Henley Royal Regatta: 2 - 6 July 2008 - What to Wear
Henley Royal Regatta is amongst the top events of the summer season for those who wish to be seen. A keen rival to Royal Ascot and the Chelsea Flower Show, Henley fiercely guards entrance to the Stewards’ Enclosure in the same way that Churchill was famed for protecting the Royal Enclosure at Ascot from 1901.
Regatta Enclosure tickets are available to all. Entry to the posher Stewards’ Enclosure is restricted to members and guests. There are 6,500 members and a waiting list of over 1,000. Lately corporate punters (whose packages cost as much as £600), can also get in, for an extra £45.
Henley began in 1839 and this year will see 450 crews from 17 different nations compete in what has become the biggest annual party for the rowing community in Europe. This year’s participation has suffered somewhat from Olympic selection obligations but will still prove to be a competitive day, with rowers having had to compete in pre-selection races.
The dress code tends to be summer smart casual. Think straw boaters and floaty dresses. Here are some options for men:
Floaty summer dresses for ladies by the riverbank:
And the essential hamper with picnic and bubbly:
The Stewards Enclosure Dress Code:
Those attending the Regatta in the Stewards’ Enclosure must dress in accordance with long-established tradition. Gentlemen are required to wear lounge suits, or jackets or blazers with flannels, and a tie or cravat. Ladies are required to wear dresses or suits with a hemline below the knee and will not be admitted wearing divided skirts, culottes or trousers of any kind. Ladies are encouraged to wear hats - click here for more information. Similarly, no one will be admitted to the Stewards’ Enclosure wearing shorts or jeans. Members are particularly asked to bring this custom to the attention of their Guests, to ensure that the standards are maintained and to avoid the possibility of embarrassment of a Guest being refused admission.
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