The Henley Traditional Boat Festival 2024
Traditional Boats and so much more
In July, Henley on Thames in the UK hosts a Traditional Boat Festival. It had been many years since my last visit, and this summer, I decided to revisit for another look. And here's a review of my three days at the Henley Trad Boat Festival.
Arriving at the Festival
Parking was easy and free — and it is not often you can say that about any event.
I parked my car on a nearby rugby field and walked towards the site. I wasn't immediately overwhelmed by what I saw, but once I entered, I saw there was a lot on offer.
Exploring the Festival Grounds
The festival had something for everyone. A quaint tea room provided a perfect spot for a relaxing break. The Crooked Billet from Stoke Row had set up a large bar area, serving up drinks and food throughout the day. Families and friends lounged on the extensive lawns, enjoying picnics and the summer sun.
Traditional boating crafts were on display, and vendors sold vintage clothing and even hovercrafts. Several boat sellers showcased stunning vessels, and numerous suppliers offered various boating essentials.
Activities for Everyone
The festival wasn't just about boats. There was a small fairground for the kids, and many friendly dogs roamed the area, adding to the atmosphere. Lady McAlpine hosted a series of dog shows, including a quirky competition for the "maddest dog on site."
A Journey Through Boat History
My main interest lay in the boats, and the festival did not disappoint. I started with the steamboats. There was a 1930s boat retrofitted with a steam engine and an incredibly small steamboat named Whisper. I also saw an immaculate 1896 umpire launch, one of the first of its kind, designed to follow rowing crews during regattas.
I also took a cruise on the Alaska steamship. We departed from the dock, heading towards Henley. The cruise offered a unique perspective of the festival and the river.
The Little Ships
A significant highlight of the festival was the gathering of the little ships. These historic vessels participated in Operation Dynamo in 1940, rescuing the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from Dunkirk. Seeing these little ships adorned with signal flags and the special flag indicating their role in Dunkirk was truly moving. Among them was Moonraker, the smallest of the little ships, and St Joan, used by the RAF during WWII to rescue pilots.
Unique Boats and Vehicles
The festival showcased an array of unique boats, from beautifully maintained slipper launches and cruiser boats to working boats like a large barge and a narrowboat tug. A houseboat resembling a historic photographer’s barge and a collection of rowing boats, including the 1883 Thames Double Gig and the 1901 Annie, were particularly fascinating.
Other surprising finds included a duck-hunting punt from post-WWI, a short-lived craze of sailing canoes from the late 19th century, and the smallest boat at the festival, a coracle.
More Than Just Boats
For those less boat-inclined, there were vintage bicycles, classic cars, and military vehicles on display. Amphibious cars, inspired by WWII vehicles, were a quirky highlight, demonstrating their unique ability to transition from water to land, albeit not always smoothly.
Evening Entertainment
As the day wound down, the festival continued with the Crooked Billet pub offering food, drinks, and live music. The relaxed atmosphere, with events starting "around six thirty-ish," added to the festival's charm.
A Memorable Experience
I enjoyed the Henley Trad Boat Festival over three days. It was a perfect way to spend a summer weekend blending history, craftsmanship, and community spirit.
