Organisers of next week’s Town Regatta say this year's event is set to become the biggest yet after record ticket sales.

Regatta committee chairman Nav Ali said after picnic spots to Marlow’s annual riverside garden sold out faster than ever, entry badges are also now selling well.

And despite upping maximum numbers from 4,500 to 5,000 for next Saturday’s enclosure, Mr Ali said there is a chance that people who have not bought tickets in advance may be disappointed.

He said: "With less than two weeks to go before Marlow's premier sporting and social weekend, I'm pleased to report that we are on target for one of the best weekends ever.

"Having sold out of Saturday picnic pitches in record time, entry badge sales are now also well ahead of last year.

"If you've not yet secured yours, now would be a good time to do so."

This year’s weekend festival features a special treat in the form of the Queen’s barge Gloriana leading a flotilla of nearly 200 craft along the Thames on Saturday for the Magna Carta celebrations.

Residents and visitors hoping to get a glimpse of the barge are being warned that large swathes of the river in town will be inaccessible.

Access to the river front in Higginson Park will be restricted as the regatta and festival takes over the area for the weekend.

A footpath diversion will be in place along the Thames path for the period of 10 to 14 June.

However, other visitors hoping to see the spectacle will get be able to use other viewing points along the tow path and from Gossmore Recreation Ground, Pergola Field or Riverwoods.

Regatta entry badges can be purchased at the Marlow Information Centre in the Library or online at www.marlowtownregatta.org