Henley-on-Thames is set to come alive with the spirit of celebration as the town prepares to honour its Olympians with an open-top bus parade on Saturday 21st September.

The parade will begin with a road closure in Market Place from 9am to 1pm and there will be rolling road closures along the parade route from 11.10am to 12:00 noon.

Before the parade kicks off, there will be the opportunity to see some of the Olympic rowers in action on the river between 9am and 10.30am. The rowers will depart from Leander Club, rowing under the Henley Bridge, around Rod Eyot Island, and back.

The Wokingham Brass Band will lead the procession starting at 11.15am at Leander Club along with the athletes following making their way to the Town Hall, arriving at around 11.55am.

The route the parade will be taking starts at Leander Club, over Henley Bridge, up Hart Street, along Bell Street, New Street and Thameside, back along Hart Street and onto Market Place.

As they reach the Town Hall, the Wokingham Brass Band will march onto Market Place, while the athletes disembark at the rear of the Town Hall.

At 12 o’clock, the rowers will then walk through the Town Hall, emerging from the front doors to be welcomed by the Mayor of Henley, Cllr. Rory Hunt, who will deliver a few words of congratulations. Followed by Leander Captain, Lola Anderson, who will give a short speech thanking the Henley community for their support.

The rowers will then walk through an arch of oars held by members of local rowing clubs.

After the ceremony the Olympians will mix with the public in Market Place, posing for photos and signing autographs.

At 12.30pm, the rowers will board the bus once again and return to Leander Club for a private reception.

Leander Club General Manager Al Heathcote said, “We are very proud of our 26 Olympians and grateful to the Henley community for all their support. Leander Club athletes have won a staggering 159 Olympic and Paralympic medals since 1908. Credit must also go to the schools, clubs and universities that worked hard with these athletes prior to them joining Leander. This is a great opportunity to meet these current Olympic heroes in person.”

Children attending the event will receive flags and chocolate medals as souvenirs of this special day. There may also be a Leander Hippo or two as well.