lune
    Lancaster Literature Festival
    Storey Insitute, Lancaster
  • 15th October 2022:
    The Lune, & The Thames
    Beside The Lune, Lancaster
  • 11th September 2021:
    The Thames & The Volga
    Cotteridge Park, Birmingham

Wonderful afternoon @CotteridgePark watching @stanscafe tell the story of the Thames and the Volga. Inspirational peformances full of charm and humour , brilliant, mind expanding writing and stunning needlework.

Liz C – Twitter

My friends … absolutely loved it, had lots of thoughts on what rivers to do next and insisted we invite them to whatever your next show is.

Karen S


The Thames

Craig’s storytelling was impeccable

Marc C

Written and performed by Craig Stephens
Map by Vicky Roden
Directed by James Yarker

Stage Manager – Emily Davies
Photographs 1 – 4 – Rich Berry
Photographs 5-8 – Jaskirt Boora
Executive Producer – Roisin Caffrey
Administrator – Lucy Bird

With thanks to:
The Friends of Cotteridge Park
Raddlebarn Primary School
Gilda Almeida & Alicia Adams at The John F Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.

The Volga

Went down the Volga with @stanscafe … a perfect way to spend a Saturday, art, a lovely audience and a wonderful performance from Elexi.

Lara R – Twitter

Written by James Yarker
Performed by Elexi Walker
Map by Vicky Roden
Directed by James Yarker
Photographs by Jaskirt Boora
(except 1 & 7 by Rich Berry)

The Lune

Written by Claire Dean
Performed by Orla Cottingham

Textile Team
Lead Designer and Coordinator:
Katrina Barnish
Stitchers and Painters:
Carol Gittins
Enda O’Regan
Gina Frausin
Sian Bowes
Virginia Edwards
With contributions from – Alice Booth, Kiki Callihan, Claire Dean, Masha Gulina and much support from our friends and families.

Directed by James Yarker
Commissioned by Lancaster Arts
Photographs Rich Berry




Liz C – Twitter