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In pictures: Henley Royal Regatta gets under way

Galya DimitrovaSouth of England
Henley Royal Regatta / Row360 Spectators watching rowers on the first day of the Henley Royal Regatta 2026.Henley Royal Regatta / Row360
Races are held across a one mile and 550 yard (2,112 metres) course and take place across the week

The 187th running of the Henley Royal Regatta is under way with rowing crews from across the world and spectators showing off their best attire.

The annual event in Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire, began on Tuesday and ends on Sunday.

This year the regatta has seen a record-breaking 862 entries from 21 nations, with some of the world's top Olympic rowers set to take part, according to British Rowing.

Alongside the more than 400 races, it is also an occasion to wear your best boater hats and rowing blazers along the banks of the River Thames.

Henley Royal Regatta / Row360 A row of spectators smiling for a picture during the first day of Henley Royal Regatta 2026.Henley Royal Regatta / Row360
The regatta is an opportunity for supporters to put on their blazers
Henley Royal Regatta / Row360 A woman dressed in a striped rowing blazer over a white dress is posing for a picture. There are many other people behind her under a big tree. Henley Royal Regatta / Row360
The fashion for women in the enclosure requires dresses or skirts with a hemline below the knee, or jackets or blazers with trousers, or trouser suits
Henley Royal Regatta / Row360 A woman holding another woman as they pose for a picture on the first day of Henley Royal Regatta 2026. They are smiling. They are other people behind them. It is overcast.Henley Royal Regatta / Row360
After record-breaking temperatures for heat in the UK last week, visitors could enjoy a cooler day one of the event by the river
Henley Royal Regatta / Row360 A man paints a picture of Henley Regatta in a shop while a woman is talking to another woman behind the counter.Henley Royal Regatta / Row360
Off-the-water entertainment and activities are also part of the event
Henley Royal Regatta / Row360 A man smiling from a balcony to two other men below.Henley Royal Regatta / Row360
This year's regatta has seen a record-breaking 862 entries from 21 nations
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