Cambridge Rowing Association Town Bumps Racing

Bumps racing on the River Cam in Cambridge began during the 1820s to allow University College crews to compete simultaneously on a river that is mostly too narrow for side by side racing.  In 1868 the town rowing clubs started their own bumps event, and this exciting form of pursuit racing continues to this day, with the Town Bumps a regular July fixture barring world wars and global pandemic.

Held over 5 nights with each of the 7 divisions racing on 4 nights, some 126 crews compete to finish higher in their division by the end of the weeks racing, than the previous year.  The top crew of both the Men’s and Women’s Division One fight to remain Head of the River for another year.  Crews range from ages 14 to over 70, and all abilities from complete novice to elite.

The Cambridge Rowing Association have kindly given permission for us to watch the racing from their designated enclosure at Ostlers Holt, known as  “First Post Corner”, on the second evening, Tuesday 22 July 2025.  From this vantage point we can expect to see plenty of exciting racing.  Be advised, Henley this is not!  Ostlers Holt is normally a grazing field, which the CRA rent as a viewing point for Bumps week.  They have kindly agreed to allow us use of their private enclosure within Ostlers Holt to host a BBQ, and hopefully raise funds for both the Furniture Makers’ Charity and The Andrew Johnson Rowing Foundation. 

The Master will unashamedly be cheering on the Cantabrigian Rowing Club with which she, her late husband Andrew, her consort Katy, and other members of her family have had a long connection.  Along with others from the rowing community, the Master and Consort will be on hand to explain what is happening!

TICKET PRICE

£40.00 per person plus VAT (£48.00)

The ticket price includes reception drinks followed a BBQ served by Sebastian at Cantab Catering, who will also be running a cash bar (card machine available) where beers, coke and other soft drinks can be purchased.

The ticket price includes a donation to be shared between the two charities.

TO BOOK

Please complete the application form with dietary requirements by 7 July to: sally@furnituremakers.org.uk

0207 562 8526.

CAR PARKING

There is a car parking fee at the gate.  However you can pre-book for a discount and details of how to do this will be sent with your joining instructions (2024’s prices were £6 and £3 for pre-booking).

LOCATION

“First Post Corner” is located in Ostlers Holt field, Green End, Fen Ditton, Cambridge

Best access from the West is A14/B1047 junction, and from the East the A14/A1303 junction.  Drive through the village of Fen Ditton to the far end of Green End where you will find Ostlers Holt field on your left.

52°13’37.1″N 0°10’12.3″E

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PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN PICNIC CHAIRS AND/OR BLANKETS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – DRESS INFORMAL CASUAL

Dress code is informal – please make sure you dress for the weather conditions and the fact that you are by the river.  The Master suggests you have insect repellent/sun screen/sun hats /layers/wet weather gear/umbrellas/suitable footwear such as trainers, walking shoes or wellies as appropriate.

If you want to know more about the CRA Town Bumps prior to the evening, you can find information at https://www.crarowing.co.uk/