Pip pip! It's the Henley Royal Regatta!
Pip pip! What ho! Jolly good show! And Rule Britannia!
This Summer, (July 2 – 6th) sees in another spectacular Henley Royal Regatta, complete with knockout races, strapping oarsmen sporting a dazzling (terrifying) array of socks and blazers, and an atmosphere so sparkling and intoxicating, you’d think you were actually IN a glass of the most fabulous champagne.
It all began on 26 March 1839, when Captain Edmund Gardiner, in a public meeting in Henley Town Hall, proposed “that from the lively interest which had been manifested at the various boat races which have taken place on the Henley reach during the last few years, and the great influx of visitors on such occasions, this meeting is of the opinion that the establishing of an annual regatta, under judicious and respectable management, would not only be productive of the most beneficial results to the town of Henley, but from its peculiar attractions would also be a source of amusement and gratification to the neighbourhood, and the public in general.”
Here, here! What a clever chap.
I may write a Lifestyle Blog, rather than a fashion one, but that does not mean I don’t know a thing or two about clothes and stuff. Ho no. Listen up campers – I’ve got some important words for you.
Whatever you do, don’t turn up in a teeny shorts and your favourite Take That T-shirt, (it doesn’t have to be ‘Take That’, specifically) or the Fashion Police will have you for brekky. A very civilised brekky mind, most probably of strawberries and champagne, but that is besides the point.
There is a long-established tradition when it comes to what one can wear if one is attending the Regatta in the Stewards’ Enclosure wot wot…and one must dress in accordance with this. Take note:
Gentlemen are required to wear lounge suits, or jackets or blazers with flannels, and a tie or cravat. (Sexy.) Think Barbershop-Quartet-Chic and you’ll be fine and dandy.
Ladies are required to wear dresses or skirts with a hemline below the knee and will not be admitted wearing divided (politically?) skirts, culottes or trousers of any kind. Similarly, no one will be admitted to the Stewards’ Enclosure wearing shorts or jeans.
So, it’s kinda a Hyacinth Bucket (Bouquet)/Kate Middleton fusion look.
Whilst not a requirement, it is customary for ladies to wear hats. And why wouldn’t you? There isn’t much opportunity these days to go all out in this department and I would grab the opportunity with relish! Nip over here for some inspiration…
So pop on your poshest frocks, hold onto your boaters and see you there for a bally good time!
Huzzah!
http://www.hrr.co.uk
FOLLOW MY BLOG ON BLOGLOVIN
Poppy Loves is a London Lifestyle Blog. Thank you for reading, sharing and for all your wonderful comments.
Message from BMW:
‘Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to close the competition to win a pair of tickets to Henley Regatta on Saturday 5th July; however we will be picking a winner from those that did enter and offering this person a pair of tickets to attend the Henley Regatta valid for Sunday 6th July. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.’
Amanda @Rhyme & Ribbons
I’d love to go! It would be awesome! x
Gemma
The Regatta always looks like so much fun. Why wouldn’t you want to get glammed up and head along? I know I certainly do x
Steph Marston
What an amazing prize! I have always wanted to go to Henley Regatta – what a day to embrace being British! Steph x
http://www.stephstyle.com/
Rita Cummings
Dear Poppy — I just signed up to your blog recently. I wanted to say that it’s a must read for me…and I am one jaded reader of blogs! Of course I ordered some of the china from your Charing Cross Hotel tea. Although I’m in my 60s, I enjoy following you around London. You are a very good photographer — and writer!
caroline mccabe
Hello – I would love to win these 🙂
Patricia
I’m going to the Regatta! First time! Unfortunately not in the members only enclosure though.