Chiswick Pier Trust Calls for Boat Race Volunteers

Help needed to set up site for influx of visitors

The men's crews passing Chiswick Pier. Picture: Chiswick Pier Trust

March 23, 2026

Chiswick Pier Trust is calling for volunteers to help prepare the pier for one of the busiest and most atmospheric days of the year, as thousands of spectators are expected to gather along the Thames for the annual Boat Race on Saturday 4 April. The trust says it needs extra hands from 11am onwards to help set up the site before crowds arrive for the Oxford–Cambridge showdown.

With Chiswick Pier offering one of the best vantage points on the Championship Course, the trust says volunteer support is essential to ensure the site is ready for the influx of visitors.

Volunteers are needed to help carry and set up equipment for the bar, move and position bins, put up gazebos and provide general support wherever required. No specialist skills are needed — just practical energy, a willingness to muck in and a sense of teamwork. The trust says people can give as little as a couple of hours or stay longer if they are able.

Boat Race Day at Chiswick Pier typically features a lively programme of activities. Food stalls and pop-up bars line the riverside, while local organisations host family-friendly events throughout the afternoon. Live commentary is broadcast along the pier, and spectators gather early to secure a view as the crews pass at full speed on their way from Putney to Chiswick. The atmosphere is usually festive, with a mix of long-time rowing enthusiasts and casual visitors enjoying one of west London’s most distinctive annual traditions.

This year the early season form suggests a close contest in both the men’s and women’s race so the stretch in front of Chiswick Pier could be decisive. . The Championship Course, which runs for 4.2 miles, is known for its unpredictable conditions and tactical demands. The Pier sits at a key point on the river where the leading crew often tries to consolidate its advantage before the long bend towards Barnes Bridge.

The trust says volunteers play a central role in making the day run smoothly. “Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Chiswick Pier Trust, and we couldn’t run events like this without them,” the team said. “Boat Race Day is a wonderful opportunity to support the community, meet other volunteers and be part of the pier in action.”

Anyone interested in helping is invited to email trust@chiswickpier.org.uk with their availability.

Events like this are organised by the Chiswick Pier Trust which works to engage people with the River Thames. It provides access to the Thames and supports major river events, as well as organising events of its own.

For information on Chiswick Pier Trust membership check the Chiswick Pier Trust's web site.