"Jo in the Water"

This event flows from River Hope and The Gathering: for water and Nature 6-15 March 2026, marking International Day of Action for Rivers, Saturday 14 March.

"Jo in the Water" is a powerful, emotional feature-length documentary film. It is not just about water pollution; it is about connection - to nature, to our own sense of place, and to our responsibility for the world around us.

Join River Hope, Rubbish Friends and film director Pip Piper for a special screening of "Jo In The Water" followed by a Q&A with Pip and other special guests including representatives of the River Rights Network and Clean Water Sports Alliance.

About the film

Sea swimming is Jo Bateman’s sanctuary - until sewage spills threaten the waters she loves.

A passionate sea swimmer turned reluctant activist, Jo Bateman takes on one of the UK’s biggest water companies in a David-and-Goliath battle to protect our oceans from devastating sewage pollution.

As Jo’s courage helps ignite a growing movement, this film exposes the dire state of our water system and asks: who will stand up for our right to swim in clean natural waters, for the species and communities that rely upon them?

“Jo inspires people… they realise that together we have a greater strength. In a shoal like this we become mighty.”
Chris Packham, Wildlife TV presenter & conservationist

A Fair View Films & Fabian's Film co-production in partnership with Surfers Against Sewage & River Action UK, featuring Jo Bateman, Jeremy Vine, Jim Murray MBE and Chris Packham.

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Trust, the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon and Purple Square Audio Visual Ltd.

Community-led, the Gathering: for water and Nature is steered by River Hope and co-organised with Rubbish Friends. Our supporters and partners include: UK River Summit, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford Town Trust, Stratford Literary Festival, The Launch Agency, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, Moving Souls Dance, River Rights Network, Brook Arts Hub, SafeAvon, Stratford Climate Action, South Warwickshire Area Network for Wildlife (SWAN), Napton Environmental Action Team (NEAT), Moral Imaginations, and others.

You may also like the following events from Rubbish Friends Stratford Upon Avon:

• This month, 22nd March, 10:00 am, Great British Spring Clean 2026 - Bishopton in Stratford-upon-avon

Also check out other Entertainment events in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Sports events in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Arts events in Stratford-Upon-Avon.