Just last month, Hwang invited him to the U.S. to direct Silver River at the Spoleto Festival, the country's biggest operatic gathering.

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It is part of the eighth Thames River Festival, which is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people this weekend.

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When you've made it back to terra firma stroll east along the river, past the Royal Festival Hall and the uncompromisingly brutalist National Theatre, navigating the crowds that cluster around the street entertainers.

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Other maritime events taking place in the city in 2011 are On The Waterfront, due to be held at the end of July, and The River Festival in September.

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The most expensive of the two options includes a new seating area, festival, river trail, a schools project and a viewing platform that would allow people to "enjoy the full span of the River Ness", according to a report to Highland councillors.

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