The Marlow Town Regatta and Festival is set to return to Higginson Park this month, promising two days of rowing, live music, family entertainment and fun.

Now in its 26th year, the event, which takes place on on the weekend of June 13-14, has grown into one of the town’s biggest annual attractions while remaining one of the few traditional lawn regattas still held on the Thames.

Committee member Laura Tilbury said the event has evolved significantly since it was established after the historic, competitive Marlow Regatta moved to Dorney Lake to accommodate larger international rowing teams

“Twenty-six years ago a group of local people came together to preserve rowing in Marlow and to create something for the community.

“The rowing remains at the heart of the weekend, but the festival side has grown enormously over the years,” she said.

Saturday’s Regatta Day will feature a full programme of rowing organised by Marlow Rowing Club, alongside food and drink stalls, a classic vehicle display, fairground attractions and a packed programme of live music.

Organisers have also introduced a cocktail lounge and expanded entertainment offering in a bid to attract a wider audience.

“Obviously we have the rowing, but not everyone is interested in rowing,” said Laura.

“We have two bars, a cocktail lounge, local stallholders and a fantastic music stage. We try to get the whole community involved and put on a brilliant weekend.”

This year’s event has seen ticket prices reduced, with new group discounts introduced to encourage visitors who may not have attended for several years to return.