THE
EVENT

The Illuminated Parade was started in 2015 by Chris Taylor.

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The Parade has now moved to the river at Henley on Thames, from its original venue  in Cookham. It's intended to be a spectacular and fun social event for both entrants and spectators.

There will be free viewing along the river footpath from Henley Bridge downstream and from the roadside in New Street. 
See the Map

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The Parade will start at Fawley Meadows and will proceed upstream to the prize giving at The Leander Club - See the Map . The boats meet at 7:15 pm and light up at 7:30 pm, and should arrive at The Leander Club at about 8:00 pm. The Parade goes ahead come rain or shine as long as the river is not in flood.

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We are intending to illuminate some of the houses along the route to add to the spectacle.

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This year’s date is Saturday 24th September 2022. There will be voluntary charity collections on the night, any donations will be welcome. There will be refreshments available  at Leander - See the Map 

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There will be various categories of prizes.

THE
DATE

THIS YEAR'S DATE
SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2022
START TIME 7:20pm

TAKING
PART

Any boat, any size, any age, powered or unpowered is welcome.

It's not about how much you spend, it's about the creativity of the idea, see The Gallery for thoughts. 

COMMUNICATIONS

• We will set up a Whats App group for registered entrants.

• Please ensure the organisers have your mobile number.

• We suggest anyone with a VHF radio and operator licence brings it. We will monitor Channel 16 and use Channel 72 for follow up communications.

ILLUMINATION RULES

• Craft must be safe for all aboard and others around them.

• High power laser displays are not permitted.

• We are on the flight path and would need permits for lasers.

• Very low power lasers are OK but must be vertically facing only - Not into the crowd.

• Some people are sensitive to fast flashing lights, no strobes please.

• Craft must have no sharp edges or spikes.

• Illuminations should be soundly constructed and properly attached the the craft.

• Any devices should be waterproof in case of rain.

• Parade will take place regardless of weather conditions unless there are red boards in place or the river is in flood.

• No rockets, flares, naked flames or projecting fireworks.  

• No untethered hot air balloons or lanterns (farms with cattle and crops surround the route).

• No floating naked flames to be released from any craft.

• Mooring after the Parade is downstream from Leander and will be marked,  but craft may have to raft up so adequate fendering will be required.

• Please bring mooring spikes, there are no mooring rings.

• We know that plastic and other materials may be used in the decorations. Please ensure that no plastic can fall in the river and anything that may go in the river is entirely water soluble and non toxic.

VISIT THE
GALLERY

To see a selection of photos from previous years.

HISTORY

The first parade was in Cookham in 2015 and was so popular it became an annual event, only postponed due to Covid. It has now been moved to Henley. In 2019 up to 40 boats attended with large crowds watching from the Riverbank and even pop up bars! 

THE CHARITIES

All the costs of the event in 2022 will be donated by the organisers. All the boat entry fees except the mooring fees will be donated to the charities below without deduction.

If you would like to contribute to the charities,  please click this link or donate on the night to the on-site collectors.

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The Rivertime Trust    

https://rivertimeboattrust.org.uk/

The Rivertime Boat Trust is a Multi Award–Winning Charity that offers disabled and disadvantaged adults, children and young people an opportunity to develop a long term involvement with the River Thames, by providing a safe, supportive and stimulating environment aboard the Charity's boat ‘Rivertime’.

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LEANDER TRUST

https://leandertrust.org/

The Leander Trust is a registered charity focusing on rowing and sculling. They aim to:  advance the education of young people by helping with their physical education by the provision of facilities - including grant awards; enable and encourage rowing and sculling; and help with the provision of facilities for recreation for those who need such facilities because of their youth, social or economic circumstances.

THE trophies

Our thanks to the following:

THANKS