
Fans Flood Riverbanks for 159th Bedford Amateur Regatta
Rowing enthusiasts packed the embankment of the River Great Ouse on Saturday, May 10, as 1,800 athletes competed across 244 races in the UK’s oldest single-day regatta, first held in 1853 . With sunshine and perfect conditions, junior crews made up around 70% of the field, showcasing teamwork and fitness in everything from sculls to coxed fours . Local pride was strong, with Bedford School claiming the Grand Challenge Cup in Open Eights, Bedford Modern School winning the Girls’ Challenge Cup in Women’s Junior 18 Quads, and Bedford Girls’ School finishing runner-up in the Women’s Coxed Four shield .