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Messing about on the river

Durham is set for a sporting and cultural extravaganza during the 175th staging of the City’s famous regatta. The weekend event on 14-15 June will see over 500 races take place on the River Wear. Street performers will also be entertaining people across the City centre as part of the Illuminate Festival.

The Bradley Hall Durham Regatta has provided local bragging rights for rowers from Durham University, Durham School and Durham Amateur Rowing Club since 1834. Now it attracts competitors and fans from across the UK and beyond.

The Illuminate Festival, organised for the second year by Durham-based events company She’s Gott It, gets underway on the Saturday evening. It will feature street theatre acts such as The Baghdaddies, Mr Lucky and The Invisible Men. At dusk, a street parade will lead crowds through Durham and back down to the riverside where the evening will climax with a huge fireworks display.

Kate James, Events Co-ordinator at Durham City Vision, said: “The weekend will appeal to all age groups with such a variety of activities going on across the City. Street performance has always proved popular in Durham and I’m sure we’ll see plenty of families out enjoying the atmosphere.”

Mark Bell, Durham Regatta Events Co-ordinator, said: “Durham Regatta is already the north’s premier rowing event but we have been keen to help the Regatta develop into a true family occasion. The extra attractions during the regatta weekend and Illuminate have helped us offer more to the public and we look forward to seeing the event grow year on year.”

Racing begins at 8:30 both mornings, details of specific race listings can be found at www.durham-regatta.org.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .