DURHAM Regatta will fully return for its 189th instalment this weekend after four years of disruption in the historic city – and organisers have promised an action-packed event.

For the first time since 2018, Regatta festivities, including bankside entertainments, two full days of racing on the river and more will take place on Saturday (June 11) and Sunday (June 12).

Both days of the 2019 Regatta were cancelled because of rapidly rising river levels causing unsafe conditions over the weekend, while the 2020 event was cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions.

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In 2021, both days of racing went ahead without bankside entertainment, and spectators were asked to stay away because of concerns about the spread of the virus.

A river closure enforced by repairs to New Elvet Bridge also meant that Saturday races in 2021 took place over a shortened course.

However, this year, it won’t be an issue. Most races will be contested over the 700-metre short course, except for championship races on Sunday, which will be over the 1800-metre-long course.

Just before the Regatta takes place, we look at everything involved in the event, including admission, access and what entertainment will be there.

The Northern Echo: Durham Regatta will return fully this year after four years of disruption. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Durham Regatta will return fully this year after four years of disruption. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

Admission

Admission to the Enclosure is £5 for adults, £2 for children and concessions, and free for those with disabilities and the under-5s.

The Enclosure will be open between 8am and 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Entry tickets for all-day should be purchased on the day at the entry gates.

Card payment facilities will be available.

Entertainment within the Enclosure is suitable for all ages and is free of charge.

What will be there?

A range of trade stalls and options for purchasing food and drink will also be available.

Entertainment will include performances by the Durham Music Service, Clarinetix, and the Durham City Wind Band on Saturday afternoon, and by Pittington Brass Band and Durham University Brass Band on Sunday afternoon.

The Northern Echo: Viking re-enactment, magicians and roving entertainers will keep the crowds entertained. Picture: DURHAM REGATTA.Viking re-enactment, magicians and roving entertainers will keep the crowds entertained. Picture: DURHAM REGATTA.

There will also be a variety of roving entertainers and street theatre acts including a magician, bubbleologist, stilt walkers, pirate and mermaid, as well as face painting, inflatables and fairground rides.

County Durham Fire & Rescue Service will be on site to provide demonstrations.

Can I park at the event?

Limited car parking will be available on the University playing fields accessed from Green Lane.

The University rugby field is used for boat and trailer parking only. However, other car parks in the city will be open, or public transport is also an option.

Is it about more than just boat racing?

Yes – a popular Classic Car Rally will take place on the sports field on both days.

The Northern Echo: Classic cars will also feature at the event. Picture: DURHAM REGATTA.Classic cars will also feature at the event. Picture: DURHAM REGATTA.

The Vikings re-enactment group will also be in attendance on both days as they prepare for the UK’s largest Viking festival, VikeFest 2022, near Derby later in June, at which Viking groups from across the UK and around the world will be gathering.

The Dunholm Vikings, who are based in Durham, will be on-site demonstrating their skills including weapons and armoury displays, cooking, textile crafts, basketry and net-making.

Combat demonstrations will take place throughout the afternoon, with an opportunity for children to be drilled in shield-wall technique and to take part in a controlled mock battle.

What do I need to know about the rowing races?

Entries for competitors have now closed.

The draw for racing will be available by Wednesday (June 8) and will be published on the Regatta website.

The Northern Echo: Two full days of racing await people that are planning to attend the regatta. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Two full days of racing await people that are planning to attend the regatta. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

A full draw will include around 500 races over the weekend with a race scheduled to start every two minutes on Saturday and every two and a half minutes on Sunday – starting at 8am each day.

What have the organisers said about the event?

“We look forward to two days of exciting racing, starting at 8am each day, involving rowers of all ages and boats of all sizes from singles to eights representing schools, clubs and universities from across the North of England and beyond.

“Durham Regatta is a key part of the sporting and social calendar for the Durham University Colleges who will be vying with others to get their hands on one of the impressive collection of 57 trophies that will be presented at the prizegiving at the Gala Theatre after the completion of racing, at 8pm on Sunday evening.”

“Hopefully this year the weather will be kind, and everyone can enjoy the weekend.”

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