Join in the fun and games with remote Beer Regatta

The usual celebrations for Beer Regatta Week may not be able to go ahead this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but a programme of virtual events has been put together by organisers.

Regatta is a long-held tradition in the fishing village of Beer, dating back to either 1913 or 1914. Every year, many former residents return to their hometown for the celebrations, and tourists come back year after year to join in the fun.

This year will be a little different due to COVID-19 restrictions, but organisers have worked hard to put together an online programme of events they hope regatta fans will take part in from far and wide.

A spokesperson for Beer Regatta Committee said: "Well, 2020 will go down in history for many reasons, and for us in Beer, it will be the year Regatta went online.

"We are asking people across Beer, across Devon, across the UK and even across the world to have Beer Regatta in their own back yard. We are asking you to make Regatta 2020 memorable for all the right reasons – we have put together a programme for you to join in with, from the comfort of your own garden, or your local park – anywhere of your choosing this year.

"We have put together a full programme for the week and we would love you to share photographs or short videos (20 seconds maximum) of you beating other members of your family to win the 'egg and spoon race', or having a socially distanced Regatta cream tea with your friend, for example.

"Technology has been able to keep us in touch with each other throughout this difficult time so please use our Facebook and Instagram pages to join in with those who love Beer Regatta and let's still feel we are coming together as a community to still celebrate this year- we are even now on Twitter too!  

"Of course, we will all miss the regular crowd-pleasing events and the bustle in the village, but much of the Regatta spirit is about having fun, 'having a go', laughing together and making memories.

"Let's make the most of 2020 – as always with Beer Regatta, but perhaps even more so this year, it wouldn't be the same without you!

"Keep safe and well, please keep to the current government guidelines for coronavirus as you join in with 'Regatta Remotely', and we look forward to seeing you back in Beer again for Regatta 2021!"

The remote Regatta Week will take place from Saturday, August 8 to Friday, August 14.

Events will include online quiz nights, wacky races and competitions for Regatta fans to join in at home, including a sack/pillow race, three-legged race, egg and spoon, skipping rope race, wheelbarrow race, welly wanging, limbo dancing and more.

Those taking part can post their photos and video clips up to 20 seconds on the Beer Regatta social media channels, using the hashtag #beerregatta.

There will also be a chance to share your photos from past Regatta Weeks, host your own cream tea, show off your fancy dress and design a cover for the Beer Regatta Programme for 2021.

Full details on how to take part in all events are available on the Beer Regatta website.