Surfers ride first five-star Severn Bore of 2024

Surfers have ridden what was believed to be the biggest five-star Severn Bore – one of Britain’s most spectacular tidal phenomena – in recent years.

The Bore, a tidal wave that occurs in the lower reaches of the river, was visible as it surged up between Newnham-on-Severn and Over in Gloucestershire.

Hundreds of spectators lined the riverbank and bridges to catch a glimpse of the first and only five-star bore of the year, while dozens of surfers and paddleboarders attempted to ride the wave.

Surfers ride the Severn Bore at Newnham (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Ben Birchall

The Severn Estuary receives the second highest tide anywhere in the world and the difference between the lowest and highest tides in one day can be more than 14.5 metres (47 feet).

These high or spring tides occur on several days in each lunar cycle throughout the spring and autumn.