BEER is gearing up for Regatta Week.

The annual extravaganza, Saturday, August 7 to Saturday August 14 focuses around Regatta Day, on Thursday, August 12. It starts with angling competitions on the Saturday, with boats leaving the beach at 8.30am and the weigh-in on Top Cliff, at 5.30pm. Regatta princess Meggie Timms will be crowned there at 6pm, followed by a barbecue. Live music will be provided by Guys No Dolls from 5pm. The village treasure hunt starts at 9am and there will be a coffee morning in Mariners Hall, from 10am until noon. The day ends with a dance at Mariners Hall, 9pm-1am.

Sunday funday, from 1pm at Beer Albion Football Club will include Robbie’s Races for children and Gary’s Grown-up Games. “The games are a scream,” said regatta vice-chairman Gayle Chapple. “It’s a really good family day”.

Monday sees rowing competitions from 6.45pm, a mackerel fishing competition at 7.15pm and a junior disco, 6.30-8.30pm in Mariners Hall. Jungle Jim and puppets will be at the hall, 2.30-4.30pm on the Tuesday, and there will be a regatta talk at the Congregational Hall at 7.30pm. Beer Club is hosting a skittles competition from 8pm.

There will be a sea rescue display at 6.30pm on Wednesday, a pavement art competition, at 2pm at Charlie’s Yard, and bingo at Mariners Hall, 7.30pm for 8pm.

On Regatta Day, there will be a children’s scavenger hunt from 10.30am and sailing races, starting 9am. A highlight is the afternoon’s land raft extravaganza. “They are really amazing,” said Gayle. “Last year, a space ship came down the street on to the beach.”

Fancy dress is encouraged and judging takes place on the beach at 2.30pm.

A children’s fancy dress competition will be judged in Mariners Hall at 4pm, followed by a parade headed by Meggie and her attendants to Top Cliff.

Trophy presentations will then be made by Alan Westlake and the regatta raffle drawn. A fireworks display, viewed from Jubilee Gardens, closes things at 9.45pm.

On the Friday, there are is pebble painting for children aged 11 and under at Charlie’s Yard, from 10am to noon. “Things are quietening down by then,” said Gayle. “The Dolphin Hotel is putting on an open air dance, which is fancy dress. Everyone dresses up, and I mean everyone.”

Saturday brings dinghy, mirror and laser races, from 9am. “People come from Lyme Regis and Sidmouth,” said Gayle. “It’s boating all the way.”