REGATTA smiles shone through the rain and brought out the sunshine this week as the town put on its biggest and best show of fun, entertainment and sporting competition.

Despite a wet start to the packed programme, crowds of visitors continued to flock into town where they could soak up the action both ashore and on the water.

And on Wednesday evening a traditional ceremony saw the 171st Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta officially declared open in Royal Avenue Gardens.

A procession from the Guildhall saw civic heads and guests process to the bandstand where mayor Cllr Rob Lyon invested a replica silver oar in the form of a lapel brooch on regatta chairman Cllr Jonathan Hawkins.

The official opening ceremony actually marked the half-way point in a regatta programme that had seen organisers having to juggle mixed weather and mixed fortunes – from huge successes in the number of entries in the local rowing to crucial last minute adjustments to the air displays.

The programme had to be altered after tough new restrictions were brought in following the Shoreham plane crash.

The Civil Aviation Authority has banned ‘vintage jets’ – which is believed to mean jets built before the mid-1960s – from carrying out high energy acrobatics.

So Dartmouth’s displays will go ahead today and tomorrow but the routine of a Strikemaster jet has been restricted. Jason Aylett, regatta air display director, said: ‘We have spoken to the pilot Mark Petrie, of North Wales Military Aviat­ion Services.

‘Because the CAA are classing Dartmouth as over land, he cannot perform high energy manoeuvres but will be doing a fly past up and down the river.

‘He will come south to north and turn at Old Mill Creek and back again in between the castles but will not do any acrobatics, such as wing overs and barrel rolls.’

Flt Lt Aylett said the Strikemaster would be linking up in a formation fly through with a Pitts S2S, flown by Richard Goodwin, an ex-RAF fast jet pilot.

‘We have to tweak the timings slightly to make sure everything runs smoothly with a few changes but we hope everyone will still enjoy the air displays.

‘We are very happy to comply with any restrictions the Civil Aviation Authority put in after the horrific accident.

‘Until we find out more I think verging on the side of caution is very wise and fair.’

Flt Lt Aylett said the best place to watch the air displays was from the Dartmouth side rather than Kingswear.

The skies are set to come alive with a variety of aircraft from ‘war birds’ to 21st century fighters.

The ever favourite Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is welcomed back in its 75th anniversary year. This will also be the last time the port sees the familiar sight of the red and grey Royal Navy Sea King from 771 Squadron. This venerable aircraft will retire next year.

World premier RAF aerobatic display team, the Red Arrows, are due to fly this evening.

Regatta secretary Peter Johnson said after a wet start to the week it was hoped the weather would improve for the regatta finale and bank holiday weekend.

He said the regatta had started well with a well-attended fete in Royal Avenue Gardens last Saturday, opened by television personality Judi Spiers, who judged the dog show, and attended by the mayor Cllr Lyon.

There was much pomp and ceremony in the bandstand that evening with Last Night of the Proms and the following afternoon locals and visitors joined in Regatta Praise organised by Christians Together in Dartmouth.

The marquee in Coronation Park swung to the sound of jazz on Sunday evening when more than 300 people enjoyed a new event on the programme with world-famous jazz singer Jacqui Dank­worth.

A barn dance for all the family was enjoyed at the regatta Shindig the following evening.

Further entertainment followed in the marquee on Tuesday and Wednesday with the official Regatta Ball and Regatta Rock.

Other events through­out the week have included the regatta guardship HMS Monmouth arrive in port along with visiting heritage vessels, a tennis tournament, swimming gala, dinghy racing, tug of war, darts competition, music recitals, treasure hunt, golf tournament, fun fair and a bumper street market along the embankment, where shoppers could wander among a diverse and vibrant range of trade stands and stalls.

Further arts, crafts and foods are on offer this weekend at the shopping village in the Coronation Park marquee.

The popular waiters and waitresses race, barrel rolling , trolley grand prix, pavement artists competition and children’s colouring competition brings the street scene alive today and there will be more music in the bandstand, the local rowing presentations and an illuminated river procession at 9pm.

More offshore racing takes place on Saturday and there is bungee rowing off South Embankment. The popular fun run and road race gets off the blocks in the afternoon when the programme also includes water polo in the Boatfloat, a steam boat rally, air displays, music, a firework display and closing ceremony to round off regatta 2015.