The race consists of a series of head-to-head races between the equivalent male and female squads at Bristol and UWE boat clubs. The club that wins the majority of these races is declared the overall winner of the race and awarded the Varsity trophy.

The event is similar to the well-known Oxford versus Cambridge Varsity Boat Race, except the Bristol race is shorter in distance and more intense.

The 1.25 km course runs past the historic Bristol docks and the S.S. Great Britain and will take around four minutes to row out finishing at Canon's Wharf Amphitheatre.

Patrick Vickers, University of Bristol Boat Club Captain, said: "Both Bristol and UWE squads are training hard and hoping to take home the win. We look forward to welcoming people to the event to be part of this long-standing tradition, and to support the sporting talents of the two universities.”

The competition will begin at 12 noon, members of the public are invited to join students from both institutions at Lloyd's TSB Amphitheatre at the Harbourside to support the teams. As well as food and drinks, all spectators at the finish line will be entertained with live music and commentary on the day’s races.

The Varsity Boat Race is free of charge for students and the public, and a portion of the proceeds from the overall Varsity series will benefit the charity PROPS, which provides opportunities and support for children and young people with physical and learning disabilities.