Twenty years ago, Sidmouth Sailing Club formed a committee to revive Sidmouth Regatta. Its format has changed very little over the 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 who wish to take part in the sailing races

Twenty years ago, Sidmouth Sailing Club formed a committee to revive Sidmouth Regatta.

Its format has changed very little over the 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 who wish to take part in the sailing races. Over the years, the event has enabled the local branch of the RNLI to profit from collections during the Saturday evening events, these collections have amounted to a substantial sum.

As you will see from the programme, the traditional sea-based activities take place on Saturday, culminating with a spectacular firework display. Earlier on, the popular raft race takes place, followed by a courtesy visit from the Exmouth Lifeboat, weather/operational duties permitting.

This year's musical entertainment is provided by RAVEN, a local band, well, all the way from Beer. They have not performed at Sidmouth before, but word has it they are brilliant. Might appeal to a slightly more senior audience who remember proper music!

Sunday's events are for children and their families. The pavement drawing and fancy dress are free to enter, with generous prizes. Last year, there were nearly 200 entries for the pavement drawing competition alone. This year there will be additional activities on the Ham Green from 11 o'clock, including a Punch and Judy Show. See the programme guide for more information. Wet weather contingencies are in place for the drawing competition and the fancy dress. There will also be a display by Sidmouth's Diamond Cheer Squad

Why not enter the "Shop Window Competition" and try to win a super prize of a junior cycle, kindly donated by Jim at W V Fish, The Cycle Shop in Temple Street. Have fun looking in the local shops trying to find the numbered discs. Shops taking part will be displaying a poster.

ENJOY THE WEEKEND.

Programme of Regatta events

Events organised include:

Saturday, August 29.

10am Sailing races (viewing from seafront)

1pm Three legged race (18+ around six pubs)

2.30pm Sailing races including Beer luggers

5pm Swimming races (junior age groups plus seniors)

6pm Judging raft race fancy dress

6.30pm Raft race (Life jackets recommended. All rafts including paddles must be homemade)

7.30pm Display by Exmouth Lifeboat (subject to operational duties)

7.45pm Music by Raven at Port Royal

9.30pm Grand firework display

Sunday, August 30.

10am Sailing races (during events a display by the Diamonds Cheer Squad)

10.30am Childrens drawing competition on esplanade

11am Chidren's fancy dress - Port Royal

11.30am Family treasure hunt starting Port Royal.

Additional events on the Ham Green include:

Bouncy castle, Punch and Judy show, face painting and glitter tattoos, donkeys from Slade Sanctuary, sponge throwing, tombola, cakes and sweet stalls, real ale tent and family races starting from 1pm.

The regatta committee would like to thank the following for their support of the weekend:

Fields of Sidmouth; The Mocha/Prospect Plaice; Potburys; Westchem; Royal York; Mounstephens; The Upper Crust Bakery; The Kingswood, Devoran Hotels; Hotel Elizabeth; Gliddons Toy Centre; Jimmy Green Marine; Harrison Lavers and Potburys; Easterbrook Eaton; Cards for All Seasons; Sidcom; The Holmdale Surgery; Knights of Sidmouth; Goviers of Sidmouth; Sidmouth Sailing Club; East Devon District Council; Sidmouth Town Council; The Radway Inn; The Anchor Inn; Challice Architects Ltd; Fords; Osbornes Restaurant; Bagwells Ltd; QES Electrical; Hotel Riviera; Salcombe Regis Camping Park; Dukes; Royal Glen; Aidrian and Jules at The Swan; East Devon Physio Sports Clinic; Housewares Ltd; C and C Electrical; Ian Winchester and Sons; The Port Royal Club; Sidmouth Sea Angling Club; Jim at W V Fish The Cycle Shop; The Volunteer Inn; The Black Horse: The Sidmouth Herald and those advertisers supporting this feature.

Extra fun for children

THIS year's regatta boasts something extra for parents and youngsters - a family fun day!

The special day on Sunday promises to have something for everyone including many fun family races.

The energetic Diamonds Cheer Squad will be staging displays throughout the day adding to the fun atmosphere.

With entertainment from Punch and Judy, a bouncy castle, sponge throwing and face painting there will no cries of 'I'm bored' from the little ones!

And the day is not just revolved around the children - mums and dads

can enjoy refreshments including a pig roast, real ale, Pimms and can browse among craft stalls.

So come along and enjoy the family fun from 11.30am to 3.30pm on The Ham, The Esplanade, Sidmouth. Entry is free!