Henley Festival

Ian45

Ian45

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 May 2007
Messages
223
Location
Buckinghamshire
Visit site
SWMBO and I are thinking about taking a cruise to Henley on Friday evening or maybe Saturday to take in some of the music festival from the river.

We have never done this before but I have been told that there are some floating moorings which, if lucky enough to get one, gives a good place to enjoy the music and see the fireworks.

So has anyone out there been before or maybe going this year and could give a bit of advice such as:

Mooring cost - does it need to be prebooked?

Is it possible to get a mooring or do you need to be moored up from Wednesday??

Any advice would be helpful as I have just made the mistake of informing SWMBO that there is an ABBA symphonic tribute and now she SOOOO wants to go.

Thanks in advance.
 
Ian45 said:
SWMBO and I are thinking about taking a cruise to Henley on Friday evening or maybe Saturday to take in some of the music festival from the river.

We have never done this before but I have been told that there are some floating moorings which, if lucky enough to get one, gives a good place to enjoy the music and see the fireworks.

So has anyone out there been before or maybe going this year and could give a bit of advice such as:

Mooring cost - does it need to be prebooked?

Is it possible to get a mooring or do you need to be moored up from Wednesday??

Any advice would be helpful as I have just made the mistake of informing SWMBO that there is an ABBA symphonic tribute and now she SOOOO wants to go.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Most importantly you need booze....and triple what you think you will drink...

I am assuming you can still grab a boom??
 
Ian45 said:
Any advice would be helpful as I have just made the mistake of informing SWMBO that there is an ABBA symphonic tribute and now she SOOOO wants to go.

QUOTE]

I can't remember when 'ABBA' are on - There will be some forum members around on the boom for most of the week - look for the burgee - fly your own and BINGO - you have a mooring alongside at no extra cost!!!!!

P.S I'm going Weds and Fri..

E
Click to expand...
 
Sadly we have no forum burgee to introduce ourselves with but am I right in thinking there is a possibility some spaces may be available for a little one (Sealine 218) if we take a chance and cruise up on Saturday morning?

Now, although I have a dinner suit and most people attending the arts/music festival wear formal attire it would seem, is it require for 'boat people' that lounge around on their vessels?
 
Moorings there are very tightly regulated. Hobbs of Henley do it. It will be expensive and you will have to pre book. The trick is to get on the booms - they are free.
 
jecuk said:
Moorings there are very tightly regulated. Hobbs of Henley do it. It will be expensive and you will have to pre book. The trick is to get on the booms - they are free.
Click to expand...

And that means cruising up and down as close to 1800 hours (if its still that) and then pounce on them when the time comes and they allow you to moor up.
 
Ian45 said:
Would that be 1800 hours on each day or from the start on Wednesday?
Click to expand...

We used to go for the Sat only but I believe (and I have not been for a few years) you can do it from each day, I am sure Tedd lock will be along soon with some very old dodgy pix...

With the sun shining, the music in the background a cold beer and on your own boat there is no better place
 
We are also considering going up there this weekend and have the same concern about moorings. Getting on the boom sounds an excellent option!

We don't have a forum burgee either, we are a Bayliner 285. Boat is called Katie J but hopefully should be changed to Akvavit by the weekend. If you see two ladies on board it's us please wave and say hi. :D
 
Not recent years.

I do not wish to disillusion your SWMBO, but the last few times that we went (tied to booms) we heard very little of the music. Also, unless the Abba Tribute are playing on the main stage (by the river) you won't hear anything at all!!
It is still an entertaining evening and the fireworks are usually very good if H&S haven't killed them off.
Be warned, that when the evening is over the river is awash with boats of all shapes and sizes, many unlit and most with skippers having enjoyed an alcoholic evening. We have found it prudent to stay a little longer to fend off the hordes and let things settle before moving ourselves.
Enjoy!!
Oh, and yes, do wear the glad rags. It really adds to the show.
 
miket said:
I do not wish to disillusion your SWMBO, but the last few times that we went (tied to booms) we heard very little of the music. Also, unless the Abba Tribute are playing on the main stage (by the river) you won't hear anything at all!!
It is still an entertaining evening and the fireworks are usually very good if H&S haven't killed them off.
Be warned, that when the evening is over the river is awash with boats of all shapes and sizes, many unlit and most with skippers having enjoyed an alcoholic evening. We have found it prudent to stay a little longer to fend off the hordes and let things settle before moving ourselves.
Enjoy!!
Oh, and yes, do wear the glad rags. It really adds to the show.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the information, depending on your music tastes I suppose not being able to hear ABBA music could be seen as an advantage :-)

It sounds very much like it could be a worthwhile cruise up and down even if no moorings are available and a mooring back towards Medmenham would at least enable us to see the fireworks.
 
miket said:
I do not wish to disillusion your SWMBO, but the last few times that we went (tied to booms) we heard very little of the music. Also, unless the Abba Tribute are playing on the main stage (by the river) you won't hear anything at all!!
Click to expand...

It is on the main stage.
 
Coming over the bridge from work this evening - they are already mooring on the boom - couldn't catch the name of the 'big' boat that had put itself center stage - was I going too fast or was it a little too far away??
No need to worry about moorings - they tie up anywhere and I have seen them 4 or 5 out before now - just ask whoever you moor to as some people like to move early
Look for Winning Spirit, Tops and Zit - not mooring on the boom but might like a place to stop for the odd drink or two :D:D

See you there

E
 
Been on the booms since Sunday night, and they are very busy by now! You WILL NOT find any boom space left near the stage tonight, but rafting up is de riguer and not usually a problem. There will be loads of space downstream of the festival on the booms - remember they extend all the way to temple island, so you will definiteky find somewhere comfortable for the night..
The EA frown on rafting up more than two deep though (unless it's three little boats.. Due to stress on the booms)

Note for everyone: please don't raft alongside Fairline T44 Inner Smile - he's just sold it and transfers next week and doesn't want any scratches. He's not being nasty - just spend a fortune on gell blemish repairs and polishing!!


ENJOY!!! :)
 
rosssavage said:
Been on the booms since Sunday night, and they are very busy by now! You WILL NOT find any boom space left near the stage tonight, but rafting up is de riguer and not usually a problem. There will be loads of space downstream of the festival on the booms - remember they extend all the way to temple island, so you will definiteky find somewhere comfortable for the night..
The EA frown on rafting up more than two deep though (unless it's three little boats.. Due to stress on the booms)

Note for everyone: please don't raft alongside Fairline T44 Inner Smile - he's just sold it and transfers next week and doesn't want any scratches. He's not being nasty - just spend a fortune on gell blemish repairs and polishing!!


ENJOY!!! :)
Click to expand...

I don't think that's a valid reason to not have anyone rafted alongside. Boom space is at a premium and should not be denied those who have made the effort to come along. It's bad form to hog the boom and turn away those who ask, especially if they only want a couple of hours.
 
Don't shoot the messenger! I've got a sealine F43 against me!!

That said, if we're talking about making the effort - he made the effort to take time off work to get here early and get a good spot. Rafting alongside is not a right, and I have had my boat damaged twice here by thoughtless rafters.

Again, I'm only playing devils advocate, I have someone against me right now.
 
Brayman said:
I don't think that's a valid reason to not have anyone rafted alongside. Boom space is at a premium and should not be denied those who have made the effort to come along. It's bad form to hog the boom and turn away those who ask, especially if they only want a couple of hours.
Click to expand...

I agree, if you dont want folks alongside, dont go on the booms!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top