Henley Royal Regatta is one of my favourite events, as for me it really symbolizes the British Summer. Whether you’re a rowing fan or not, there’s something quite unique about it. The regatta was founded in 1839, before any rowing federations were established and therefore it has its own set of rules. So when an invitation arrived to attend this year’s festivities, I was fully on board for celebrating Henley Royal Regatta Chinawhite.
Henley Royal Regatta
It’s the 4th year that Chinawhite has been at Henley and this time they’ve increased the size of their enclosure, due to high demand. Henley on Thames itself is a really pretty town and I’d been here not so long ago for an eventful champagne hot air balloon flight. Making my way there from the train station, I was pleased to see that the weather had played ball for once!
Once over the picturesque bridge, we headed along the riverside to the Henley Royal Regatta entrance. We’d both dressed up for the occasion and fortunately brought a change of shoes…as the walk along the riverside turned out to be quite an epic one – I’m guessing around an hour.
It’s not all that far but there were so many people going to and fro that it was quite hard to get past. We did see a bit of rowing as we walked along, although most of it had finished by the time we finally made it to the Chinawhite enclosure.
Having said that, many people come to Henley Royal Regatta Chinawhite just to party – I’ve certainly done my fair share of both in the past ;-). We also learnt that there’s an easier way to get here, by taking a cab to Gate A from where it’s a short walk, so next time that’s definitely what I’d do.
Arriving at the Henley Royal Regatta Chinawhite enclosure, I was relieved to see that it was really spacious. The location right on the banks of the Thames is just opposite the start of the race at Temple Island.
The music was discreet and relaxing, though of course it gets cranked up in the evening when the party truly gets started.
The original Chinawhite on Air Street in London is still going strong and recent clubbers include One Direction, Rihanna, Leonardo Di Caprio and Kendall Jenner. They’ve also hosted the enclosure at the Cartier International Polo for 11 years.
Our tickets gave us access to the VIP Riverside Lounge and we headed straight inside to meet a few fellow party-goers. I was delighted to chat with Linda Bracey, the owner of God’s Own Junkyard, the whacky neon sign emporium in Walthamstow.
There was a really good mix of people of all ages and backgrounds, and everyone was so friendly.
There was also a street food festival for the first time this year, and we tucked into some very tasty pulled pork burgers – a guilty pleasure! The luxury sunglass company, Taylor Morris was also hosting a pop-up boutique and I spotted Hugo Taylor, formerly of Made in Chelsea (another guilty pleasure) out and about.
At one point it started raining and everyone took refuge in the tents, but the sun soon came out again. The party tent gets going in the evening when superstar DJs man the decks.
In previous years, Pete Tong, Mark Ronson and Swedish House Mafia have all played. This year was the turn of world famous DJ, Roger Sanchez, a Grammy Award winner and the founder of Stealth Records.
We had been invited for a mini hair and beauty makeover by The Pop Up Salon, and introduced ourselves to the charming Nick, who runs the salon, and his friend.
Nick’s colleagues were a lovely trio of ladies from Devon who worked wonders transforming our hair into suitably glamorous styles and giving us a pop of bright lipstick.
By now the sun was setting, the music had been turned up and we were party ready ;-). Maggie had an evening flight to catch so we didn’t stay for the DJ set, but next year there’s no stopping us!
Have you been to Henley Royal Regatta Chinawhite?Â
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Oooh I’ve never been to Henley, sounds like a fab way to do it.
You’d love it, Angie – a really great day out
Yes I saw that you’d been – I think we were there on the same day!
What a lovely day. It looks fab. Loving your dress as well
Thanks Ali, and it was a great day out!
Looks like a lovely event! We have a nice regatta here on the waterfront to kick off the summer, although I would love to check out the one in London someday, it looks like a good time!
Eden | Mint Notion
Ooh, I’d love to read about your regatta if you get to attend and I hope that you can visit the one in the UK sometime. Definitely let me know if you’re ever in London
You look so chic here, lady- great dress it celebrate in!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
That’s very sweet, Ashley, I hope your week is going well
That dress looks stunning on you!
Beauty Candy Loves
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Thanks so much Candice! Have a great week ahead
I thought that the dress was a bit too figure-hugging on top and was going to chuck it out but after reading the comments I’ve given it a reprieve!
That’s so cool, love your style!!
Alice Cerea
babywhatsup.com
You’re very kind, Alice! Hope your week is going well
You look so glamorous! What a lovely way to spend the day as well. You were very lucky with the weather!
We happened to be inside the tent during the only downpour, so lucky!
Such a cool event!!! You look so stylish!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
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Thanks very much Paola, it’s a fun event to get dressed up for
They did a brilliant job with my hair and makeup too! Greetings from sunny London
Love the post Suze and the dress stays – it’s just too fabulous!
You look so classy Suze in your beautiful dress 🙂 Looked like a great event at Henley. Laura xo
www.shehearts.net
Henley regatta is a favourite of mine too such a British event and the weather seems to always shine. A nice glass of champagne and watching the race perfect. You look like you had fun and your dress is beautiful Lucy x
That’s really classy!!!! Both of you look gorgeous, I’m sure it was quite an event