What’s on at Dartmouth Regatta 2019

2019 is a special year for Dartmouth Regatta as it celebrates its 175th event. As you would expect from Dartmouth’s top dairy date, there will be plenty going on to mark the occasion as well as all the traditional regatta activities that attract thousands of visitors to South Devon each August. Here’s a round up of what’s on at Dartmouth Regatta 2019 as well as plenty of tips on making the most of your time in this picturesque Devon town.

When is Dartmouth Regatta 2019?

This year’s Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes place from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 August, but expect plenty of fringe events as it’s impossible to fit all the fun into three days. Dartmouth Regatta Week kicks off on Saturday 24 August 2019.

Here’s some of the events not to be missed at Dartmouth Royal Regatta in 2019:

Family fun day – Saturday 24 August

It all starts here. Dartmouth Regatta Week gets under way with a full on day of family fun in Royal Avenue Gardens. The programme of activities includes Morris dancing, circus skills workshops and the infamous Regatta Dog Show. Not to be outdone by their canine friends, families can also enter competitions to find Dartmouth’s cutest baby, ugliest shoe and most extraordinary hat. The day of fun and frolics wraps up with Dartmouth’s first Silent Disco.

Find out more about Dartmouth Regatta’s Family Fun Day.

Dartmouth regatta Kon-Tiki raft race – Saturday 24 August

For the first time in 15 years the Kon-Tiki raft race is back. Teams build their own raft ahead of the race and then take to the water at the Higher Ferry Slipway before paddling like crazy to the finish line just before the Boat Float. Even if you don’t take part, it’s a spectacle not to be missed.

Find out more about the rules and how to enter the Kon-Tiki raft race.

Dartmouth Regatta Sundowner event – Wednesday 28 August

The Sundowner music event will get everyone in the party mood ahead the main Dartmouth Regatta events. Expect Brazilian samba rhythms from The Break Beat Bandits, party hard with the South West’s Dr Oz, and come prepared for a high octane live show from Tankus the Henge. As if that’s not enough local DJ duo DJ Billy Baker and Jamessax will be providing the tunes for a dance bonanza in Coronation Park.

Tickets are on sale now.

Regatta 175 Celebration – Thursday 29 August

What better venue for the Regatta’s official 175 celebration event than Britannia Royal Naval College? Guests will be entertained by The Corps of Drums of Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band, a string quartet and a swing and jive band on the Parade Ground, which has incredible views of the River Dart. Come dressed to impress for an evening to remember.

Tickets cost £25 per person and are on sale now. Be quick to secure yours as they are sure to sell out fast. Find out more about the Regatta 175 Celebration and how to buy tickets.

Dartmouth Regatta market – Thursday 29 and Saturday 31 August

Browse the market stalls in Dartmouth’s iconic Old Market Square and pick up a South Devon souvenir or graze on locally produced foods and drinks. This special addition to the retail stalls during Dartmouth Regatta takes place on two days only.

But don’t forget the Royal Regatta Shopping Parade will also be open on South Embankment from Wednesday 28 until Sunday 31 August. This is where you can pick up street food from around the world, as well as clothing, crafts and arts.

Shopping at the Regatta promises to be bigger and better than ever before with more quality trade stalls and even Devon Cream Tea and Pimms gardens from where you can relax and watch the activities on the River.

Proms in the Park – Friday 30 August

For an evening to remember, buy a ticket to Dartmouth Regatta’s Proms in the Park. Coronation Park will become a sea of blankets and Union Flags for this magical evening. BRNC Volunteer Band will provide the pomp, while the narration will be voiced by John Suchet. Supporting the Big Band will be the vintage vocal trio, the Liberty Sisters, while distinguished Soprano Yvonne Patrick will be adding her outstanding voice to the proceedings. And of course, no Proms in the Park would be complete without an awesome firework finale.

Find out more about the performers and buy tickets.

Dartmouth Regatta 2019 fireworks – Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August

The Dartmouth Regatta fireworks are always spectacular. This year there are two free displays. The first on Friday night accompanies Proms in the Park. Both displays can be viewed from anywhere along The Embankment.

Sailing events during Dartmouth Regatta Week

With all the fun happening on land you’d be forgiven for forgetting that the Regatta is a sailing event first and foremost. Here’s where you can find out about the sailing competitions, rowing competitions and dinghy racing during Dartmouth Sailing Week.

What else is on for families at Dartmouth Regatta 2019?

Dartmouth Regatta will have more on for families than ever before. Throughout the week there are lots of activities and competitions for youngsters to join in, including pavement art, a fancy dress competition and scavenger hunt. And what kid wouldn’t want to take part in the ice cream eating competition?!

Enjoy the music in the Royal Avenue Gardens bandstand, take part in the fun run, enjoy the barrel rolling and waiters/waitress races, and reel in the catch of the day in the crabbing competition.

On Friday and Saturday of the Regatta, Coronation Park will be turned into an inflatable park for kids. And, if you can keep the children up long enough, there is the illuminated boats procession along the river on Friday night. The Regatta programme is packed with events and activities to keep kids and parents entertained.

Find out more about what’s on at Dartmouth Regatta for kids.

Dartmouth Regatta Park & Ride

Parking in Dartmouth town centre will be reserved for organisers and traders during the Regatta, so if you are not already staying in town catch the Park & Ride next to Dartmouth Leisure Centre. This costs £5 per vehicle parked before 2pm and £3 per vehicle after 2pm. Use the Pay & Display machines or the Ringo parking app.

Where to stay during Dartmouth Regatta

If you want to truly immerse yourself in Dartmouth Regatta 2019 then why not stay in a Dartmouth holiday cottage. Take a look at the Dartmouth accommodation available through Dart Valley Cottages that will put you at the centre of the action or within easy reach using the Dartmouth Park & Ride service.