When: June 2026
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E.ON Next, supporting The FA’s Greener Game programme, wanted a bold way to show how solar power and other low-carbon upgrades are helping grassroots football clubs cut their energy bills.
The result was a fully floating, solar-powered football pitch moored on the River Thames directly opposite the Houses of Parliament, where MPs took on players from grassroots clubs Crawley FC and Rugby Borough FC.
Livett’s was brought in from the outset to turn the concept into a safe, deliverable reality on the water, providing the marine coordination, fleet and logistics needed to build, move, host and de-rig the pitch.
With limited space and a tight build schedule, the floating pitch first needed a stable, sizeable platform to take shape on. We used King George V Lock – a tried-and-tested build location for our team on many previous Thames activations – to construct the pitch on our flat-top pontoon Remus.
Once built, the pitch needed moving downriver to its event location opposite the Houses of Parliament. Towage was handled by Thames Bosun – our recently refitted, multicat-style workboat – ensuring Remus and her solar-powered cargo arrived safely and on schedule.
To get players, MPs and event crew safely on and off the floating pitch, Livett’s hired Lambeth Pier for the event, giving everyone involved a secure embarkation point directly alongside the activation and in full view of one of London’s most recognisable backdrops.
With media attention on the activation, we deployed Bravo Lima GB as a camera boat to capture the action from the water, while Romeo Lima provided safety boat cover throughout. Both were chosen for their manoeuvrability and proven track record on high-profile Thames productions and events.
As with every activation we deliver on the river, Livett’s advised on the necessary licences and permissions, and managed all marine coordination and logistics from the first conversation through to de-rig. It’s a knowledge built over years of putting football on the Thames, following our work on the Adidas Football Creator Dock floating stadium in 2018 and Amazon Prime’s Premier League launch in 2019.
The event went off without a hitch, giving MPs and grassroots players from across the Greener Game network a memorable afternoon on the water and a high-profile platform for E.ON Next and The FA’s message on sustainable, lower-cost energy for grassroots football clubs.
Ed Livett, Managing Director of Livett’s, said: “Putting a football pitch on the Thames might sound fairly straightforward – until you actually try to do it. Tides, permissions, and safely moving people on and off a floating structure opposite the Houses of Parliament all need careful planning.
“We’ve delivered similar activations like this before for Adidas and Amazon Prime. Each one reaffirms our unrivalled ability to make these eye-catching activations happen safely on the river. It was a pleasure to help E.ON Next and The FA and we look forward to the next game of football on the Thames!”
Whatever you are planning on the River Thames or beyond, we’re here to help you.
Please contact using the details below or the enquiry form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
