Sir Steve Redgrave officially opened the 15th Marlow Town Regatta this morning as crowds flocked to the river for the beginning of the two-day festival.

The five-time Olympic champion led the toasts to the successful annual garden party in Higginson Park, calling the regatta and event “close to my family's heart”.

Either Sir Steve or his wife Lady Anne have opened proceedings every year for the past 15 years, kicking off a two-day celebration which has become Marlow’s biggest town social occasion.

After being handed the microphone by Regatta chairman Nav Ali, honorary president Sir Steve said: “The Marlow town regatta is something very close to my family’s heart. Anne and I have been involved right from the start of the festival and also the regatta that was here before which still happens at week later down at Dorney.

“I think it’s really quite important to our heritage of rowing that this field of enclosures that used to take place at regattas all up and down the Thames.

“For what the committee are doing, chaired by Nav (Ali) is extremely important to keep this going. It’s really important to get as many people in as possible and to have a great time.

“I encourage people to be a part of the whole festival weekend, because that’s what it’s about, having fun, watching people slave out on the river. Hopefully they’re having fuiin as well.

“The most important thing about Marlow Town Regatta is about us having fun on the banks watching them.

“It’s something my family holds very dear.”

A full programme of rowing races takes place throughout the day, with the return of the popular Dragon Boat races and canoes tomorrow, as well as a full schedule of music performances.

This culminates in a giant outdoor screen broadcast of Garsingtom Opera’s Vert Vert tomorrow evening.