Cookham Regatta 2008

Regatta Background Additional information

The Cookham Regatta origins date back to 1882. It was a big event involving skulls, punts, Canadian canoes, plus a parade of boats. The entertainment included a tradition of good music with military bands. In 1890 a record 10,000 people attended. The Regatta is celebrated in some of Stanley Spencer's famous paintings of Cookham life. After 48 years the last of the early Regatta series was held in 1930 having been overtaken by other competing events such as Henley.

In 1988 the Cookham Regatta was revived by a group of local enthusiasts with the aim of " Fun for all the family" and to raise money for charity. The Cookham Bridge Rotary Club has been involved, since the inception. It now runs the event together with the Marlow Thames Rotary Club. The event is attended by around 1500 to 2000 people. Over £150000 has been raised for charity in the last 14 years, since the Regatta was revived.

The races consist of Dragonboats, Dongolas (punts), Canadian canoes, Canoe cats and row boats, with a mixture of Corporate and family events for all ages.

The landside entertainment involves Human table football, trampolines, kiddie's funfair, bouncy castle, charity stalls etc.

There is a wide range of food and drinks, Beer tent, Pimms tent, Tea tent, Thai food, Tandoori food, burgers and sausage stall, ice cream stall.

In the old Cookham regatta tradition we have a large brass band providing background music

The classic car motorcycle display gets larger each year.

Peter Osborn

Regatta Chair

Full details and entry forms are available from The Regatta Office.

Telephone: 01628 675589 or by e-mail

   jon@graystone.demon.co.uk

Registered Charity No. 1027081