Regatta the biggest yet

Jun 6 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

ORGANISERS of the ‘Henley of the North’ promise the biggest and best yet this year.

They have pledged to put on “a sporting and cultural extravaganza” during the 175th Durham Regatta.

The weekend event of June 14 and 15 is a highlight of the North East’s social and sporting calendars and will see more than 500 boat races take place on the River Wear.

Street performers will also be in action across the historic city centre as part of the Illuminate Festival.

The Durham Regatta has featured rowers from Durham University, Durham School and Durham Amateur Rowing Club since 1834.

Now it attracts competitors and fans from across the UK and beyond. Last year saw visitor numbers reach 12,000 as people flocked to the city’s Racecourse to take in the atmosphere and cheer on the crews. Picnics and Pimms were the revellers’ choice in 2007, and there will be even more food and drink stalls this year, as well as family entertainment such as dog displays, wood carving and steel bands.

The Illuminate Festival, organised for the second year by Durham-based events company She’s Gott It, gets underway on the Saturday evening. It will feature street theatre acts such as The Baghdaddies, Mr Lucky and The Invisible Men.

At dusk, a street parade will lead crowds through Durham and back down to the riverside where the evening will climax with a fireworks display.

The inaugural Durham Arts Festival also begins on the Saturday and riverside workshops will invite budding young artists to design glowing fish for the parade.

Kate James, events co-ordinator at Durham City Vision, a group established to promote the city, said: “The weekend will appeal to all age groups.

“Street performance has always proved popular in Durham and I’m sure we’ll see plenty of families out enjoying the atmosphere.”

Mark Bell, Durham Regatta events co-ordinator, said: “We have always been keen to help the Regatta develop into a true family occasion.

“Every year we look forward to seeing the event grow.”

Racing starts at 8.30am on both days. Details of specific race listings can be found at www.durham-regatta.org.uk