Durham Regatta

Rowers from universities and rowing clubs across the country take part in the 183rd annual regatta on the River Wear in Durham this weekend. The present regatta dates back to 1834 and is the second oldest in the country with racing taking place over two days on the river between Prebends Bridge and Pelaw Wood over a 750m short course and a long course of one and a quarter miles. The regatta has its origins in the annual procession of boats, originally organised by the Sheriff of County Durham and the Rt Honourable William Lloyd Wharton, from June 1815 to celebrate the victory at the Battle of Waterloo.