CROWDS flocked to the first Marlow Town Regatta and Festival despite the rain which failed to dampen the party atmosphere.

Thousands braved the elements on Saturday to watch the rowing, have a picnic or take part in the town's festival, with the sun making a short but welcome appearance.

The day started and ended with bangers. Sausages were on the menu when honorary president Sir Steven Redgrave joined organisers in 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 Thames.

Sir Steven gave the official opening after being rowed in on a replica Edwardian boat.

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 event.

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.

They started a balloon race and visited the emergency ambulance stationed in Higginson Park, all in the space of a few hours, before going to the Queen's Club in London to watch the tennis.

By then, the races were well and truly under way.

The racing on the river seemed to take a back seat to the rest of the festival.

The new event of dragon racing was a hit with the crowd.

Numbers watching the racing grew as the day went on, as the rain, which had threatened to dampen spirits, went away for a while.

It was even sunny for half-an-hour, meaning the people who had booked a picnic spot ventured out of the shelter to enjoy the sunshine.

But the weather did not hold out for long and people packed into the beer tent to enjoy a Pimm's.

Outside, the 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 the first Marlow Town Festival and Regatta to a close.