Torrential rain and dark skies threatened a Henley Royal Regatta washout on Sunday, with people forced to run for cover throughout Finals Day.

But the five-day event defied the grave warnings from weathermen early last week, basking in glorious sunshine for much of the time before Sunday’s deluge.

River conditions were far kinder on competitors than last year, although strong winds again forced a number of crews into the booms.

And hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe still flocked to the Regatta, despite the weather warnings.

The usual array of dazzling blazers and posh frocks lit up the enclosures and sales of Pimm’s — in some places priced at more than £20 a pitcher — and strawberries were as brisk as always.

Paths running adjacent to the Thames soon became bottle-necked as people tried to find a spot to enjoy the rowing.

Live music from a number of bars got people up and dancing, and novelty vessels floating along the river, including the now expected singing Elvis Presleys, proved as popular and bizarre as ever.

The fireworks, sponsored by spice company Schwartz and organised by Hofmann’s of Henley, caused a scrum on the bridge as people vied for the best spot to watch the spectacular show, which lit up the windy summer’s evening.

The firm’s James Brennan said: “I hope everybody enjoyed the Regatta fireworks, despite the strong winds.

“I would like to thank all the contributors to the brochure and the people who gave their time and money to the event. Let us all hope for warmer weather next year.”

St. Mary’s Church was packed as usual on Sunday morning for the annual Royal Regatta service, attended by Stewards, competitors, spectators and other supporters.

The collection in church was made by members of two South African crews, the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Witwatersrand.



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Published on 13 July 2008 by the Henley Standard, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.