Durham Regatta

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Durham Regatta is the premier rowing event in the North East of England, held each year on the second weekend in June on the River Wear which provides a picturesque setting for regattas and head races.

Known as the Henley of the North, Durham Regatta was formed several years before its more prestigious namesake in the south. Durham Regatta is the second oldest rowing regatta in England, preceded only by Chester Regatta.

Events are competed over either the short course, a 700 metre stretch of river which provides an excellent view of racing from start to finish, or the long course. The long course of 1800m takes in a number of sweeping bends and the Elvet Bridge.

The race has been held 174 times and, in recent years, the regatta has had competitors from all four corners of the UK, as well as crews from as far afield as Nereus in Amsterdam.

The blue riband event is the Grand Challenge Cup, which has most recently been dominated by Durham University Boat Club. This event is for Elite Men's Coxed Fours, and due to the introduction of the Prince Albert Challenge Cup for Student Coxed Fours at Henley Royal Regatta this event has proved to be useful practice for student crews from the University Boat Club and College Boat Clubs in the run up to the Royal Regatta.

Durham Regatta is a popular day out for residents and students at the University, providing the climax of the rowing year for most college rowers. Almost all colleges will compete across a variety of boat types and standards, and it is usually the chance to determine which college has the strongest crews of the year.

In 2008, Durham Regatta celebrates its 175th anniversary and to commemorate this, there will be a variety of entertainment on the Saturday evening, culminataing in a huge pyrotechnic display.