Top 10 things that happen at every Oxford and Cambridge boat race

It's that time of year again. The bank sides of West London will be packed with row after row of booze, barbecues and good vibes.

If you've been before, you'll know that a few things are almost guaranteed to occur. We can always rely on fellow Londoners to make the following happen:

1: "Oxford wear blue vests right!?" Many viewers tend not to know much about the sport and which team is which. For them it's nice to be out.

2: Riverside pubs are usually heaving.

Spectators often fair better away from the taverns and a quick detour to the offy.

3: Ozzy barbecues Our expat cousins from the southern hemisphere do love a smoking grill

4: "So... Do other universities take part?" As interesting as that would be, it's just a contest between the two big names.

5: Someone shouts "come on police" Ev-er-ry time! There's always some drunk fellow cheering on police vessels.

6: Drunk folks cheer on the ducks After a few bevvies have settled in, some folks have a laugh by cheering on passing mallards and swans

7: A passing boat owner waves at the crowd If he's lucky, he may be subject to revelers throwing sausages and bread from a near by barbeque

8: "I think that's them isn't it" Says someone peering at an on coming vessel in the distance. It usually isn't "them"

9: The banks are also packed The riversides are often chocka-block with spectators

10: The good times don't end after rowers cross the finish line Regardless of who won, people tend to celebrate throughout the night. Especially at near by bars.

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is worth watching, even if it's just once. It's part of the staple diet in the annual London calendar. Sure, most years the weather is a bit nippy and drizzly. But that's nothing a decent layer of clothing won't fix.

If you've not seen it before, head on down to your nearest offy and find a decent vantage point by the river.

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