Dress code relaxed as Henley Royal Regatta begins

Edinburgh University rowers were pictured taking their boat to the river at last year's event

Thousands of people are set to visit the Henley Royal Regatta as the prestigious rowing event gets underway.

More than 400 international standard races will be held on the River Thames course that runs through the Oxfordshire town.

Organisers received 768 entries from 19 nations, including a record 589 domestic entries for the annual event, British Rowing said.

The dress code has been relaxed for Tuesday in light of the hot weather forecast with members and guests told they will not need to wear jackets in the Stewards' Enclosure. But men will still need to wear ties.

Richard Phelps, chair of the regatta's committee, said he could not have have asked for a "more exciting entry".

"We have incredible Olympic representation in the premier events with an eye-watering prospect of seeing the best Olympic rowing nations racing side-by-side down the Henley course," he said.

"In addition, we are thrilled by such a large domestic entry, and can't wait to see which junior, student and club crews are crowned victors come Finals Sunday."

The course measures one mile and 550 yards (2,112 metres) and races take place throughout the week.

The course along the River Thames in Oxfordshire measures one mile and 550 yards (2,112 metres)