Hundreds of people lined the Thames in Putney yesterday, for the start of the BNY Mellon Boat Race.
The annual contest sees rowing teams from the Oxford and Cambridge University’s slog it out for first place.
Punters flooded the area around The Embankment, soaking up the atmosphere with live music and food stalls.
Throughout the day waves of spectators passed through the World Street Village Market at Church Square.
At around 2pm The Boathouse on Brewhouse Lane kicked off its line-up of live acts, with a massive projector installed to broadcast the race.
The Duke’s Head on Lower Richmond also played host to a fleet of live bands, with four BBQ’s fired up and five bars open.
The Putney Pantry served up some oar-some cuisine from its purpose built food tent, with outdoor seating and more live music.
The 160th race between the universities started at 5.55pm, with Oxford getting off to an early lead.
Minutes in the result was essentially sealed, when the oar of a Cambridge rower smashed into that of and Oxford competitor.
The Cambridge man was nearly thrown from his boat, as their opponents exploited the calamity to increase their lead.
Oxford then powered on to victory leaving a floundering Cambridge in their wake.
The successful team managed to complete the 4-mile course from Putney to Mortlake in 18mins 36seconds.
Since its inception in 1829 the race has become a national tradition, with Oxford having won it 78 times to Cambridge’s 81.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here