Beer Regatta shines despite rain

DESPITE a wash out at the beginning of Beer Regatta Week the event has been hailed as a success by the organisers.

The downpour on Saturday meant the angling competition was cancelled and the street flags could not be put up until Sunday.

However, the rain did not stop people flocking to the Mariners Hall to watch the entertaining exhibition put on by Goronwy Thom, of Sidmouth.

Mr Thom juggled and joked with the audience and finished his fantastic repertoire with a spot of monocycling to put a smile on all of the wet faces who braved the weather.

Sunday got off to a flying start with a good breeze, perfect for the kite flying event, and ended with performances from local bands Steel Force and The Scavengers, both performing for the first time at the Regatta.

Kate Boalch, chairman of Regatta Week, said: "It has been really successful despite the weather.

"It has been very well attended and the atmosphere has been great." Children, with the help of local artist Darren Wakelam, got a chance to show off their creative side on Sunday by making a model pirate ship which is now on display at Beer Heritage Centre.

Other events in the week included the crowning of the Regatta princess, numerous sausage sizzles, lugger racing, bingo, a junior disco and skittles.

Unfortunately, rain also disturbed the rowing event on Monday which was re-arranged to take place later in the week, weather permitting.

A new event on the programme this year was arm wrestling, won by Luke Bartlett, and was such a hit that organisers hope to include it in next year's Regatta Week.

A spectacular fireworks display was due to take place last night and the week will end in style tonight with a performance by the band Raven.

Ms Boalch is hoping that next year's Regatta will be even bigger and better and has congratulated everyone who was involved this year: "I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in the week and made it one of the best yet.