FUN was enjoyed on the water and the quayside as the Wivenhoe Regatta made a triumphant return.

Organisers said 2,000 people enjoyed the spectacle of races on and off the water.

The event, which dates to 1891, offered lots of thrills and spills for attendees, including a visit from some pirates.

The fun kicked off on Friday evening with the much-loved pram race, a challenge which sees competitors in fancy dress wheeling their team mate from pub-to-pub in makeshift prams, stopping for a half pint at each pub.

The winner was Jolyon Berry and Jim Hurd, who won the £50 prize for their efforts.

The pram race’s best dressed award went to Lee Francis and Max Copeland, who won a bottle of champagne for their fancy dress.

However, despite the fun on the shore, sailing and rowing remained at the heart of the event, with several sailing oriented activities taking place on Saturday.

One of the highlights was the raft race, a competition where racers must create their own raft with the intention of staying afloat for the duration of the race which is easier said than done.

This year's raft race winners were Team Michael', which included Alan Waterson, Carla Mills, Lee Francis and Max Copeland, who were awarded the first place trophy for their buoyant effort.

There was also a wide variety of children’s activities taking place, including a visit from the Blackwater Pirates and a traditional Punch and Judy show.

John Moores, chairman of the Wivenhoe Regatta, said: “It was good day all round, the well-attended event saw around 2,000 people on the quay front.

“The Blackwater Pirates were giving out ‘treasure’, which all the children were excited about. The ever popular raft race was hugely entertaining - luckily no one sank!

“The brass band played some amazing traditional music to set the scene. The ice cream van did very well on the day, making sure everyone got a cold treat.

 “The Punch and Judy had people laughing, as always. The weather shone over lovely Wivenhoe, so there was good weather and lots of people.

“It was a successful day, we are looking forward to next July, so we can put on the sterling event once again.”