Hamble Valley Regatta

Hamble Valley Regatta takes place on Saturday 29 August and Sunday 30 August 2026. It is held mainly around Hamble Village Quay and the Hamble River with shoreside activities at Hamble Foreshore.

This is a long running community event that used to be known as the Swanwick Bursledon and Warsash Regatta. It has a history going back around 150 years and brings together sailing clubs local residents and visitors for a full weekend of water based fun.

On the water you can watch or take part in dinghy racing gig racing paddleboarding and fun rowing races. There are multiple classes for dinghies with prizes for the top boats in each. The famous water carnival features decorated boats and floats with prizes for the best ones. Other highlights include cruiser racing and special races like the Howards Way dinghy race on the Sunday.

A big crowd pleaser is the professional firework display that lights up the river on one of the evenings. It is set against the backdrop of the Hamble and marks a spectacular end to the day.

On shore there are food and drink stalls games live music and family entertainment. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming with plenty to do for adults and children. Shoreside events often include music from local bands or steel bands and general village fair style activities.

The regatta is free to watch from the public areas though some activities require entry or registration if you want to compete. It is very dog friendly and a great day out for families who enjoy boats and the river.

Many people arrive by boat or use the public slipways while others come by car and park nearby. The event spreads across the river so you get good views from Hamble Quay Bursledon or Warsash sides depending where you stand.

This year the theme is Medieval so expect some extra fun with costumes or decorated boats in keeping with that.

After the racing and carnival you can walk along the waterfront grab food from local pubs or cafes in Hamble village or simply enjoy the boats on the river.

For the full timetable race documents entry forms and latest updates visit the official website at theregatta.org. You can also check their Facebook page for photos from previous years and any last minute changes.

The Hamble Valley Regatta is one of the biggest and most enjoyable events in the local calendar. It mixes serious sailing with plenty of light hearted community fun and finishes with those impressive fireworks. If you like being by the water it is worth putting in your diary for the bank holiday weekend.