The Wednesday before the first weekend of July signifies the start of the annual Henley Royal Regatta. Henley Regatta has been a fixture in the rowing calendar since 1839 and is a 5-day event in which rowers from all over the world travel to Henley on Thames in Oxfordshire to take part in various challenge cups.
This year marks the 177th Henley Royal Regatta and with over 600 rowing teams competing for medals across 200 races, it has become the best-known regatta in the world and is one of the highlights of the summer sporting calendar.
Races are head-to-head knock out competitions, raced over a course of 1 mile. Entrants must first qualify for the event in timed trials which take place the week prior to the regatta. Every year the sees an increase in the number of entrants with rowing teams travelling from as far as New Zealand to take part.
Not only is Henley Royal Regatta a big deal in the rowing world, it is also a highlight in the summer social calendar, alongside events such as Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and Chelsea Flower Show. People come from miles around to soak up the atmosphere (as well as a glass or two of Pimms) and perhaps even follow a race or two.
This year the weather has threatened to put a dampener on the event but, rain or shine, those attending the regatta socially have been doing their best to ignore the regular downpours, and have been defiantly enjoying their picnics under a sea of umbrellas. Wellies have replaced heels and hats are coming in handy, but us Brits are well used to the great British summer and judging by the turn out this year, a bit of ran hasn’t stopped visitors enjoying the event as much as ever – even if the rowers are finding it tougher than usual, battling the elements as well as the competition.