Final preparations for nine-day Burnham-On-Sea Regatta underway

Published: July 25, 2007
Final preparations for nine-day Burnham-On-Sea Regatta underway

Final preparations for the inaugural Burnham-On-Sea Regatta are in full swing, with the event set to get underway this Saturday (July 28th).

Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce will be first off the mark, with their Treasure Hunt through the town's shops. This will continue throughout the nine days of Regatta. A continental Market will also be set up along the South Esplanade for the first three days of the Regatta, selling a wide range of merchandise.

The first sea event will take place at 4:00pm starting from Burnham Pier. This will be a Tender Race with 14 rowers competing for the Pavilion Cup. It is expected that most competitors will be dressed on the theme of Caribbean Swashbucklers, and it is expected that it will provide great entertainment for spectators.

Tender Racing has been revived in Burnham specifically for the inaugural Town Regatta.

Regatta Spokesman John Clist said: "Historically, these seven foot boats, which are normally used to provide transport to larger yachts, were raced in the River Brue. This tradition died out a number of years ago, and it has been revived for the Regatta. Don't let the fancy dress costumes fool you, though, this is the toughest event in the Regatta, and we have competitors ranging from 14 to 75 years of age."

The public are invited to follow the tenders along the South Esplanade to the Yacht Club where there will be free entry to a Caribbean Swashbucklers beach party.

Here, there will be a hint of Europe with boule, French wine and cheese on offer alongside more local activities and produce such as skittles, cider, and locally sourced barbecue food.

There will be music and a bar at this party. If the weather is favourable, many people could find themselves digging for treasure on the beach, and someone will be going home with a wooden treasure chest containing all sorts of treasure, including solid gold items.

Sunday 29th July will see Ball Fusion taking place on South Esplanade. This is a fusion of soccer skills and music, and will be performed as an exhibition by youngsters. Burnham Youth Council will be creating a large mural on the seafront, and the public will be asked to participate in this feature. Sunday's water event will be the first of the Yacht Regatta Races; this will be a handicap race off Burnham sea front.

On Monday 30th July, Burnham Holiday Village opens its doors for a children's fun day.

A full programme of events covering the nine regatta days is available online at the official regatta website here.

The regatta will culminate with a spectacular weekend of water events including the emergency services ESCAPE Day on Saturday 4th August plus yacht racing, and the long-awaited return of the British Championship Water Skiing on Sunday 5th August.

Burnham-On-Sea News