Stonehouse Regatta 2026

Congratulations to all who took part in the re-enactment of the Stonehouse Regatta on Sunday 2nd August. Robert Larkin, Landlord of the Ship Inn at Stonehouse Wharf, ran these highly popular events throughout the 1890s. At their peak, attendance reached 1000 people with fantastic prizes including a fishing boat for the main event. The winner being carried in the boat, led by the Stonehouse Brass Band playing ‘See, the Conquering Hero Comes’ from Regent Street to the canal.

Today’s winners had to settle for a more modest medal albeit presented by the Mayor. They were, however, not lacking anything their 1890’s counterparts had when it came to bravery, grit, fair play and a sense of fun. This was run as a public event for anyone with any level of experience. There were 4 rounds throughout the day for up to 16 people at a time. Our scaled down version still included the Canoe race. After 15 minutes of instructions a 'head to head' race took the competitors to the start of the Ostacle Course. A slalom inspired challenge in open canoes through 6 gates with every competitor on the course at the same time. This led nicely to the final Polo Match. All the races tightly choreographed, timed and judged by Rose, our youngest organiser.

Victorians loved dressing up as reported by the Stroud News (9July 1897), “ for the ladies turned out in quite regatta style, and some few of the gentlemen might well have been taken for seafaring officers”. Today’s crowd put a modern twist on the dressing up with a pirate theme and prizes were awarded for the best dressed pirate.

As well as races, Boatmobility provided Katakanu tours along a really beautiful stretch of the Stroudwater Canal. There was music, live bands, excellent food and a number of stallsAn estimated 450 people attended over the day.

The regatta was run by Stroud Valley Canoe Club and was part of a series highly successful monthly events organised by the Ship Inn Community Enterprise group (SPICE) at the former Ship Inn site in Stonehouse.

Thanks to Hugh Conway Jones and Stroudwater Navigation Archive Charity for providing the research, source material and inspiration for this event.