The beautifully landscaped Royal Avenue Gardens located in the centre of town overlooking the river and inner harbour provide a stunning backdrop for land and water-based activities throughout the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta.  

The Victorian Bandstand and stage host the prestigious opening ceremony and a full programme of entertainment, competition and live music starting from the first Saturday of Regatta week.

Our official opening takes place at 10:30 on Saturday 24 August in The Royal Avenue Gardens – let the fun weekend begin!  We have old favourites like Elfic the Juggler who will be performing his ever-popular children’s show on the Saturday and don’t forget to bounce your socks off on our bouncy pirate ship. There are fabulous displays from Buckingham School of Dance and the Dartington Morris Dancers.  Come and join in with wags and woofs aplenty at our annual Dog Show – then spot the proud families walking their four-legged friends around town bedecked with rosettes!  Coastal Rowing presentations are awarded on the Bandstand, rolling straight into the first evening of our famous Regatta Silent Disco.

On the Sunday we kick off the morning with a HIIT workout, followed by a Silent Disco Yoga session.  We have Dart Valley Bushcraft interactive sessions making clay cups and bowls, basket weaving and making dreamcatchers.  There will be plenty of interactive animal encounters as we once again welcome Animal HQ with anything from fluffy rabbits to slithery snakes.  Regatta Praise will again be back with enthusiastic singing, enlightened stories and some time for reflection.  Can’t get enough of dancing in headphones?  Come along to our second night of Silent Disco fun.

Monday again starts with a HIIT workout followed by Yoga, a revitalising start to the week.  Back by popular demand, Ozzie D, entertaining the crowds with various games and magic shows PLUS a Pirate themed fancy dress disco… Arrrrrrrrrrr!  Can’t get enough of dancing like crazy to a song only you can hear?  You’ve got it, our third and final Silent Disco showdown.

Friends and visitors can find the ideal spot to enjoy street food from one of our many caterers in the Gardens throughout the week, offering high-quality local produce for all tastes including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus before exploring the Royal Regatta shopping parade situated along the North Embankment, don’t forget to visit our wide array of wonderful shops in Dartmouth too.  

The Royal Avenue Gardens also provides live music entertainment throughout Regatta week where you will receive a warm welcome from our friendly committee members and volunteers who will be happy to assist you in any way.    

Pop to see us in the Information Hut.