Sir Steve to row in Diamond Jubilee Regatta

Sir Steve Redgrave is set to make a dramatic return to rowing – taking up oars for the Thames Diamond Jubilee Regatta this summer.

The five times Olympic gold medallist will form part of an 18-strong crew rowing a new state barge, the Gloriana, along the River Thames on Sunday 3 June.

At 88ft long and with a price tag of roughly half a million pounds the Gloriana will be one of the finest vessels on the river, cruising alongside the Royal Barge at the head of 1000 ships.

After the pageant it will be given to the Queen as a gift, celebrating her 60 years on the throne.

It has also been announced that the London Philharmonic Orchestra will be waterborne for the day, performing the musical score for the pageant from aboard a herald barge.

For more information about the pageant, visit www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org.