The countdown is on for the 181st Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, with rowing events getting underway on Saturday August 22 ahead of Regatta Week and the opening ceremony on Wednesday August 26 at 8pm in the Bandstand in Royal Avenue Gardens .

First held in 1834 and granted Royal Assent by Queen Victoria in 1856, the Regatta is one of the oldest and most cherished events in the South West's calendar, drawing competitors and visitors from across the region and beyond to celebrate Dartmouth's maritime heritage.

With so many of the activities free to attend, it relies on the generosity of sponsors, donors and volunteers to keep the town's biggest week of the year running.

The programme remains packed.

Eight days of rowing brings whalers, gigs, seine boats, coastal rowing and dragon boats to the River Dart, alongside a packed sailing programme and newer additions like the Stand-Up Paddleboard Race.

Regatta Saturday sees the ever-popular Kontiki Raft Race return along with the River Parade, this year themed "Guardians of the River" in celebration of the RNLI's work on the Dart.

Ashore, Royal Avenue Gardens and the South Embankment will host free live music, alongside family favourites including crabbing and ice cream eating competitions, the Mad Hatter's Tea Party fancy dress and the ever-popular Dog Show. The week builds to its traditional crescendo with the Regatta Fireworks’ Display on the South Embankment on Saturday evening.

With that display on residents' minds after recent weather warnings, the Regatta Committee say they are working closely with their fireworks provider, the Harbour Master and all appropriate services to monitor conditions and plan for every eventuality.

"Whilst the Regatta Firework Display is two weeks away, and rain is forecast over the intervening period, all options remain on the table," a Regatta spokesperson said. Updates on any changes to the display's date, time or location will follow as decisions are made.

Organisers are watching conditions just as closely ahead of the Dog Show in Royal Avenue Gardens on Wednesday 26 August.

The team confirm they are in contact with vets on heat advice for the event, and that water will be freely available on site, though owners are asked to bring their own bowls for their dogs.

"You know your dog better than we do," organisers said, "so please plan accordingly for the weather we're presented with on the day." Updates will follow on the Regatta's official social media channels.

Behind it all sits a small army of committee members and volunteers, backed by Platinum Sponsors Bays Brewery and Baker Estates, alongside many more local businesses whose support keeps the Regatta free.

The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta organising committee is made up entirely of volunteers.

There are currently 39 of them, all either living or working in Dartmouth and surrounding area: all passionate about the town and the Regatta.

Planning for the next year starts immediately after the preceding event.

For the full programme and the latest updates as Regatta Week approaches, visit https://www.dartmouthregatta.co.uk or follow the Regatta on its official social media channels.