As part of the Festival of Britain the Daily Mirror arranged a river spectacle on the Chelsea Reach of the Thames, alongside the Fun Fair in Battersea Park on the afternoon of the 18th of August, 1951. It included races for motor boats, and a parade of all the boats.

The Southend - on - Sea life - boat Greater London took part in the parade, and also cruised round all afternoon, ready to go to the rescue in case of any accident.

The Daily Mirror sent a donation to the Institution and wrote: "The superbly smart life-boat with its distinguished crew was the admiration of every spectator.".