The Woodbridge Flyer June 2023
The Woodbridge Flyer June 2023
Woodbridge Regatta & Riverside Fair
The Woodbridge Regatta & Riverside Fair has now reached its 185th Anniversary, having only been absent for a few of those years due to war and more recently Covid, but it’s back even bigger and better than before.
As in times past it takes place all along the river from The Tide Mill to the Deben Yacht Club with this year’s event on Sunday 18th June. It’s Father’s Day so where better to bring the whole family for a lovely day out.
The Regatta Woodbridge
The Regatta will open at 11am, slightly earlier than usual because of the tides. Early arrivers can take a free boat trip from Whisstocks Quay courtesy of 5th Woodbridge Scouts. Our normal opening event ‘Songs of Praise’ led by Churches Together will be on the Tea Hut Deck at noon, followed by the formal opening of the Regatta by the Town Mayor at 12:30pm. The traditional conclusion of the day will be the Duck Dive at 4pm in the Model Yacht Pond organised by Woodbridge & District Lions Club.
There will be something for everyone to enjoy beside the beautiful River Deben, including boat trips, yacht and dinghy races, and watching the Raft Race as teams of young people vie for the prize of an inscribed paddle and bragging rights over other youth groups.
Entertainment Woodbridge
The Tide Mill, Woodbridge Museum and The Longshed will be open as well as lots of places to eat and drink. Families can head to the Bandstand for crafts, games and other activities as well as for registration for the crabbing competition held later in the afternoon. New this year there will be a Model Yacht Regatta on the Pond.
Live music will fill the air at The Tea Hut, The Woodbridge Cruising Club as well as at Whisstocks Place where there will be Steel Pan and Latin Drum workshops to celebrate Windrush 75 later in June.
In the run-up to the Regatta there will be a ‘Spot the Duck’ competition in shops in and around The Thoroughfare, this year with a nursery rhyme theme to match the activities on Regatta Day. Details and Entry Forms will be available from Woodbridge Library from the Spring Bank Holiday.
Supporting Charity in Woodbridge
Although it’s completely free to enjoy the Regatta we will be supporting 1st Woodbridge Scouts though a street collection. Please give generously if you are able to.
Thomas Yeung, the new Chairman of the Regatta Committee, says: “The programme for this year has been developed to ensure it includes all the usual activities but adds some new ones to keep us all entertained. The success and longevity of Woodbridge Regatta is a testament to so many community groups working together. I want to thank everyone involved for helping us to put on what we hope will be another fabulous event.”
Regatta 2023 will be a Green Regatta, bring your family and friends but take your rubbish home.