ORGANISERS of Marlow’s biggest social gathering say this year’s festivities were the biggest in the event’s history.

Over 5000 impeccably dressed revellers turned out for Saturday’s sold-out Marlow Town Regatta, with the committee hailing changes to this year’s enclosure a huge success.

The day of rowing races, entertainment and lashings of Pimms was enjoyed by more people than ever as the riverside event celebrated its 14th year by the Thames.

Organisers said the decision to ban cars from the picnic enclosure and expand its size meant more people could enjoy the picturesque spot in a relaxed environment.

And with the picnic pitches selling out before the day began, Regatta Town Committee vice-chairman Lance Slater said it proves Marlovians’ appetite for the big day remains stronger than ever.

He said: "The whole committee is tremendously pleased with everything this year. We had a record number of 5000 on the Saturday.

"The new layout with no cars allowed in the enclosure everyone agreed was excellent. No one felt crowded or cramped.

"It was a great atmosphere which is what we’d hoped for and why everyone continues to turn up in great numbers.

"As far as we could tell the introduction of a trolley service with helpers taking people’s belongings to their picnic sites went well.

"It was the first time but it seemed to work perfectly well and it felt far more roomy inside the enclosure with space to roam around."

For the first time this year, rowing fans were also treated to new spectator stands allowing them to see the action on the river more clearly.