Get to Know Henley Royal Regatta

With a huge summer of sport already underway, the events are coming thick and fast. The start of July marks the return of the annual Henley Royal Regatta. The historic rowing event will take place in Henley-on-Thames from the 2nd to the 7th July with thousands of spectators expected to flock to the river banks. We take a look at what you can expect from the event as well as some of the wonderful hospitality Engage have to offer!

What is Henley Royal Regatta?

Taking place in Henley-on-Thames, Henley Royal Regatta is the world’s most famous rowing event. As part of the prestigious occasion, spectators can expect six days of thrilling racing action. Established in 1839, it takes place annually finishing on the first weekend of July. The event has attracted some of the world’s best in the past including Steve Redgrave, Helen Glover, Jack Beresford and Katherine Grainger to name a few. This year will certainly be no different as athletes will look to use Henley as a warm up for the Olympic Games in Paris! This year’s regatta will take place from the 2nd-7th July.

What to wear?

There is a formal dress code for the event with visitors tending to wear blazers, collared shirts, caps, dresses and hats. Shorts, jeans and trainers are strictly prohibited in the hospitality enclosures.

What to expect?

With an astonishing 300-plus races for crowds to enjoy all week, the action is non-stop! Races will begin at 9am Tuesday-Friday, 10am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday lasting until approximately 7:30pm each day. Sunday’s finale will be the only outlier, coming to an end at 4:30pm. The most famous race at the regatta is the Grand Challenge Cup which is a competition for men’s eights.

This race has taken place every year since the regatta’s inception in 1839 and is widely regarded as the most prestigious event, open to all rowing clubs. The heats, semis, and final of the Grand Challenge Cup take place on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively. Trust us, you will not want to miss this one!

Aside from the never-ending list of racing, spectators can look forward to celebratory rowpasts, flypasts from the RAF, live music and more. There is something for everyone to enjoy, so why not come down to cheer the rowers on and soak up the incredible atmosphere in the summer sun?

Hospitality that Engage Offer

If you’re going to come along to the regatta, why not treat yourself and check out Engage Hospitality’s brilliant range of offers for you to watch the action? Engage are offering the best hospitality on show including our famous ICON facilities and the Temple Island Enclosure!

Experience the exhilarating action from our world class ICON facilities. Venture to the riverside and expect a delicious four-course lunch menu designed by the wonderful Michelin-Star chef, Angela Hartnett. Enjoy Hartnett’s wonderful culinary skills while sipping on a range of champagne, wine, beers, spirits and soft drinks from the complimentary bar in ICON’s very own private garden area. Listen to talks from special ICON guests while feasting on a traditional afternoon tea with all the action only a whisker away. There will also be a live DJ and saxophonist throughout the day to keep you entertained away from the competition!

What about the famous Temple Island Enclosure? Located in the middle of the river, this island creates a unique opportunity to watch the action up close while indulging in mouth-watering food and drink. Check out the private chalets for up to 100 guests as well as the option of partaking in a 90 minute river cruise along the course with an array of refreshments to satisfy your needs. What better way to watch the races?

So which option will you choose? Henley Royal Regatta is a great day out and it is a wonderful opportunity to experience boat racing like never before. Fancy a day on the riverside with Engage Hospitality? Enquire about our hospitality packages now before it’s too late!

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