Organisers of Sidmouth Regatta, which takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend, will be hoping that the sun shines for the two days of the event.

More and more entries arrive each year for the annual three-legged race, starting from Port Royal, at 1pm, and it is hoped there will be a few more entries for the raft race than there were last year.

Competitors for the raft race should wear some form of buoyancy aid, which organisers will insist on for all under sixteen-year-old entrants.

This year’s musical entertainment will be provided by ‘Raven’, a local band from Beer. They performed last year and were well received.

The evening culminates in a spectacular firework display.

The format for the regatta has changed very little since Sidmouth Sailing Club formed a committee to revive the event 21 years ago.

Now, this year, in conjunction with the local branch RNLI, it is hoped that we will be well supported to celebrate those 21 years. The idea is to provide some fun events for local families, and visitors, who wish to join in and a more serious side for those taking part in the sailing races.

The organisers are most grateful to the local businesses and hotels who continue to support this event. Without that support, the regatta would not happen. However, more support is always welcome, if you wish to help call (01395) 515707.

Over the years, the event has enabled the local branch RNLI to profit from the collections made during the Saturday evening events. The Exmouth Lifeboat will be paying a courtesy visit after the raft race, weather and operational duties permitting.

Sunday’s events are for children and their families. The pavement drawing, which in recent years has attracted up to 200 youngsters, fancy dress and treasure hunt are free to enter with generous prizes. Full details in the programme.

You can enter the ‘Shop Window Competition’ by buying a programme for �1, with a chance to win a generous cash prize. The committee has also been donated a junior bicycle by Jim at W V Fish, The Cycle Shop, Temple Street. There will be a raffle for this over the weekend. Have fun looking in the local shops for a numbered disc. Shops taking part will be displaying a poster.

Programmes are available from The Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane or Delderfields, Fore Street, from Monday, August 9.