Leigh Regatta Returns

OLD Leigh’s traditional nautical event returns this September, with the Old Leigh Regatta.
The Sea Scout groups of Old Leigh will host one of the town’s longest-standing traditions on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, from 11 am each day.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Old Town’s cobbled streets and waterfront, the community event promises entertainment for the whole family.
The Regatta in Leigh dates back to 1880, when it featured a series of sailing races between the town’s shrimping bawleys.
These included the Brock Levett Cup four-oared race, the Bawley Race, as well as mud football, and ‘millers and sweeps’ – a soot and flour fight on the mud.
There was also the famous greasy pole, which took place on Billet Wharf, with the prize of a three-pound leg of lamb or mutton, as well as a prize for the best overall boat.
At the turn of the century, the greasy pole champion was Fisherman John Boyton, a beloved Leigh character who was immortalised as ‘Gotty’ in Arthur Edward Copping’s 1907 book Gotty and the Guv’nor.
More than a century later, the Regatta has expanded to include a host of land-based activities, with this year’s event featuring local bands, food, craft stalls and family activities.
The original Regatta was paused during the First World War before coming to an end in 1928.
It was revived in 1973 as a charity fundraiser, with the current iteration of the Regatta celebrating around 50 years of community engagement.
Recently, the 3rd Chalkwell Bay and 4th/6th Leigh Sea Scouts, alongside a host of local volunteer stewards, have helped ensure it remains a popular community occasion.
Visitors this year can expect welly-hurling, tug-of-war, cockle-eating competitions and football on the mud, alongside events such as Punch and Judy, as well as stalls and pop-up bars focusing on local suppliers and food makers.
There will also be a range of musical performances spanning different genres.
A spokesperson for Visit Southend said: “One of our favourite events in the Leigh Old Town is returning on 12th and 13th September, the Leigh Regatta, where people of all ages gather to enjoy the last blast of the summer, is set to deliver a selection of hand picked local talent and musical acts from around the area.
“Alongside side shows, craft stalls, sailing races and novelty water events, this traditional event is nearing its half centenary, and is a sure-fire date for your diary.”
Picture: Scenes from The Regatta last year. Pics 3rd Chalkwell Sea Scouts
Report by Sophie Sleigh-Johnson
Read more
Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news
Contact us. Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news
Twitter: @leighonsea_news
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news