Special Attractions
CMB 9
A welcome return visit to the Festival by this very special craft, Coastal Forces Motor Boat 9 is one of only a few WWI Royal Navy vessels still afloat, and is thought to be the only surviving WW1 torpedo boat. Later converted to become a Distance Control Boat, unmanned but radio controlled from an aircraft and thus the first autonomous drone combat vessel. She was built at Platts Eyot by Thornycroft, pioneers in the design of high speed motor launches.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
A Spitfire and a Lancaster bomber of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be paying visits to the Trad, the former on Saturday at 1.55 appx, and the latter on Sunday at 3.20 appx.
It must be stressed that for operational reasons these timings are approximate.
Heroes of Dunkirk
L'Orage, leading the way across the Channel to Dunkirk for the "Little Ships" return ceremony.
Veteran Cycles
Members of the Solent Veteran Bicycle & Tricycle Club and others have always provided a welcome diversion at these events and will be out in force again this year. They also provide an unusual bankside version of the Illuminated Parade on Saturday evening.
Windsor Belle
Enjoy a luxury cruise aboard this iconic Edwardian passenger steamer, to include a selection of delicious sandwiches, strawberries and cream, buttered scones jam and cream, with a glass of fizz!
Advance tickets can be purchased from
and also on the day, according to availability.
Bremont Great War
Display Team
The Bremont Great War Display Team will be showing off their Sopwith Camel, Avro and Fokker Triplanes, replica veteran aircraft of WW1 in aerial formation.
Victorian Steamer
A familiar sight and sound at many a past "Trad", this wonderful vessel, the oldest steam passenger launch still in regular service, will be offering rides up and down the Regatta course and the Henley reach throughout the Festival weekend.
Tickets will be on sale at the Alaska pontoon on Upper Meadow, and in advance from the Tickets page.
Welcome aboard!
A chance to sample life aboard a trad boat. A number of boats will be "on show" with their skippers offering guided tours and maybe even a trip round the block. Look out for the notice boards on the bank.
THE ILLUMINATED PARADE
A highlight of Saturday evening, while the band takes a break, is the Illuminated Parade. Traditional boats adorned with all manner of imaginative illuminated designs, sail slowly by into Henley town and back, providing a shimmering conclusion to the day's events. On the bank owners of vintage cycles put on their own spectacular version of this popular display.