Excitement is building as revellers prepare to hoist the sails for the 180th annual Woodbridge Regatta next weekend.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dinghy and yacht races take to the water at the 2017 Woodbridge Regatta Picture: ANDY ABBOTTDinghy and yacht races take to the water at the 2017 Woodbridge Regatta Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The action-packed event, which takes place along the River Deben, will kick off at noon on Sunday, June 17, with a Songs of Praise event held by Churches Together.

David Mortimer, the newly elected mayor of Woodbridge, will then formally open the event at 12.30pm.

Organisers hope there will be something on offer for all ages to enjoy.

“The programme for this year has been developed to ensure it has all of the usual action with a few changes to celebrate our 180th year,” said Geoff Holdcroft, chairman of the regatta committee.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people turned out to last year's event and hopes are high success will be similar in 2018 Picture: ANDY ABBOTTHundreds of people turned out to last year's event and hopes are high success will be similar in 2018 Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“The success and longevity of Woodbridge Regatta is a testament to so many community groups working together.

“I want to thank everyone involved for helping us to put on what we hope will be another fabulous event.”

Guests are being offered free entry to Woodbridge Tide Mill Living Museum, while the Woodbridge Riverside Trust will be hosting an open day at Longshed on Whisstocks Place.

Raft races will be held throughout the afternoon between youth groups – with eight teams going head to head in their battle to win an inscribed paddle at the event which is organised by the 1st Woodbridge Scout Group.

East Anglian Daily Times: The traditional raft race for youth groups is returning this year Picture: ANDY ABBOTTThe traditional raft race for youth groups is returning this year Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Dinghy and yacht races are also being hosted throughout the day.

For those wishing to take to the water themselves free boat trips up and down the water will also be on offer.

Off the water live music and morris dancing will be taking place along the riverside – with stages at the The Tea Hut, The Cruising Club and by The Tide Mill.

Donations will be collected for the Jetty Lane project throughout the day, an initiative that hopes to create a new youth and arts centre in Woodbridge.

In the build up to the event Choose Woodbridge will be running a decorated window competition across the town.

Shops up and down the Throroughfare will also be hosting a ‘Spot the Duck Competition’ with a world cup theme.

More information about the event can be found along with entry forms at Woodbridge Library.