ORGANISERS of this year's Sidmouth Regatta, which takes place during the August Bank Holiday weekend, are keeping their fingers crossed that the sun shines for at least two days of the event.

ORGANISERS of this year's Sidmouth Regatta, which takes place during the August Bank Holiday weekend, are keeping their fingers crossed that the sun shines for at least two days of the event.

This year they hope the event, organised by Sidmouth Sailing Club, will see a bumper number of entries for the annual three-legged race starting at Port Royal at 1pm.

This year, The Pantonic All Stars Steel Orchestra are a special feature attraction - they play to raise funds for a young person's bone marrow charity.

Saturday evening will culminate in a spectacular firework display, and Keith Knight of the Sailing Club said the format of the regatta had changed very little since the event was revived 19 years ago: "The idea is to provide some fun events for families and visitors who wish to join in, and a more serious side for those taking part in the races.

"We are most grateful to the businesses and hotels for supporting the event."

Collections on behalf of the RNLI on Saturday evening will go to the new Exmouth lifeboat house.

Mr Knight said there would be no Red Arrows display this year because the £10,000 fee was a substantial amount of money to find and guarantee on top of Regatta costs.

Events this year include sailing races, family treasure hunts, a grand firework display, children's drawing competitions, and fancy dress, raft races in fancy dress, swimming races, three legged races, Exmouth lifeboat, and live music.

Sunday is family day - and events are free to enter with generous prizes available.

A full programme is available from Knights in Fore Street, the Sidmouth Information Centre and Cards for all Seasons in the Market Place.