Summer Eights Regatta

The Eights Week or Summer Eights Regattas are the University of Oxford‘s main intercollegiate rowing event of the year. It takes place in May, from the Wednesday to the Saturday of the fifth week of Trinity Term. This year that fall on Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th May 2023

Regular races between professional watermen have existed since 1715, with the birth of  Doggett’s Coat and Badge prize. The first amateur races between organised clubs in Oxford, however, date back to 1815. This is the year that crews from Brasenose College and Jesus College raced for the Head of the River, from Iffley Lock to Mr King’s Barge. Both crews rowed in eight oared boats, specially built for the purpose. Because the racing was conducted in eight oared boats, the event became known as Eights.

Anyone can visit the Eights Week and advanced tickets are not required.

Find out more about rowing in Oxford here.