Boat parade is ‘start of Christmas season’

THE Illuminated Boat Parade in Henley will take place next Saturday.

Television presenter Edd China will judge the entries alongside Henley Mayor Rory Hunt, musician Dhani Harrison and Leander Club General Manager Al Heathcote.

The former Wheeler Dealers mechanic said he is excited for the festive feeling the parade brings. China said: “It’s a celebration of the boating season coming to a close and that kind of camaraderie is really what makes Henley a wonderful place to live.

“It’s almost like it’s the start of the Christmas season. It just gets you into the right kind of mood.”

Last year’s parade saw more than 50 decorated and themed boats enter the parade, which was watched by about 3,000 spectators.

China said: “The event is one of those things I wanted to get involved in for a while. I’ve entered a wooden boat before but this is the first time I’m going to be judging.”

The event, which starts at 7.30pm, is for boats of any size or age, powered or unpowered. The decorated boats will parade from Fawley Meadows, past Phyllis Court towards Henley Bridge. They will then turn and pass Leander and the judges, before turning again for a second circuit.

Leander Club will open its decking area to the public for from 6pm, with prizegiving from 9pm.

For more information visit www.illuminated
parade.com