THE first ever Marlow Town Regatta and Festival has been hailed a success despite half of June's rainfall coming down on the day.

But the downpour failed to dampen the spirits of revellers who braved the conditions armed with wellies and umbrellas.

James Campbell, a Marlow town councillor and one of the organisers of the new event, said he was delighted with the day.

He added: "A huge amount of work went into the day and as a result I think we produced a very successful regatta. If we can do it this well under the most adverse weather conditions it bodes well for the future."

The day started and ended with bangers. Sausages were on the menu when honorary president Sir Steven Redgrave joined organisers for a champagne breakfast.

Then a firework display brought the festival to a close on Saturday night after a whole day of events on or near the river.

Sir Steven gave the official opening after being rowed in on a replica Edwardian boat. The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Alexander Shepherd, Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Palmer, and chairman of Wycombe District Council Bill Jennings gave speeches before Sir Steven officially opened the regatta.

Sir Steven said: "It's a great honour to be joint president of the regatta. Hats off to the organising committee and I hope everyone has a fantastic time."

The rower and his family had a busy time, opening the festival, starting a balloon race and visiting the Thames Valley Air Ambulance stationed in Higginson Park before going to Queen's Club in London to watch tennis.

The dragon boat racing was a hit among the crowds and various bands raised the spirits, including the Wycombe School Jazz Orchestra and the Marlow Town Band.

The festivities carried on into the evening with an illuminated boat procession signalling the end of the racing.

A fireworks display then brought an end to proceedings.

Wet, wet, wet but it was great day out say show's visitors

IAN STEADMAN, who used to live in Henley and plays rugby for Marlow, said it was an excellent event.

He said: "I would say this is very good and certainly comparable to previous years. It was good to keep it in Marlow.

"I won't be going to Marlow Regatta in Windsor as I'm more into the rugby rather than the rowing."

EDWARD ARNOLD, of Desborough Road, High Wycombe, also enjoyed a good day.

He said: "It's social and fun though there isn't as much racing. They've got dragon boats now which are a bit Mickey Mouse.

"They've done well but they've not had the weather they should have had."

DAVE BLACK, 22, of Oak Tree Avenue, Marlow, said: "It's a shame about the showers.

"There's a lot less of the rowing but they should keep it as an event. It's unique to Marlow having a regatta and it's gone very well."

NEIL KILLICK, 24, of Marlow Bottom, said the town festival and regatta had turned out to be a success.

He said: "I was a bit dubious about the fact that nobody would turn out but in terms of crowds, it's still the same people."

"Marlow doesn't really have a day out apart from this so people turn out for this event."

VICKI GLEAVE, of Henley, went to grammar school in Marlow.

She said: "It seems to be really busy this year. Normally it's more traditional but this year it's not, which is a good thing."

PETER DAY, of Dedmere Road, Marlow, said the town regatta and festival was a superb occasion.

He added: "It's a town event and it's wonderful. There's a lot of people here.

"The people who have managed to put all of this together have done a brilliant job you don't notice there's anything different."