Guest Blog Post –Â Dartmouth Royal Regatta
In 15 days time one of Dartmouth’s iconic events, the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta 175 to be precise, will take place!
Start planning your week now – there is something sporty for everyone, whether you are a sailor, rower, runner, golfer, bowler or tennis player. If land is more your thing, then you will find plenty of shopping, our famous Spot the Oddity competition, amazing food and fantastic music. Families can enjoy the kids Fancy Dress, Pavement Artists or the Crabbing Competition.
The sailing races are one of the highlights of our Regatta, and the Royal Dart Yacht Club, Dartmouth Yacht Club and Dittisham Sailing Club organise them spread over the eight days of Regatta. There are over 50 races! A feast of rowing takes centre-stage on the River Dart. The Embankment in Dartmouth is a favourite place from which to watch the events, simply pick your spot to view and cheer your team on!
Run entirely by volunteers with no funding, and relying on our generous sponsors and donations, the Regatta committee are looking forward to welcoming you all to what we hope will be great week.
Here are our six top non sporting picks for you to enjoy during the week:
Regatta Family Funday
On Saturday 24 August in the Royal Avenue Gardens, this kicks off Regatta week in style. With entertainment, activities and in the evening Dartmouth’s first ever silent disco! Expect silliness from Professor Bumble, old fashioned fair games, a climbing wall oh and you must take off your shoes to take the Lego walk – ouch! This event is FREE to attend.
Regatta Official Opening Ceremony
With HM Royal Marine Band attending, this is always a highlight for our community. The Regatta is steeped in history, and was awarded it’s ‘Royal’ status in 1865. The Royal Marine band will play Beat the Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset, and as we all know, they are superb and top quality musicians. This event is FREE to attend.
Royal Regatta 175 Celebration
Unusually we are holding a party, at the Britannia Royal Naval College. This event ‘replaces’ our Regatta Ball for 2019, and we are honored and delighted to be allowed to use such an iconic building and grounds in our beautiful town. There will be canapés, drinks and a performance from. HM Corp of Drums! Where better to enjoy a drink and view the town from on high! Tickets are £26.50 including booking fee and available from our website.
Proms in the Park
Enjoy a ‘Royal’ Proms in the Park on Friday 30th August with the BRNC Volunteer Band, and narration from John Suchet, International violinist Aelfwyn Shipton, Soprano Yvonne Patrick and The Liberty Sisters. This will truly be a rousing evening with patriotic music, excellent musicians and gorgeous 30s & 40s melodies. Dress up, come as you are, but do join in and wave our country’s flag! All tickets are available from our website.
Spot the Oddity
Our famous week long competition, ever popular, involves walking around what is a beautiful town packed with great shops to see what is displayed in their windows that is ODD! Takes a while, kids love it, shops love it, and you could win some cash if your correct entry is drawn! Having said that, every entry handed in will go into a draw for a voucher from Dart Optical! A win, win situ.
Coronation Park – Family Fun Zone
Coronation Park has an envied position, with views of the Dart and a fab open space in which to enjoy yourself. On Friday daytime it will be turned into a kids bouncy fun area, and on Saturday we will see our Coronation Park Open Day with Dartmouth Golf Club, Devon Free Wheelers, the Army and much much more! Entertainment for all!
There is so much going on you had better buy a souvenir programme, packed with all the details. On sale now at the Anchorstone Café, Pillar’s Newsagents, Kingswear Post Office & Stores, Moor at 13, Dartmouth Community Bookshop, Royal Castle Hotel, Bert & Buoy and Hollis Filling Station Dartmouth. Or you can order a copy online!
Visit the Dartmouth Royal Regatta Website for news as it hits and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dartmouthregatta/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/RoyalRegatta
