Thousands attend town's regatta

Shrewsbury Regatta officials today hailed this year's event as one of the best ever after thousands of spectators flocked to the extravaganza.

Crowds of people took advantage of sunny spells and warmer temperatures to enjoy two packed days of racing entertainment yesterday and Saturday. Organisers from the Pengwern Boat Club in the town said about 1,800 competitors took part in races along the River Severn.

The event, which has been going for more than 150 years, has a frantic pace, with races starting every two minutes at peak times.

Organisers said Saturday's racing was on a 1,000 metre course, while yesterday's races took place over a shorter sprint course measuring 600 metres.

Pengwern's 19th century clubhouse was the focal point for the regatta, with competitors milling about all weekend and spectators taking advantage of the hospitality.

Enjoyed

Chris Jarrett, chairman of the boat club, said he enjoyed the weekend and hoped spectators and competitors, who came from all over the country, had done so too.

Mr Jarrett said although his racing days were behind him now, he still enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the event, which is one of the biggest regattas in England.

"It is the northern-most regatta on the River Severn and is one of the top boating events in the country," he said.

"We are not as big as an event like the world-famous Henley regatta, which is internationally-renowned but we are definitely one of the biggest for competitors and teams from this country."

He thanked everyone who gave up their time to help out at the event, adding: "Shrewsbury Regatta is a major fixture in many club's calendars. Attracting entries spread from Glasgow to the Thames the regatta is particularly popular with university crews looking for a fun weekend."

The Open Eights Blue Riband race on Saturday was won by a team from Nottingham Rowing Club, while competitors from Warwick also enjoyed a successful weekend's competition.

By Brett Gibbons and Tom Johannsen