Here’s MyMarlow’s summary of this year’s Marlow Town Regatta and Festival, marking 25 years of the event in this format!
The above painting is by Gerasymov Stanislav, from Ukraine, and is this year’s guest artist. He’s also a passionate rower, so a perfect fit for the event! Read more about Gerasymov in the Regatta Programme, available on the day.
Quick overview
Us who go every year might take this for granted – but there is a lot going on over the two days, so it’s worth explaining for any first time visitors and new residents. If you’ve not been before, we can highly recommend attending either or indeed both days! Saturday is a ticketed event, Sunday is FREE to enter, more details below….
Saturday 14th June “Marlow Town Regatta”
There are 2 enclosures, and it is possible to book picnic pitches, where you can pop up a gazebo if you wish, and host your own garden party, or just use it as a base. At time of writing there are a handful of spots remaining, so get in before the day if you fancy one. But there is no need to book a pitch to enjoy the event, just buy entry tickets and mooch around, relax and enjoy the rowing, music, food and drink etc! You will always bump into people you know, a definite social highlight of the year.
Drinks can be purchased at the Round Table Bar, and there is a food court. Reasonable quantities of alcohol, for personal consumption, can be taken inside the enclosures until 2 pm . Thereafter no alcohol can be taken in.
The rowing comprises a junior programme and a masters category programme, including teams from clubs, schools & universities from around the country.
The rowing runs from 8am to 6pm, and a real highlight is the head to head between Borlase and Great Marlow Schools!
There will be trophy presentations from 3:00 pm onwards — worth keeping an eye on the Race Programme. The SWB & GMS Schools Challenge medal presentations are around 4:00 pm.
Now to explain the difference between the enclosures, with reference to the map a bit further down:
(1) The Jim Campbell Enclosure has a much larger river frontage, and a dress code (important that you follow it to ensure access!) – so is ideal for that “Traditional summer rowing regatta” atmosphere, and it is lovely! Note the badge for access to this enclosure costs a bit more, but also gives you access to the Upper Enclosure mentioned below.
(2) The Upper Enclosure is where you will find the afternoon music, food court, along with a smaller river frontage view of the racing from just past the grandstand. It doesn’t have the same dress code as the Jim Campbell enclosure, but visitors are encouraged to look smart during the day. There will be free entertainment within the enclosure. Marlow FM 97.5 will be broadcasting the event live all weekend and there are various live music acts as detailed below. There will also be a Vintage Car Display.
This is a map of the SATURDAY layout to get an idea of the two enclosures. The numbered boxes are bookable picnic spots where you can erect a gazebo if you wish. At time of writing there are literally just a handful left!
Musical Entertainment
There is musical entertainment throughout the event, culminating in the evening concert with acclaimed U2 tribute band- U2Baby.
In addition, this year Marlow Ukraine Collective will have a prominent presence, and a highlight will be when a young Ukrainian boy Maksym Osadcha will be singing the Ukrainian verses to the Pink Floyd’s Hey Hey Rise Up with the Bootleg Band on stage at 6.45pm
The schedule is here. The bandstand is located in the Jim Campbell Enclosure, other acts will be on the main stage in the Upper Enclosure.
Note you can also buy a ticket allowing entry a bit later in the afternoon, if you just wanted entry to see the bands.
Visit the event website and click links at the top to buys pitches and/or tickets
- with many thanks to our website sponsors -
Sunday 15th June “Festival” day
This takes place in the same part of the park, but all enclosure fences are removed -this is a FREE to attend event, go where you like and no dress code. It’s always a lovely day with a great community atmosphere.
- Dragon boat racing to enjoy watching
- Musical entertainment on stage, including the “Marlow Schools Choir” performance, a real highlight!
- A carnival arena with entertaining displays as detailed in the schedule below
- Various food and drink outlets
- Many stalls and exhibitors
- Dog show, baking competition etc
Appearance Timetable for Sunday
10.30-11.45 Marlow Churches service
12.15-12.30 – Marlow Primary Schools- (Stage)
12.40-12.45-Possible record attempt (stage)
12.45-13.15 –Dogs and Ducks Act (arena)
13.15-13.35 – Katy Kartwheel’s Circus Passion ( on pitch)
13.45-14.15- Jam Theatre( on stage)
14.15-14.45 -Dog and Ducks ( arena)
14.45 -15.05 Katy Circus Passion on pitch
15.15 -16.15 – Dog Show and cake prizes ( arena)
Basil and Crew Petting Zoo in their own area throughout
Plan for Sunday layout:
Traylen’s Funfair
Traylens Fun fair is always in Higginson Park for the same weekend as the Town Regatta, although it is not organised by the Town Regatta Committe – it’s just tradition to be the same weekend. They take up the other end of the park, by the main entrance, but you can’t really miss them!! GREAT FUN FOR ALL!
Useful Links
Main website : https://marlowtownregatta.org/ – follow links to buy tickets and pitches.
The official website has a handy Frequently Asked Questions which expands on some of the above – find the FAQ here