OLD Leigh will be buzzing this weekend as an expected 20,000 vistors arrive for the annual regatta.

The event has been running in its current form for the past 37 years, but the tradition stretches back hundreds of years.

It started with the fishing families of Old Leigh blowing off steam by competing in various sailing races.

The two-day festival now features a host of fun activities for the whole family, including welly throwing, bannana eating, climbing the greasy pole and football on the mud.

Organiser Brian Baker, 64, of Marine Parade, Leigh, said everything is ready and now it is just time to pray for sunshine.

He sais: “It brings people together in the most wonderful way. It brightens up the Old Town and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“The greasy pole is always entertaining, albeit a bit difficult. You have to be very slight and quite fit. I certainly don’t think I’d be able to do it. “ Mr Bakersaid the event brought a little bit of history back to life.

“In the past, before the Thames was silted up, the fishing industry was far bigger than it is now,” he said.

“It was a real thriving communty and great big fishing boats were built here.

“Now that is not so much the case anymore. When the regatta started, it was as a competition between the different families.

“We still have the races, but there is plenty more as well.”

This year’s regatta will feature all manner of eating competitions, including bannas, crackers and, of course, cockles.

There will also be a Punch and Judy show as well as barbecues, live music, and a huge variety of stalls.

Charity proceeds from the event will be shared between two locally-based groups.

Half will go to the Scout and venture groups who organise the event. The other half will go to the Alzheimer’s Association.

l The regatta runs from noon to 5pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 5pm on Sunday. A full list of events and times can be found in programmes available on the day. Leigh High Street will be closed to vehicles throughout the weekend. Visitors arriving by car can use the car park at Leigh station.