Another of Oxford's great summer traditions is just round the corner. For almost 200 years the fifth week of Oxford University's summer term is Eights Week, or the annual battle among the colleges to be 'Head of the River'.
An eight is an 8 oared racing boat and every college has at least 2 men's and 2 women's boats. With 38 colleges competing it's a very big regatta, and it goes on every afternoon from Wednesday to Saturday with races every 30 minutes from Iffley Lock to Folly Bridge. This year it starts on Wednesday 22 May and the last race is around 6pm on Saturday 25 May when the first crew to reach Folly Bridge will be crowned head, and then get thrown into the river.
As the Thames is narrow it's impossible to race side by side, so a system of literally 'bumping' the crew in front has developed; the rules are a bit complex and most spectators don't understand them, but are there just to enjoy the party. Especially on the Saturday thousands head for Christ Church Meadow where they crowd the various college boathouses which line the bank just where the river Cherwell meets the Thames. There is music and many colleges offer drinks and BBQs to entertain students and townies alike.
Usually OISE Oxford organises a walk down to the river for the students to see the fun and soak up the atmosphere.
And who is going to win? Well, Oriel College (where the Queen had lunch recently and which happened to be the last college to admit women) are the current champions and thus have the advantage of starting first, are in with a good chance. They have some students who rowed in this year's boat race so I am tipping them to win again as they have so often in the last 25 years - they are the Manchester United of student rowing.
Bumping Race at Oxford, John Thomas, 1822
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