Putney

Fascinating Putney

Putney has a new and multi-award-winning wharf area with riverside restaurants and bars. In addition, excellent shops on the high street and interesting historic buildings make Putney a fascinating place to visit.

Jazz on the River in Putney

Putney is also a great place to have fun with dozens of great pubs and restaurants. Putney hosts some very special events, such as Jazz on the River every other September, in aid of the Royal Hospital for Neurodisability.

This fundraising event consolidates Putney's reputation as a great place for live music, starting with dinner on a riverboat trip, and live music from the Skamonics (ska meets jazz, two-tone and reggae), in The Exchange Shopping Centre. In addition, there's live jazz in many of Putney's best known pubs and restaurants during the festival. See the Royal Hospital for Neurodisability website for more details.

The Putney Debates

Putney was home to the historically significant Putney Debates held at St Mary's Church in 1647. These debates took place during the Civil War, and are recorded as an important step in the development of democracy. Sections of the debates appear almost word-for-word in the American Constitution.

The new Putney Debates Permanent Exhibition opens in October 2007 with a week of celebratory events including a battle re-enactment, 17th century music, debates by UK and US university students and activities on the river. Visit www.putneydebates.com to find out more.

The Putney Sculpture Trail

Putney is also home to a nationally recognised sculptor, Alan Thornhill, who has had both a home and studios in Putney. His work has been widely exhibited and his sculptures are being used to create a permanent riverside trail in Putney in late 2007-early 2008, to be known as the Putney Sculpture Trail.

Featuring 8 near life-sized figurative sculptures, the trail will extend for just over a mile (1.6km) from Leaders Gardens to Riverside Quarter, taking in the Embankment, Putney High Street, Putney Wharf, and Wandsworth Park en route.

The University Boat Race

In March 2008, the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race will start from Putney Bridge. This coincides with the annual Putney Music Festival which features live music in pubs, clubs and restaurants throughout the town over a 3-day period, starting on the 28 March.

So, whether you're interested in history, music, shopping, art or the riverside, come along and enjoy the fantastically varied Putney experience.