Woodbridge Regatta & Riverside Fair is 180 years old this year and, as in earlier times, it takes place all along the river from The Tide Mill to the Deben Yacht Club. This years event is on Sunday 17th June, Fathers Day, so where better to bring the whole family for a lovely day out.

The Regatta throws open its doors at 12 noon with Songs of Praise led by Churches Together on the Tea Hut stage followed by the formal opening at 12:30 pm by the Town Mayor. The traditional conclusion of the Regatta is a Duck Dive at 5:15 pm in the Model Yacht Pond organised by Woodbridge & District Lions Club.

There is something for everyone to enjoy beside the River Deben: watching yacht, dinghy and tender races as well as the single oar sculling race in memory of Frank and Christine Knights. The raft race organised by 1st Woodbridge Scout Group will have eight teams vying for the prize of inscribed paddle and for bragging rights over other youth groups.

The Tide Mill will be offering FREE admission and people can take advantage of FREE boat trips up and down the river throughout the day organised by Woodbridge Boatyard. As well as lots of places to eat and drink families can head to the Bandstand for crafts, games and other activities as well as registration for the crabbing competition held later in the afternoon. People can bring their model yachts to sail on the Model Yacht Pond or even hire one on the day from the Tea Hut. Live music as well as Morris Dancing will fill the air at various locations along the riverside including The Tea Hut, The Cruising Club and by The Tide Mill.

In the run-up to the Regatta there will be a Spot the Duck Competition in shops in and around The Thoroughfare, this year with a World Cup theme. Details and Entry Forms will be available from Woodbridge Library from the Spring Bank Holiday. Shops in Woodbridge will also be dressing their windows for a competition organised by Gobbit and Kirby.

Although its completely free to enjoy the Regatta we will be supporting the Jetty Lane project though a street collection. Please give generously if you are able to.

Geoff Holdcroft, chairman of the Regatta Committee, say “The programme for this year has been developed to ensure it has all of the usual action with a few changes to celebrate our 180th year. The success and longevity of Woodbridge Regatta is a testament to so many community groups working together. I want to thank everyone involved for helping us to put on what we hope will be another fabulous event?

This years Regatta is being proudly sponsored by Gotelee Solicitors. Their CEO, Charles Rowett said We pride ourselves on being here for the local community so what better than sponsoring such a fantastic event that is at the heart of it.”