Banks Group rows in behind Durham Regatta

A North East property, housebuilding and mining firm is backing one of the region’s longest-running sporting events as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Banks Group has signed up as a sponsor of this year’s Durham Regatta, helping support the 193rd edition of the historic rowing event taking place on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14.

The County Durham-headquartered business has become one of the Regatta’s main backers, with its funding helping organisers maintain both competition entry fees and enclosure ticket prices at the same level as last year.

Banks’ support will also fund the event’s Volunteer Hub, which co-ordinates and supports volunteers throughout the weekend.

Michael Laing, chairman of the Durham Regatta committee, said: “The Regatta is rooted firmly in County Durham’s history and is always a great event to be part of, whether you’re competing on the water, supporting from the riverbank or just enjoying all the attractions that form part of the day.

“We aim to make the Regatta as accessible as we can to as many competitors as possible, regardless of their background, and holding our race entry fees is an important part of that process.

“We want to help give talented young people every chance of realising their sporting potential through participation and to hopefully seeing them following in the footsteps of the many previous Regatta competitors who’ve gone on to appear at the sport’s highest levels.

“Both the Regatta and the Banks Group are longstanding County Durham institutions and we’re very pleased to have them as one of this year’s event sponsors.”

First staged in 1834, Durham Regatta is regarded as the North of England’s premier rowing competition and attracts schools, universities and rowing clubs from across the UK.

Around 2000 competitors are expected to take part in more than 200 races each day, with crowds of over 10,000 spectators anticipated along the banks of the River Wear.

Alongside the racing, the event will feature live entertainment, food stalls, family attractions and local businesses throughout the weekend.

Founded in Tow Law in 1976, the Banks Group has supported grassroots sport and community initiatives across County Durham for decades and is currently principal partner of Durham Cricket.

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, added: “Durham Regatta is one of the highlights of County Durham’s sporting calendar and we’re very pleased to be lending our support to a community event that offers something for everyone.

“We hope the sun shines for everyone and that we get some exciting racing on the waters of the Wear over the weekend.” 

For further information on this year’s Durham Regatta, see here.

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