What's the biggest Rowing Regatta in the North East of England
Durham Regatta, held annually on the second weekend in June on the River Wear in Durham, can be described as the Henley of the North. In 2024 the Adventurers Drinks Company had its first pop up stall at Durham Regatta, marketing its Rowers Gin and Rowers Pale Ale.
Durham Regatta is the second-oldest rowing regatta in England, preceded only by Chester Regatta. The first regatta was held over 17–19 June 1834, opening with a six-oared race in 1834 won by Velocity, owned by W. L. Wharton, High Sheriff of Durham, against the Durham University Original Club.
Almost all colleges of Durham University will compete across a variety of boat types and standards.
Events are competed over either the short (regatta) course, a 700-metre (2,300 ft) stretch of river which provides an excellent view of racing from start to finish or the long (championship) course of 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) which takes in a number of sweeping bends and Elvet Bridge and ends near Prebends Bridge.