Boat race draws crowds to town’s water meadows

A record number of competitors will be making a splash as part of Sudbury Rowing Club’s annual boat race on Saturday.

Last year’s event was declared the “biggest ever” with 184 races, but Saturday’s event, the 135th annual regatta, will break that record.

Regatta secretary Lee Adams said: “We are looking at about 200 races and we definitely have more competitors this year.

“We have a record number of entries.”

More than 2,000 people are expected to watch the races from Friars Meadow, enjoying the opportunity to relax and with a barbecue, beer tent and live music laid on.

The event runs from 9am to 7pm.

Last year, the 650m rowing course featured 184 races from juniors, seniors and masters to women-only, mixed boat races and the sprint eights.

Traditionally, the regatta attracts visitors from overseas as well as rowers from clubs throughout the country.