THE Old Leigh Regatta could make a grand return with a team of residents exploring the possibility of bringing back the historic event.

Marcus Dean, a group events manager for the 3rd Chalkwell Bay Sea Scout Group, has confirmed he is looking to put a team together in a bid to bring back The Old Leigh Regatta.

It is a day filled with stalls, music, crafts, entertainment, activities, Punch and Judy, but most importantly Scouts and water lovers taking to the water showing what Old Leigh has on offer.

The event last took place back in September 2019. It was then cancelled several times due to the pandemic and in 2022, it was cancelled in respect to her late Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II.

Due to an ever increasing budget and other technical challenges, there was then no event planned for 2023.

However, Marcus is hoping to bring a team together to organise an event for 2024 to make sure the iconic event continues.

He said: “We are planning to bring it back. But we have a long way to go yet; it is very early stages.

“It is a heritage event, with a big place in the community’s heart.

“The first Regatta was supposedly held in 1880. We can’t just let it go without a fight.

“It is a massive event for the community and lots of people want to see it happen, so we want to try and make it work for 2024. There is a huge amount of work that goes into an event of this size, and many financial hurdles that we need to jump.

“I hope we can rely on Southend Council, Leigh Town Council, and the community to step forward and help where they can.”

The Old Leigh Regatta is an event that has held a “special place in the community’s heart” since 1880.

The event is organised to raise money for the two sea scout groups – 3rd Chalkwell Bay, and 4th/6th Leigh.

Marcus added: “It is important to us this time, that we keep the water sports right at the front of the event.

“We are working on behalf of two sea scout groups, 3rd Chalkwell Bay, and 4th/6th Leigh.

“Our main aim is to be able to put on a good event and raise as much money as possible as it is vital to raise money for groups like this.”