EVESHAM Rowing Club hosts its annual Regatta and Sprint Regatta events on Saturday and Sunday when they will be welcoming a high quality entry from clubs, schools and universities.

More than 500 crews have entered over the two days that promise to provide a colourful spectacle of exciting racing. Entries have been received from as far afield as Derby, Weybridge, Northampton, Swansea, Poole, Huntingdon, and a particularly large entry from Llandaff in South Wales.

School entries include Pangbourne, Monmouth, Shrewsbury, and Cheltenham College. Many of the regular university crews are competing this weekend at the BUSA regatta in Nottingham, but a number of The Oxford colleges will be represented.

There will be much local interest with crews from Stratford-upon-Avon, Worc-ester, Hereford, Bewdley, Stourport, Glou-cester and Cheltenham. Evesham has registered 40 crews over the two days.

Whereas the Head race in November sees a procession of boats along the River Avon, this weekend's races offer the opportunity to see the full explosive power of the crews racing side by side.

The action takes place over the 1000m course between Corporation Meadow and Workman Bridge on Saturday and the 500m course between Workman Bridge and the Boathouse the next day.

Racing starts at 9am on both days with the finish expected around 6.30pm. Presentations will take place outside the boathouse.

For a more in-depth explanation of the regatta or for details about all sports available at the club visit the website at www.evesham-rowing-club.co.uk