Insights, Community, Events, News, Thames
The return of live events to Henley-on-Thames
30 April 2021
After more than a year of lockdowns, restrictions and frustrations, we are finally beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel! Recently, 8,000 football supporters returned to Wembley to watch the League Cup Final, whilst the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield has also welcomed back fans of the snooker.
The easing of restrictions will (hopefully) signify a glorious summer of sport – with Wimbledon returning in June, and both London and Glasgow hosting several games as part of the rearranged Euros. We have also got the Olympics in Tokyo to look forward to, following last year’s postponement, albeit on the TV.
As you well know, our marina is located just one lock down from the beautiful Henley-on-Thames. There are a number of famous local events that are set to return to the town this year, following a raft of cancellations in 2020 due to COVID-19 – and we couldn’t be more excited!
Henley Royal Regatta (week commencing 9 August)
As a company that lives and breathes boating, we are keeping our fingers firmly crossed that the Henley Royal Regatta will return in 2021.
The four day event, which normally concludes on the first weekend in July, is arguably the most prestigious regatta of its kind, attracting the very best rowers from around the world. As the Committee of Management monitor the current landscape, as well as keeping a close eye on the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, a tentative date has been set for week commencing 9th August – however the event is likely to be on a smaller scale than normal.
An official statement explained: “Our ambition remains to stage the best Regatta possible this summer in the context of the ongoing pandemic, with the health and safety of all those involved in the event, as well as wider public health remaining our highest priorities… We will include all 26 events in the programme, including those planned to be newly introduced in 2020 and in 2021. However, the Regatta will most likely be staged with limited site infrastructure and reduced spectator attendance. In line with Government and public health guidance, the introduction of infection control measures will form part of our planning.”
For more information on the event, visit: www.hrr.co.uk
Henley Festival (15 – 19 September)
Another Henley staple – and another event hugely popular with our mooring holders – it is great to see that Henley Festival will take place once again. Like the Regatta, this event will now be slightly later in the year due to the pandemic, but the line-up is worth waiting for!
Among the performers will be Madness, James Blunt, Lost Voice Guy, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sara Cox, Shappi Khorsandi, Sophie Duker, Rory Bremner, The Boneshaker Band, and so much more…
The Val Wyatt team are regular visitors to Henley Festival and we couldn’t recommend it enough – a perfect combination of brilliant music, comedy, tasty food and refreshing drinks, all focused around a floating stage.
Visit Henley Festival’s website here: www.henley-festival.co.uk
Rewind Festival (20 – 22 August)
If you cannot wait until mid-September to satisfy your itch for live music, we are delighted to see the return of the Rewind Festival, which also takes place in Henley-on-Thames. Artists already confirmed include Billy Ocean, Jimmy Somerville, Bananarama, Soul II Soul, Nik Kershaw, and the legendary Wet Wet Wet. It’s a very popular event for those who love music from the 1980s. Leg warmers to the ready!
You can learn more, here: https://south.rewindfestival.com
On the river
As a boat owner, you would be able to join a very exclusive group who are lucky enough to witness the excitement of the Regatta whilst on the river itself. In non-COVID times, a special channel is cordoned off so boats can cruise up and down the Thames. This provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy some bubbles and a luxurious lunch whilst spectating the crews in action. We look forward to normal service resuming in the years ahead.
If that wasn’t enough, during Henley Festival you can join the other boat owners who congregate on the river to enjoy live music. It is an amazing sight to see such a large number of beautiful boats congregate to enjoy the music, with those onboard enjoying picnics, hot flasks, and maybe something stronger! Boat owners often come together to listen to the Rewind festival too, perhaps not in quite the same large numbers, as the event is located further back from the river, but it is still a lot of fun, nonetheless.
Ask our experts
We are lucky to be based in a picturesque location where there are so many events and activities for our mooring holders, other local boat owners, and those holidaying in the area to enjoy.
Furthermore, we are fortunate to have a talented, enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable team in place, who are not only passionate about the boats we sell and maintain, but are happy to share ideas and recommendations on what to do in the surrounding area. It’s all part of our commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.
If you’d like to ask our team a question, get in touch here.
