Revellers heading to this weekend’s Marlow Town Regatta are being warned by police to expect delays as crowds flock to the river.

Thousands will descend on Marlow on Saturday and Sunday for the annual riverside celebration in Higginson Park.

This year’s weekend-long festival will be busier than ever, with an increased capacity of 5000.

And visitors are expected to flock to points along the Thames banks to get a glimpse of the Queen’s barge Gloriana leading a 200-strong flotilla for the Magna Carta celebrations.

The regatta is the Wycombe Policing area’s biggest event of the year, with Marlow officer Inspector Scott Messenger hopeful of a busy, but trouble-free weekend.

He said: "We’re all looking forward to a fun and enjoyable regatta this year.

"Thousands of people are expected to attend the fun fair plus the regatta and festival in the coming days.

"The event has been a huge success in recent years with very little trouble and less policing required. We’re looking forward to another peaceful event.

"It’s a busy time for the town and I’d like to remind motorists there will be increased levels of traffic on the roads. Drivers are advised to leave that little bit of extra time to get to their destination.

"Visitors should leave valuables at home when possible and ensure they do not leave anything on display inside their vehicles.

"Make sure you know how you’re getting home. If you drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, you put yourself, your loved ones and other road users at risk, don’t take a chance, it isn’t worth it."

This year marks the 15th instalment of the town’s big summer party after it was relaunched since the original Regatta moved to Dorney Lake.

Sir Steve Redgrave is set to formally open proceedings alongside the mayor and dignitaries by the river at 10am.

And with finishing touches being put on the this year's larger enclosure, organisers say everything is set for the biggest toen regatta yet.

Committee vice president Lance Slater said: "We're all looking forward to a tremendous time, and I hope everyone will enjoy what is always Marlow's biggest weekend."

The two-day event sees the traditional garden party and rowing on the Saturday, followed by the colourful dragon boat racing and canoe competitions on Sunday alongside a range of live performances and entertainment.

Thames Valley Police officers will be on patrol across the weekend, and with only two arrests last year, officers say they are hopeful ugly scenes witnessed in previous years are a thing of the past.

Sunday’s festivities are free, with badge entry on Saturday available on the door if capacity allows.

For more information visit www.marlowtownregatta.org/