No spectators for July's Goring & Streatley Regatta

FOLLOWING the Government's decision to push back the end of lockdown restrictions, the Goring and Streatley Regatta committee has decided it cannot run the full regatta this year.

Preparations were well under way for the popular community event, run by Goring Gap Boat Club, on the meadow site just north of Streatley, on July 17.

Shoreside activities and entertainment have been cancelled. Instead, the event will be a rowing competition only, with no spectators.

Chairman Ian Cheyne said: “We are sure that, in spite of this change to plans, our regatta crews will still have a great day.

“Anyone who has rented gazebo space will get a refund and we will be sending an email advising them who to contact. We will contact rowers with details of the alternative rowing-only event. Refunds are available if you do not wish to continue.

“We would like to thank all our suppliers, the landowner Mrs Bishop, Goring Unplugged for the work they have done organising the musicians and bands, Vanessa from The Catherine Wheel, our sponsor Warmingham, our partner charity Sport in Mind and all the club members who have worked so hard to try and make it happen this year.

“We look forward to better times and a return to the full regatta in later years. In the meanwhile, for anyone who would like to try rowing or get back on the water after a long break, we would love to welcome you to our club at any time.”

The regatta is a popular community event, held every two years, alternating with the Goring Festival.

Around 2,000 people turn up to watch up to 40 crews battle it out on the river in what is often described as “a display of spectacularly optimistic rowing”.

However, it’s not just rowing – there’s family fun too – as pre-trained crews race in fours, children and families can take to the canoes and mini dragon boats, while on shore there's children's play, stalls, live music, food and a bar.

For further information, go to www.gsregatta.com