More than 150 Romford children race dry-land boats at The Mercury to 3 October for Comic Relief, run by the first ITV Gladiators champion. When to watch.
More than 150 children are expected to race in a rowing regatta inside The Mercury shopping centre in Romford this week, without a drop of water or a rowing machine in sight. The Cool Rowings Indoor Regatta runs from Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October and raises money for Comic Relief.
It is led by Weininger Irwin, who Comic Relief describes as the UK’s first ITV Gladiators champion. He created the event and will be running the competition himself.
The quick answer
- Where: The Mercury shopping centre, Mercury Gardens, Romford RM1 3EE
- When: Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October 2026
- Best times to watch: Tuesday 29 September from 5.30pm, or Saturday 3 October from 11am
- Who is racing: three classes from St Edward’s CoE school, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from six local Scout groups, and a youth group on Saturday morning
- In aid of: Comic Relief
Boats with no water
Children race head-to-head in specially designed boats. Sensors and electronic timing give it the feel of a real rowing competition, Comic Relief says, but there is no water and none of the traditional rowing machines found in a gym.
Cool Rowings’ own event page says the regatta is built for primary school children, Scouts, Girlguiding groups and youth clubs, and that “the emphasis is on participation, teamwork, fundraising, fitness, and fun!” It adds: “There is a performance side to the regatta as we proudly boast technology which record times through using electronic sensor system. Participants can experience a regatta environment without needing access to water or a boat!”
Who is taking part, and when
Three classes from St Edward’s CoE school are booked in from Wednesday to Friday. Six local Scout groups will bring Beavers, Cubs and Scouts during the evenings, and another group of youngsters is due on Saturday morning.
Comic Relief suggests two times for anyone who wants to watch: Tuesday 29 September from 5.30pm, or Saturday 3 October from 11am.
Older rowers alongside
Weininger will be joined by volunteers from Ageless Teenagers, a community of older people who row, dance and socialise together. Comic Relief says the week is also a chance for children and older volunteers to meet through a shared activity.
Cool Rowings’ website describes Weininger as a community sports leader and the founder of both Cool Rowings and Ageless Teenagers, working with schools, Scout groups, youth groups, community organisations and older adults across East London and Essex. It says he runs a rowing and T-shirt shop in The Mercury, which it calls the home of the first indoor regatta.
Why they are doing it
The organisers’ page says the regatta is “not simply a one-off competition”, and that its “real value lies in its ability to introduce, inspire and motivate young people to the benefits of a great sport and another option of physical activity long after the event has ended.”
Schools, Scout groups and youth organisations are encouraged to raise money for the charity “with as little as £1”, the page says, “as the emphasis is about coming together as a community for a single benefit to raise money for the disadvantaged and compete whilst doing so.” After the regatta, taking part brings certificates and recognition, according to Cool Rowings.
Weininger has put out his own call to get people rowing:
How to find out more
Weininger is available to speak during the week, Comic Relief says. Enquiries about the event go to admin@coolrowings.com, and more detail is on the Cool Rowings indoor regatta page.
The Mercury is also where Romford’s Santa grotto returns each Christmas: see our guide to Santa’s grotto in Romford, and for more to do in town, things to do in Romford.
Have your say