HATS and champagne at the ready, it's nearly that time of the year again.

Marlow's social showpiece occasion – the town Regatta – is almost here, with a new music bonanza kicking off the weekend's events tomorrow.

The battle of the bands will bring a new dimension to the weekend of celebrations as the banks of the River Thames are braced to burst yet again with regatta revellers.

The Marlow Town Regatta and Festival gives Marlovians a reason to catch up, come home and enjoy the sociable surrounds their town has to offer.

The 155-year-old rowing institution has gone from strength to strength since the reformed committee came together 11 years ago.

The expected crowd of 13,000 will be spoilt for choice throughout the weekend.

Whether it is watching the rowing action on the Thames, lounging with friends for a car park picnic or sitting riverside with a cold beverage, they are all are great ways to spend a summer afternoon.

Marlow Town Councillor Maurice Oram is one of many to etch the regatta dates in his diary year in, year out.

He remembers the regatta when it was a one-day event in 1946, as it restarted after World War II.

He said: “We always go and enjoy a picnic. We start with a breakfast at 8am and go into the regatta enclosure and enjoy some of the racing.

“It's an enjoyable day to meet up with old and new friends..”

This year the organising committee have made a special effort to embrace Marlow's younger crowd while still embracing its more traditional heritage.

Committee member Lance Slater hoped the inclusion of a battle of the bands competition will attract a younger crowd.

The event is still as popular as ever, with Mr Slater saying many patrons ordering their badges for the riverside enclosure well in advance.

Cllr Oram and Mr Slater agree the regatta is Marlow's largest occasion, providing many friends with a once-a-year chance to reunite.

Mr Slater said: “It is very much a reunion sort of atmosphere. People have their family and friends around them and then they find there are other friends they know close by.”

On the water Mr Slater said organisers are expecting a larger Saturday regatta than in previous years to go with a record number of dragon boat entries on Sunday.

This confirmed that despite the social aspect the regatta is very much a sporting event.

Mr Slater said: “Some people are very much into rowing more than others but it is very much a sporting regatta event, alongside a social event.

“Even for people who are not so into rowing, they are aware of it (the rowing) because it is happening in front of them and they enjoy the spectacle just as much.”

Traditionally the day is opened on the Saturday morning by long-time regatta supporters Sir Steve and Lady Ann Redgrave.

Sir Steve is unable to attend this year, but Lady Ann will be on hand to officially open the day.

Visit www.marlowtownregatta.org or go to the Marlow tourist office on Institute Road for more information.