Shrewsbury Regatta returns to River Severn this weekend

The 2026 JT Hughes Shrewsbury Regatta will burst into life on the River Severn this weekend, taking place over two packed days - with over 500 different crews competing in thrilling racing during the weekend. 

It’s a fabulous event in our town’s sporting calendar - and one best enjoyed from a chair or picnic rug on the riverside, with a burger and a glass of something sourced from Pengwern Boat Club’s catering team.  

This year’s regatta is set to be an exciting spectacle; Saturday will see an impressive 79 events, with 29 clubs and schools fielding 316 crews across 240 races. The momentum continues into Sunday, with 63 events, 20 clubs, 240 crews and 177 races rounding off a full and competitive programme.

Around 1,500 people are expected to attend across the weekend, bringing a lively atmosphere to the riverbank. 

New this year is the Mixed 8’s Challenge, taking place between 12pm and 1pm on Sunday, when eight crews from seven different clubs will go head-to-head in a fast-paced contest. In addition to the coveted prize of regatta mugs for winning crew members, the fastest boat will take home a £100 cash prize.

The regatta attracts clubs from across the country including, this year, Guildford RC from Surrey, Sudbury RC from Essex, Loughborough RC from Leicestershire and Derwent RC from the Lake District.

Local clubs are strongly represented too, including: AB Severn RC, Bewdley RC, Bridgnorth RC, Grosvenor RC, Harper Adams University RC, Ironbridge RC, Royal Chester RC, Sabrina RC and Stourport RC, alongside Shrewsbury School and, of course, hosts Pengwern Boat Club in blue and yellow. 

Helen Watkinson, Chair of Pengwern Boat Club, said: “Shrewsbury Regatta is at the heart of Pengwern Boat Club. We are proud to welcome crews, supporters and visitors to one of the oldest and best-loved dates in the rowing calendar. The regatta celebrates our club’s heritage, showcases the sport to the wider community, and the funds we raise help us invest in boats, coaching and opportunities for rowers of all ages. It’s a weekend that brings Shrewsbury together and helps secure the future of rowing at Pengwern.”

She adds: “We are looking forward to a fantastic weekend of racing, welcoming clubs, rowers and visitors from across the country. The atmosphere along the river bank and the buzz around the club is tremendous. Please come down, watch some racing and enjoy a drink and some food. With any luck we may get some sunshine!

“We would also like to add how grateful we are to our main sponsor JT Hughes, not only for their support of the regatta but their year-round support providing a towing vehicle to allow us to attend races - and also to our co-sponsors Carbon Earth and Parker Woodcock Consulting Ltd.”