Henley's Olympians to be honoured with open-top bus parade

The town plans to honour its rowing medallists with a 'Heroes Return' parade on September 21.

The procession will begin at 11.15am, with Wokingham Brass Band and the athletes making their way to the town hall, expected to arrive around 11.55am.

At least 15 Olympic rowers will ride on an open-top bus, waving to the crowds.

The route will see the athletes travel from Leander Club, over Henley Bridge, and then along Hart Street, Bell Street, New Street, Thameside and again Hart Street, before arriving at Market Place.

Men's eights: Tom Ford, who rows at the Leander Club, James Rudkin, Tom Digby, Charles Elwes, Jacob Dawson, Morgan Bolding, Rory (Image: Peter Byrne/PA)

Leander Club general manager, Al Heathcote, said: "We are very proud of our 26 Olympians and grateful to the Henley community for all their support.

"Leander Club athletes have won a staggering 159 Olympic and Paralympic medals since 1908.

"Credit must also go to the schools, clubs and universities that worked hard with these athletes prior to them joining Leander.

"This is a great opportunity to meet these current Olympic heroes in person."

As they reach the town hall, the Wokingham Brass Band will march onto Market Place, continuing to play while the athletes disembark at the rear of the town hall.

At midday, the rowers will enter the town hall, welcomed by mayor Rory Hunt, who will congratulate them on their achievements.

Leander captain, Lola Anderson, will then give a short speech thanking the Henley community for their support.

The rowers will walk through an arch of oars held by members of rowing clubs.

After the ceremony, the Olympians will interact with the public in the Market Place, posing for photos and signing autographs.

At 12.30pm, they will board the bus again and return to Leander Club for a private reception.

Before the parade begins, visitors will have the chance to watch some of the Olympic rowers in action on the river between 9.30am and 10.30am.

Starting from Leander Club, they will row under the Henley Bridge, around the island and return.

There will be a road closure in Market Place from 9am to 1pm, and rolling road closures along the parade route from 11.10am to midday.

A big screen was moved into the Market Place earlier this year so the town could see the athletes in action.

Children will receive flags and chocolate medals as souvenirs of the day.

People are invited to "cheer on the athletes as they return home in triumph" by the town council, which said the "event promises to be a memorable occasion, full of community spirit and pride".