The Fourth of June returned in full splendour on Saturday, as College Field, the Thames and the School’s concert halls filled with the sound, colour and competition that have defined this celebration for generations.
A packed programme, stretching from the 8.35am Chapel services to the 4.15pm Absence, saw the School come alive for one of the most keenly anticipated days of the Eton calendar.
The morning opened with Chapel services and assemblies across Eton for every Block (year group), before giving way to a rich array of sport and music. The Band Concert at 9.45am in School Hall was followed by a popular Pop Choir and Incognitos concert, while the Jazz Concert in the Concert Hall (tickets sold out well in advance) drew audiences in fits of delight embracing in the School’s finest musical talent.
On the cricket pitch, the First XI took on the Ramblers at Upper Club in one of the day’s most compelling contests. The visitors batted first following a fixed toss, and despite being reduced to 39 for 3 by a sharp spell from Maclay, recovered through commanding half-centuries from Page-Croft OE and Vanderspar OE, both in the nineties, to post 281 for 6 declared off 49 overs. Set a revised target of 130 in the final hour, the XI were given a platform by an outstanding knock of 88 from Fulton, backed by a half-century from Ahearne, before finishing 220 for 6 and sharing the honours.
Gabriel G, Captain of the XI said: “It was a brilliant game of cricket. Thank you to the Ramblers for providing such an enjoyable atmosphere and excellent standard of cricket.”
Elsewhere, Water Polo took on the Old Etonians in Athens at 10.30am, while the XXII Cricket fixture ran simultaneously at Agar’s Plough against the Ramblers. The Eton College Beagles drew large crowds to College Field throughout the day, culminating in the popular Puppy Show at noon.
The exhibitions proved equally popular, with Drawing Schools, Design Schools, the School Library and the STEM Centre all open to parents from 9.30am, showcasing the breadth of boys’ academic and creative work across the year. The College Collections, including the special exhibition Elemental at the Verey Gallery and the Natural History Museum by Lower Chapel, offered a quieter moment of reflection amid the celebrations. Due to essential building work in the Cloisters, the College Library, silver display and Museum of Eton Life were unfortunately unable to open this year.
After lunch at 1pm, the afternoon built towards its traditional climax. The Pipe Band processed across College Field at 3pm before the famous Procession of Boats took place at Fellows’ Eyot at 3.30pm rounding off the official programme before the end of the day.
For many, the abiding memory of the day will be the quality of the School’s musical life, showcased to parents across a half-dozen performances. The Incognitos, Eton’s stellar Acapella group, appeared in both the Pop Choir concert and the Jazz Concert, a fitting double bill for a group whose leader has shone considerably this year.
Will V, Keeper of the Incognitos, after long consideration remarked: “It was a fitting end to a vintage year.”
With the sun setting over Fellows’ Eyot, the Fourth of June 2026 took its place as one to remember, a day that reminded the School, and all who visited, why this tradition has endured for so long.
