Welcome
We are excited to announce that the 2024 Hemingfords' Regatta will take place on Saturday July 13th.
For newcomers to the village, the legendary Regatta provides a wonderful opportunity for all ages to make the most of living in a village on the banks of the Great Ouse.
A month of summer evening practice sessions, followed by an exhilarating Regatta Race Day means everyone can enjoy our beautiful river. Whether you are an active participant, a willing volunteer or a supporting spectator, the regatta is a unique and unforgettable community event of exciting races and picnics on the riverbank. To round off the day, we invite you to the regatta evening event with live music, a BBQ and bar to enjoy as you watch the sun go down over the river.
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This year's bi-annual Regatta Fundraising Ball will be held on Friday 7th June and is the main fundraising event for the Regatta and we really appreciate your support. Tickets priced at £65 per person including entry to the raffle will go on sale on a first come basis from 1st March 2024 - please look out for notices in the village.
Hemingfords' Regatta
Saturday 13th July 2024
Shared by Hemingford Grey and Hemingford Abbots, the Hemingfords’ Regatta is the oldest village rowing regatta in the country.
The Regatta is held on the River Great Ouse and comprises a day of racing in double and single coxed pleasure rowing boats, canoes and punts. The entry is largely restricted to residents of both villages, and there are races for children (including those attending Hemingford Grey Primary School), adults and veterans.
For four weeks prior to the Regatta, the rowing boats which are owned by the Regatta are available each evening for practice and training. Children are given the opportunity to learn how to row and cox.
Practice Evenings
From Monday 17th June 2024
Practice takes place on weekdays in the four weeks preceding Regatta Day. Anyone who qualifies to race or cox can have a go for free, with experienced rowers on hand to offer encouragement and advice.
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Practice evenings operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are held on the river beside the path at the end of Hemingford Grey High Street.
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Punt practice by arrangement.
Consent forms must be signed by parents/guardians of U18s before they will be allowed on the river.
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IMPORTANT:
ALL adult rowers and parents/guardians of practising children are required to join the rota of helpers. You or your child will NOT be allowed to practice without signing up.
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A parent or guardian MUST be present and is responsible for their child at all times whilst on the riverbank.
Timings
Mon 17th to Fri 21st June
6:30 - 7:45pm: Children and under 14s only
7:45 - 9pm: Adults and over 14 year olds have priority
Kayak Training - Mon, Tues, Wed 6:30pm - 9:00pm
During the first week novices will have priority
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Mon 24th to Fri 28th & Mon 1st to Fri 5th July
6:30 - 7:45pm: Children and under 14s only
7:45 - 9pm: Adults and over 14 year olds have priority
Kayak Training - Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur 6:30pm - 9:00pm
From Mon 26th race entrants only
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Mon 8th to Thur 11th July
6:30 - 7:45pm: Children and under 14s only - race entrants only
7:45 - 9pm: Adults and over 14 year olds have priority
Kayak Training - Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur 6:30pm - 9:00pm
race entrants only
Become a Regatta Patron
Become a Patron of the Regatta (minimum £10 donation)
We are always grateful to our Patrons for their support and donations over the years. The money raised enables us to maintain our boats and oars and cover our Regatta day expenses.
We are a self funded village organisation, which means that the committee of volunteers not only run the month long event, but have to raise funds to make it happen. Our running costs each year are about £10,000 (without the capital cost of new boats as required), so any contribution is hugely appreciated.
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If you are considering becoming a Patron you will receive:
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A complimentary programme
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Access to the Patron' enclosure close to the finish line
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Complimentary tea/coffee
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A Patron's badge
Please click on the link below to complete the form and submit your online payment
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
Everyone who participates in rowing and coxing is entitled to do so in a safe and enjoyable environment. Hemingfords' Regatta is committed to helping everyone in rowing accept their responsibility to safeguard children from harm and abuse and support them to do so. The policy document is available below and sets out the procedures we are following to protect children and how to report any concerns.