Boat Race back in Putney this Sunday

The eyes of the world will be on Putney has it hosts the start of the Oxford v Cambridge rowing showdown. This is the first time the race has returned to Putney since 2019 – the 2020 event was cancelled and last year’s race was held outside of London.  

Thousands of people are expected to go along to watch from the Putney Embankment. The action starts at 2.43pm with the 76^th Women’s Boat Race, with the men’s race an hour later. Read more

There will be street food and live music in Church Square from noon hosted by Riverside Radio, and spectators are also encouraged to enjoy Putney’s many pubs, bars, restaurants and shops. They are also urged to dispose of waste materials carefully. The council will be carrying out extra cleaning, but waste plastic can easily blow into the river and damage marine life.

Driving to Putney is not recommended as parking is limited, but the town is served by two underground stations, a mainline railway station and multiple bus routes.

Nicola Grant, executive director of the Positively Putney business improvement district said: “We’re delighted the Boat Race has returned to Putney – it’s been a difficult couple of years for businesses and this will provide a real cash injection.

“Our brilliant restaurants and pubs are ready to welcome you for lunch before the race or food and drinks afterwards and we have a live stage in Church Square until 6pm to add to the atmosphere.”