THE five week countdown has begun for the Marlow Town Regatta and Festival following months of preparation.

Organisers say the regatta will be a day Marlow can be proud of with river events, a funfair and fireworks.

The day will be a permanent replacement for the original Marlow Regatta which has quit the town for Eton Rowing Lake in Dorney following a vote by the event's financial backers in November, last year.

Organisers have already signed up well over a thousand new subscribers for the June 16 event and hope to have more than 2,000 on their books in time for the big day.

Lance Slater, spokesman for the regatta committee, said: "We are delighted with the progress that is being made. More people and companies are agreeing to sponsor the races and the dragon boat races.

"All we are looking for now is for the weather to improve and for the weather to dry out. Sir Steve Redgrave is going to attend the opening at 10 o'clock. The town mayor will attend as well."

Traylens funfair will be in Higginson Park and is funding a fireworks display at 11pm.

Sir Steven Redgrave and his wife Dr Lady Ann Redgrave are joint presidents of the event which will cost around £40,000 to stage.

To sign-up as a subscriber or donate money, call James Campbell on 01628 485161 or Alan Coster on 01628 482045.