Henley Royal Regatta
Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire
The Henley Royal Regatta in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire is an international rowing event and a must in the social calendar. The regatta is a defining symbol of English life, the relaxation and enjoyment amidst the picturesque setting is as much a part of Henley Royal Regatta as the rowing. Not forgetting the extravagant hats!
You can enjoy the regatta in a number of ways. Watch for free from the towpath or get up close and personal and experience the excitement from the regatta enclosure. For a day of true luxury you can view the race from the Temple Island Enclosure with fine wine, first class cuisine and canapé reception, accompanied by the soothing sound of jazz from the riverside bandstand.
Traditionally the race is enjoyed from the water, what better way to entertain than in the midst of the action. Relax with friends as you sip pimm's in the sunshine as you cruise along the River Thames.
The Henley Royal Regatta holds events for both men and women at a number of different levels. For more event information on the River Thames please visit the website www.visitthames.co.uk
It was in 1839 that the first Henley Royal Regatta in Oxfordshire took place, staged by the Mayor and people of Henley as a public attraction: with a fair and other amusements. The tradition has continued annually ever since (except during the two World Wars) and rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became its main purpose.
Traditionally the race took place on a single afternoon but proved so popular with oarsmen that the racing lasted for two days from 1840 and in 1851 the HRH Prince Albert became the event's first royal patron. The Regatta was later extended to three days in 1886 and a further day was added in 1906, lengthening the regatta to a four-day event.
Due to its popularity the Henley Royal Regatta was extended to five days in 1986 with an increase in the maximum entry for certain events.
Date for 2008 are 2-6 July and 2009 1-5 July