Bring a picnic, bring the dog, bring your friends, bring your granny as the Henley Town & Visitors’ Regatta is back this Saturday in its traditional format and location and all are welcome, along with 271 crews from 61 rowing clubs competing in 136 races, running continuously from 9am to 7pm.

A great day of racing will be held on the Regatta’s traditional 3-lane course over 800m from the start at ‘Old Blades’ in Remenham to the finish opposite Phyllis Court, at 4-minute intervals throughout the day.

The event has attracted a large number of competitors ranging in age from 14 to over 60 years old. Some have represented GB at international level, but for others this may be their first competitive rowing event.

In addition to local ‘Town’ clubs, the Regatta will welcome ‘Visitors’ representing 59 rowing clubs including Dart Totnes in Devon and Grosvenor from Chester.  Henley and Upper Thames Rowing Clubs will both be well-represented, there is a strong entry from London-based clubs, as well as local crews from Abingdon, Reading and Wallingford.  With these entries, competition for the Victor Ludorum awarded to the club achieving the most wins on the day will be fierce.

Henley’s T&V Regatta is the only event of the year at which townsfolk and visitors can picnic and relax by the river on the magnificent lawns owned by the Royal Regatta. It is a family-friendly event that offers refreshments and rides aboard the majestic umpire launches.

The Regatta enclosure is free for all to enter. New for this year is a food court where Henley’s Safari Social Club, will be offering wood-fired pizza for spectators and competitors throughout the day. In addition, Mr Brightside’s vintage coffee van will be offering a range of coffees and pastries and Henley Gelato their ice cream. Subject to availability, spectators can also enjoy following a race aboard a traditional Henley umpire’s launch for a small donation. The enclosure entrance is a short walk from Henley town centre, just downstream from the bridge on the Berkshire bank.

If you would like a beer or two whilst watching the racing we advise to bring your own as due to circumstances outside of the organisers control, there will be no alcohol sold at this year’s regatta!

Glen Lambert, this year’s Regatta President, emphasised that it is great that the Regatta is back in its traditional location and format: “Henley-on-Thames is a great community, and our Regatta is just one part of a busy summer season on the river.  After being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and running a competitor-only event in 2021 the Regatta is back in its traditional format and location and we look forward to welcoming rowers and spectators to this wonderful stretch of river.”

Mark Davies, Regatta Chairman, said: “With good weather forecast, we are expecting to have a full and exciting day of racing. Admission is free for adults, children and dogs. Do come along and support your own local Regatta which has been running for over 150 years”.

The Henley Town & Visitors’ Regatta is organised by local people and supported by many local organisations and families. Mark Davies continued: “we are very grateful for the support of the many volunteers, subscribers, advertisers and sponsors, all of whom play a vital part in this important local event. The Regatta Committee would also like to thank the Stewards of Henley Royal Regatta, who allow us to use their land and facilities, and Henley-on-Thames Town Council who have supported the Regatta consistently for many years.”

For more information visit Henley Town & Visitors’ Regatta