A WEEKEND of water based fun and competitions is set to go down with a splash.

Organised by the Stour Sailing Club, the Manningtree Regatta will see a mixture of land and river-based activities for all ages and abilities.

The first round of boat racing begins on Saturday at 1.30pm from close to their Quay Street base.

The pursuit class involves different types of vessels leaving at different times to try and create a close contest and they are expected to cross the finish line at approximately 3.30pm.

There will also be a dinghy race from 2.45pm, with prize giving at 4.30pm.

A spectacular firework display will light up the nearby skies from 9.30pm before the mud events on Sunday.

The array of beach sports begins at 10am with a tug of war for both ladies and gentlemen. Local companies Rose Builders, Lucca Enoteca and Paskell’s of Manningtree have all entered teams.

There are also various events for children including mud races, and a twist on the classic egg and spoon race using jelly.