The Henley Royal Regatta is one of the English social calendar's key events. As so often on these occasions, hats are de rigueur.
The 'English Season' —
The Henley Royal Regatta is one of the English social calendar's key events. As so often on these occasions, hats are de rigueur.
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The rowing regatta started in 1839 and has gone from strength to strength ever since, with thousands visiting each year to be part of the action.
Long history —
The rowing regatta started in 1839 and has gone from strength to strength ever since, with thousands visiting each year to be part of the action.
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Spectators visit for both the sporting and social aspect of the event. It is part of the "English Season" along with the likes of Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and Wimbledon.
'Downtown Abbey' on water —
Spectators visit for both the sporting and social aspect of the event. It is part of the "English Season" along with the likes of Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and Wimbledon.
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According to the event's official website, "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 skirts with a hemline below the knee and will not be admitted wearing divided skirts, culottes or trousers of any kind."
Dress code —
According to the event's official website, "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 skirts with a hemline below the knee and will not be admitted wearing divided skirts, culottes or trousers of any kind."
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While wearing a hat is not a requirement for gentlemen, they do prove very popular each year. Despite not being a requirement for ladies either, it is "customary" for them to wear hats.
Boaters for men —
While wearing a hat is not a requirement for gentlemen, they do prove very popular each year. Despite not being a requirement for ladies either, it is "customary" for them to wear hats.
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Some attendees, such as Richard Rowland from The Skiff Club in London, take the chance to dress up in traditional uniforms.
Old school —
Some attendees, such as Richard Rowland from The Skiff Club in London, take the chance to dress up in traditional uniforms.
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But there is an increasingly modern flavor to proceedings, as spectators from a wide social spectrum come to watch the races.
New school —
But there is an increasingly modern flavor to proceedings, as spectators from a wide social spectrum come to watch the races.
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Here, visitors to the 2014 regatta leave in a 1930s Bentley car.
Ticket to ride —
Here, visitors to the 2014 regatta leave in a 1930s Bentley car.
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Some spectators use inflatable dinghies to watch the crews in action, but others take to the water in more elegant vessels.
Summer cruising —
Some spectators use inflatable dinghies to watch the crews in action, but others take to the water in more elegant vessels.
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The picturesque setting of the Regatta in the town of Henley-on-Thames is part of the event's allure. "That Henley is set on the river and hasn't got a horrible building (like similar events) adds to the charm," leading social commentator Peter York told CNN.
Riverside charm —
The picturesque setting of the Regatta in the town of Henley-on-Thames is part of the event's allure. "That Henley is set on the river and hasn't got a horrible building (like similar events) adds to the charm," leading social commentator Peter York told CNN.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images
The 2014 regatta had 20 different events, compared to just one at the inaugural staging. Two races often take place simultaneously, while up to 90 can take place on certain days, starting at five-minute intervals.
Action packed —
The 2014 regatta had 20 different events, compared to just one at the inaugural staging. Two races often take place simultaneously, while up to 90 can take place on certain days, starting at five-minute intervals.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images
As is often the case in Britain, if you're attending Henley then it's best to come armed with an umbrella.
Be prepared —
As is often the case in Britain, if you're attending Henley then it's best to come armed with an umbrella.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images