Thousands of visitors are expected to line the riverbanks in the city for two days of back-to-back racing in the North East’s premier rowing festival.
Although the weather is likely to be changeable over the course of the weekend there is the possibility of thunderstorms on Saturday, so spectators are advised to take a raincoat.
Racing
The programme features 400-plus head-to-head races with 500 entries in everything from junior single sculls to elite men’s eights crews, comprising of up to 1,400 competitors.
The last race on day one is timed for 7pm, and at about 6.30pm on Sunday.
Most races are over a 700-metre short course from Pelaw Wood, near Durham Amateur Rowing Club’s boathouse, at the end of Green Lane, to the finishing line just beyond Baths Bridge.
Car parking
Due to restrictions on use of land at the regatta, public and competitor car parking will be in the designated Regatta Car Park on the football field off Green Lane (main spectator parking).
Volunteers will assist the flow of traffic and the parking of cars.
The following charges apply:
• Charge per day: £3.00
• Friday 13 – Sunday 15 June inclusive: £5.00
Access to the car park is on a first-come first-served basis.
Additional public car parking is available at various locations around the city and the Durham Park and Ride facilities will be in operation between 7am and 7pm, with local charges applying.
No vehicles will be permitted beyond the car park without a valid site access permit.
Parking in the Regatta car park is very limited and visitors are strongly advise you to use the Durham Park and Ride, or park in one of the city centre car parks (such as Prince Bishops car park, in the city centre), completing the final journey by public transport or on foot.
Street parking in the city attracts a charge every day.
Durham Park and Ride
The primary park and ride site is Belmont (just off the A690 and A1(M) junction 62 Carrville interchange (post code DH1 2SR), operating daily.
Other park and ride sites are at Howlands Farm, operating only from Monday to Saturday, off the A167,south-west of Durham, (post code DH1 3TQ), and at Sniperley, operating daily, near to the A167, north west of Durham, (post code DH1 5RA).
Link buses operate between all park and ride sites and Durham Bus station, on North Road, at ten-minute intervals between 7am and 7pm.
Prince Bishops car park
The post code for the Prince Bishops car park is DH1 3UJ.
Disabled Parking
Blue badge holders are able to park in the Regatta car park without charge.
Limited blue badge parking is available adjacent to the regatta start for those with mobility issues by prior arrangement with the Regatta Secretary.
Boat and trailer parking
Follow the directions to the Regatta car park and continue to the end of Green Lane.
All boat trailers must be parked in the trailer field adjacent to Durham Amateur Rowing Club.
Classic car parking
Follow the directions to the Regatta.
Turning on to Green Lane, then immediately turn left down the track towards Durham University Cricket Pavilion, on the city Racecourse (post code DH1 3BN).
A ticket is needed to enter the Regatta enclosure, which is a section of the riverbank with a great view of the racing and access to a range of entertainment and facilities, including music, food and drink, classic cars, stalls, and family activities to keep young and old amused.
The Regatta enclosure is open to the public between 8am and 8 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
The enclosure entry charge is £5 for adults, £3 for over 65s and children aged five to 16, while under-fives can enter free-of-charge.
Upon entry you will be given a sticker that gives you access to the enclosure throughout the day.
Upon entry you will be given a sticker that gives you access to the enclosure throughout the day.
Entrance locations
Gate 1 – next to the Regatta start line
Gate 2 – at the entrance to the University playing field
Gate 3 – next to St. Cuthbert’s Society Boathouse
Gate 4 – next to Baths Bridge
There may be large queues at peak times, particularly at Gate 4.
You can pick up programmes for free at any gate or at Regatta Control (located next to the start area). They include the racing schedule for both days.
Dogs
Dogs should be kept under control at all times.
Bikes
Cycling is not permitted in the enclosure.
Safety
Visitors enter at their own risk.
Toilets are located within the Regatta enclosure and additional facilities are provided at Durham Amateur Rowing Club.
Baby changing & feeding facilities are provided at Durham Amateur Rowing Club.
Lost children
If children are separated from their parents, they should tell the nearest Regatta official. There is a lost children’s facility next to Regatta Control where parents and children can be reunited.
First aid
The main first aid station is located adjacent to the bandstand. In addition, roving patrols will cover the Regatta enclosure and the Durham Amateur Rowing Club boating area.
If you need medical attention and are unable to make your way to the first aid facility or nearest first aider, please summon the nearest Regatta official.
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Lost property
Lost property should be taken to Regatta Control, located within the portacabin next to the Regatta start, which is upstream of the bandstand
Alternatively, lost property can be handed to a regatta official.
Lost property will be held for two weeks after the event, before being passed on to the police.
Anyone who has lost any property should contact the Regatta Secretary.
