The prestigious Leander Club will be opening their doors once again to the public for FREE VIEWING, food and drinks for sale from 7pm
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A talented group of judges will judge the boats from Leander Club, starting at 7.30 pm.
Prize giving will be at Leander at approximately 9 PM.
The boats will parade upriver from Fawley Meadows, past Phyllis Court and a colourfully lit Boathouse Row to Henley Bridge where they will turn and pass Leander before going down river and turning again for a second circuit.
The prime location to view all will be on the public towpath downstream to Phyllis Court Club.
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There is no parking available by the river.
Recommended parking located in Greys Road Car park and Waitrose Car park. It is also recommended to bring a torch due to the towpath being unlit.​
About the parade
The Illuminated Parade Henley 2023, beginning in 2022, was another huge success with even more boats and spectators. We had 50+ boats take part, with very imaginative lighting.
The building and houses from the Bridge to Fawley Court were brilliantly and colourfully lit, and up to 2000 spectators watched the parade from both sides of the river and on the bridge.
A marvellous spectacle!
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The organisers, Chris Taylor and Penny Palmano were thrilled with the turnout and would like to thank all those taking part who made such a huge effort and to thank those who came to watch.
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We will be repeating this year!
Many entrants have said they are now planning their 2024 entries and upping their game!
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SPONSORS
The event was funded by the ever generous Henley Town Council and Organisers in 2023. and continue to be the primary sponsors for 2024. Further sponsorship are sought for 2024. Opportunities are:
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The Trophies with the sponsor's name on
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Advertising on Social Media with credits
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Posters and town advertising with credits
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Projected adverts on some buildings
For continued information on sponsorship, please click HERE ​
spectators
WHERE
TO WATCH
There is free viewing along the footpath from Henley Bridge downstream towards Temple Island and from the roadside pavement in New Street. See the image below and find your way there from the map - SEE MAP.
The parade will take place whatever the weather but may be postponed if the river is in flood.
Please take any rubbish home with you or use the bins by the bridge or outside the Spice Merchant in New Street.
As we intend to illuminate many of the riverside houses and boat houses, the best place to watch will be on the Leander side of the River looking toward the houses on the river.
We have requested there be no fast, flashing lights but we cannot guarantee that I'm afraid.
The Towpath is not lit; we strongly recommend you bring torches.
The Leander Club: 01491 575782 for reservations directly.
SPECTATORS
There will be free illuminated wristbands for children, first come first served.
Wearing illumination is encouraged, It’s a celebration! There will be a prize for the best illuminated spectator. If you can’t think what outfit to create or what accessory or hat to illuminate, there are several websites selling light up clothes and accessories, Google 'Illuminated clothing!
Make sure the judges, based at Leander, have seen you and leave your phone number.
Please come to the judging area from about 9pm. The prize will be given out on the night at Leander.
Look forward to seeing you all lit up!
Please be warned that there may be unregistered boats who join in the parade who may use fireworks. We would suggest that dogs be left at home and young children's ears have protection.
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​​St Johns Ambulance will be on duty on the night at the Leander Club.
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Food & Beverage services
You will find two open bars, inside and out along with local food vendors at the Leander Club.
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TAKING
PART
Any boat, any size, any age, powered or unpowered is welcome. Sadly Paddle boards will not be able to enter.
It's not about how much you spend, it's about the creativity of the idea, see The Gallery for thoughts.
COMMUNICATIONS
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We will set up a Whats App group for registered entrants - entrants to give consent when they sign up for event.
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Please ensure the organisers have your mobile number.
ILLUMINATION RULES
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Craft must be safe for all aboard and others around them.
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We regret no paddleboarders this year, as we cannot get insurance for them.
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High power laser displays are not permitted.
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We are on the flight path and would need permits for lasers.
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Very low power lasers are OK but must be vertically facing only - Not into the crowd.
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Some people are sensitive to fast flashing lights, no strobes please.
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Craft must have no sharp edges or spikes.
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Illuminations should be soundly constructed and properly attached the the craft.
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Any devices should be waterproof in case of rain.
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Parade will take place regardless of weather conditions unless there are red boards in place or the river is in flood.
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No rockets, flares, naked flames or projecting fireworks.
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No untethered hot air balloons or lanterns (farms with cattle and crops surround the route).
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No floating naked flames to be released from any craft.
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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.
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Please bring mooring spikes, there are no mooring rings.
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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.
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Fancy dress is encouraged, judges love themes.
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Remember to have uplighters so the judges can see the costumes.
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The more creative the better.
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Music is important, but remember that it may be loud on your boat, but make sure you have speakers facing the crowds
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If you haven’t got a boat why not hire one! Click here to download details.