SUMMER officially kicks off in Saltash with the annual regatta and waterside festival.

The two-day event takes place on July 13 and 14 and is a long-standing Saltash tradition attracting large crowds, with events on the water and the land.

The weekend sees plenty of water activity on the Tamar with the Caradon Championship Gig rowing event, the Saltash rowing club flashboat regatta and Saltash Sailing club dinghy pursuit races.

Soggy boats and bottoms with the regatta’s infamous cardboard boat race. (Picture: Mike Pitches Photography)
Soggy boats and bottoms with the regatta’s infamous cardboard boat race. (Picture: Mike Pitches Photography) (Mike Pitches Photography)

Each of the three greens that line the Tamar river will be hosting a range of landside events after the parade leaving Victoria Gardens at 10.30am to the waterside.

There’s live music on both days on the Jubilee Green and Waterside stages featuring Livewire Youth Project, and regular regatta favourites The Sultans, The Morzim and new additions Rick’s Acoustic Set in the Bar and Disco Caravan.

Emazdad the Magician will wow the children on Saturday afternoon, while Saltash Library Hub will be hosting story-time sessions though both afternoons.

A Churches Together mass takes place on Sunday morning followed by furry fun with the Gables Dog Show.

The wild swim across the Tamar is registration only at midday from Ashtorre slip, closely followed by the, now infamous, regatta cardboard boat race organised by Redeemer Church Saltash.

This highly anticipated and entertaining spectacle sees craft, made entirely of cardboard, fighting to stay afloat around a set course.

Live music on Jubilee green with the regatta street market and food stalls. (Picture: Mike Pitches Photography)
Live music on Jubilee green with the regatta street market and food stalls. (Picture: Mike Pitches Photography) (Mike Pitches Photography)

On land activities during the weekend include regatta street market with a variety of food and craft stalls, inflatables and a photograph competition, rounded off by a Paint Party on Sunday.

Karen Lilley, chair of the regatta committee for the last 13 years, said: “We have worked hard to pull together the event again this year. We know it’s a staple event in the Saltash social calendar.

“We must say a big thank you to all our sponsors but most importantly Saltash Town Council. Without their generous support and the support of all our business sponsors, this event would just not be possible. Fingers crossed for a weekend of sunshine and fun to kickstart summer in Saltash.”

For more information visit www.saltashregatta.co.uk