Henley revellers make the most of the Pimm’s at famous rowing festival

Henley revellers were spotted looking a little worse for wear after packing in some last-minute tipples while the third day of the regatta came to a close. 

Glamourous attendees and their dates had enjoyed a sunny few days along the riverside before a bout of heavy rain came. 

It did not, however, dampen their spirits as boozing went on well into yesterday evening – with some fans taking it a little too far.

The rowing event, which was established in 1839, takes place every year and sees teams compete in more than 300 races along the river in Oxfordshire. 

Fans looked in high spirits as they enjoyed booze and boogies along the riverbank. 

A kind friend is pictured helping a pal after a long afternoon of drinking on the third day of the regatta

One reveller looked a little worse for wear after a boozy day at Henley

As the rowing came to an end, revellers braved the heavy rain and enjoyed more drinking

Fans were spotted having a boogie on the riverside well into the evening

Despite the heavy rain, regatta fans still enjoyed the rest of the afternoon 

Elsewhere, racegoers sat down on the floor, contemplating their day while waiting for their ride home. And some women took off their shoes after a whole day on heels.

Police officers patrolling the event had their work cut out for them, with certain revellers urinating in the Thames and others piling on boats already filled to the brim. 

In 2021 it was announced that women would be allowed to wear trousers to the Henley Royal Regatta for the first time since it was established in 1839.

The long-standing sartorial rules – which asked for over-the-knee skirts and no trousers, and a blazer or smart jacket – crumbled under pressure from campaigners who branded the former dress code ‘symbolic of an era when women couldn’t compete and were just there to look pretty’.

Those in attendance this year took full advantage of the relaxed rules, with a number opting to pair their floral gowns with trainers, sandals or Converse sneakers.

Others wore stylish summer gowns with elegant headpieces and wedged heels, while some emulated Wimbledon fashion and wore immaculate white ensembles.

A stylish couple pictured enjoying their bottle of wine in the afternoon 

Pals pictured hugging as they partied on the third day of the rowing celebration 

A couple in classic Henley outfits are pictured enjoying each other’s company

The drinking continued on the riverside well into the evening, with some pushing the limit

The regatta will see national clubs from up and down the country vying for glory on the River Thames in a number of races.

The popular sporting event comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking.

Teams compete in over 300 races of an international standard on the Thames, which can include Olympic rowers as well as crews new to the event.

It was first staged in 1839 and has been held annually every year – except during the two World Wars and 2020 due to Covid-19.

This year, the six-day regatta was the first time allow international entrants to the junior men’s eights, as well as teams from British private and state schools.

Sir Steve Redgrave, chairman of the Henley Royal Regatta, said one major British private school feared opening up the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup to international teams would mean students competing against ‘superclubs’.

Sir Steve said he attended a meeting of 55 schools where one, which he didn’t name, wanted the cup to remain closed to international competitors.

But he added it was going to happen ‘sooner or later’ and it was the ‘right thing to do’.

A couple are pictured under a tree in the afternoon of the third day of Henley

Many fans took part in a boogie on the riverside well into the evening 

There was a large police presence at the regatta

Rowing fans took the opportunity to get boozy on the third day of the regatta