Shepherd Neame is partnering for the first time with one of the world’s oldest and most iconic sporting events, The Boat Race.

Boat Race
Photograph: Benedict Tufnell Row

Male and female boat crews from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge will battle it out on the River Thames in London this Sunday (3rd April).

The Boat Race is regularly watched by more than 5 million on television, and attended by over 250,000 spectators on the banks of the river, including at Fan Parks in Furnival Gardens, Hammersmith, and Bishops Park, in Fulham.

Both Fan Parks will open from 1noon and have big screens available for everyone to watch the BBC coverage of the race live. Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of beers and ciders from Shepherd Neame’s diverse portfolio, including award-winning Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Spitfire Lager, as well as international lager Singha, and Orchard View Cider.

Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame, said: “The Boat Race is the epitome of British style, sporting excellence, and tradition, and we are delighted to be the official beer and supplier for this prestigious event.”

The Boat Race Co Ltd chair, Tim Senior, said: “We are delighted to welcome Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, as our official beer supplier of the Boat Race. Their passion for excellence matches that of the Boat Race and its crews. It feels fitting to be able to introduce fans to our partner in the Boat Race fan parks on race day.”