ONE of Essex’s oldest regattas is set to return this year after being postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

Burnham Week is now open for entries and will be take place from August 28 to September 4.

Organisers called off the event last year after finding the restrictions put in place for the pandemic did not ease enough to put on the event.

Burnham Week first took place in 1893, which makes it one of the oldest regattas of its type.

With eight days of racing on offer, there will be something for racers, visitors and residents.

One of the biggest events of the week is Quay Day, a fun-packed day for everyone on which will take place on the Bank Holiday Monday, August 30.

Burnham mayor Ron Pratt said: “What a wonderful thing it is. Everybody enjoys it and everyone is looking forward to it.

“A lot of people put effort into it and if the organisers are successful this year, the town will certainly benefit.”

For the first time, organisers have expanded the event to include divisions for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and river swimmers.

The event hopes to raise as much money as it can for the Essex Air Ambulance.

Chairperson Annie Reid said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming you all – previous and new competitors alike – to Burnham Week 2021.

“With so much on offer, never has there been a better time to enjoy staying on ‘home turf’ for a fun, family holiday in Burnham.

“With plenty of accommodation and camping facilities, and so many places of interest to visit nearby, Burnham Week 2021 is definitely one to consider.”

The final Saturday is Trophy Day and, for IRC classes, includes a chance to win the prestigious Town Cup, which is being run alongside the Houghton Cup, one of the oldest offshore races on the East Coast.

In response to competitors’ requests, spokesman Edwin Buckley said he hopes being flexible will encourage wider participation in Burnham Week.

“Flexibility is a common request from competitors, and we are setting up to do just that,” he added.

“First starts will be at midday – some fleets are looking for one start each day and other fleets are asking if they can have two starts each day, midweek.

“The answer is: ‘Yes, you can’. We are going to be flexible and provide the racing each fleet is aiming for.”

“We have a great team ready to adapt our regatta format and any social events we have planned.”

Visit burnhamweek.com for more information.