TRADITIONAL Marlow Town Regatta badges have been axed by organisers because they were too costly.

The move means that for the first time the festival is going digital with sales for the enclosure and picnic area spots happening through the website.

A number of changes have been made to this year's event – partly to tackle problems with troublemakers coming from outside town – while the fireworks and music concert had to be scrapped because of a lack of sponsorship.

Tickets are being sent by e-mail, instead of the normal pin badges which regatta revellers wear on their tops and give access to the enclosure.

Regatta chairman Nav Ali said: "It’s a shame to see the end of the traditional regatta badge but the printing and distribution of badges was extremely costly.

"This new streamlined process allows us to significantly reduce costs."

Marlow Information Centre will cater for those without internet access and wishing to pay by cash.

Already, about half of the tickets have been sold, organisers said on Sunday.

Regatta committee member Lance Slater said despite the alterations this year, the event will remain essentially as it always has been.

He said: "The 2012 event is very much the same as before being a giant garden party and rowing regatta on the Saturday, with Sunday being given over to the dragon boats."

Purchases will be confirmed by an email which will include a barcode which is in effect a ticket for a particular number of cars, people and picnic pitches.

The regatta takes place on June 9 and 10 in Higginson Park.