ONE of the longest running yacht regattas in the UK will return for its 125th anniversary next week.

Burnham Week is an action packed eight day festival taking place in the River Crouch and Burnham Quay from this Saturday to September 2.

The packed week will see more than 15 different fleets taking part in the races around the river, and is organised by the Joint Clubs’ Committee, comprising representatives from the four clubs in Burnham – the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, the Royal Burnham Yacht Club, the Crouch Yacht Club and the Burnham Sailing Club - together with other members who have a specific responsibility during the week.

Spectators will be able to watch the races start from the quayside, and a special display of gig racing.

Racing, and social events run throughout the week, culminating with the grand firework display to send off the end of the regatta and celebrate the winner of the Town Cup, the trophy that has been presented to the winner of the final Saturday race since 1927.

The annual regatta raises funds for the helps to support the Essex Air Ambulance and RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), and first began in 1893.

On August 28, bank holiday Monday, Quay Day will take place alongside the races, a family fun day on the town’s quayside, with this year’s event being bigger than ever thanks to a grant from the Turncole Wind Farm.

Regular attractions such as Captain Jack Sparrow will be arriving on the high seas, and the Princess Elsa from the Disney film Frozen with her bouncy castle.

There will also be Fun Time Ponies in the Anchor car park, with stalls, attractions, food, drink and music from Rich Clifford and the Young Once and Southminster singer Tom Newman Clark.

There will be a fancy dress competition on the day with the theme of pirates, nautical or Frozen costumes, with spot prizes for the children dressed up on the day.

Visit www.burnhamweek.com for information.