Heavy showers made no difference to the water polo teams in the Boatfloat as they battled it out watched by hundreds of spectators,as a week of regatta events got going.

The water polo clashes in the Boatfloat turned out to be a real crowd pleaser – some of whom came in their swimming costumes all ready to have a go themselves, revealed regatta events co-ordinator Basil Williams.

There were three matches – one for men, one for ladies and one for under 17s.

After they were over anyone who wanted to have a go was invited to take the plunge.

Around a dozen people took up the challenge and were given coaching in the town's Boatfloat, said Mr Williams.

He added: 'The contestants were really pleased with the day. 'They said that the water was warmer than last year.

But the crowds were down on the numbers that had been expected for the fete which acts as the unofficial opener for the regatta.

Regatta vice chairman Jonathan Hawkins said: 'The weather put a lot of people off coming but what was really nice was to see a lot of local organisations and charities turn up.

'They took up the offer of a free stall and hopefully they raised some money.'

The fete's first cat and dog show turned out to be a real canine success – even though it ended up raining – errr – cats and dogs.

The cats decided to stay away from the Saturday regatta fete but some 30 dog owners turned up with their pets to take part in the fun event.

He added: 'The cat and dog show was a great success. We had loads of dogs although we didn't get any cats. It is definitely going to be an event for next year.'

He said the fete had not raised the money organisers had hoped for because of the terrible weather. But that cleared up in the time for the Last Night of the Proms which went ahead at the Royal Avenue Gardens bandstand – in front of a crowd of up to 200 people, said Mr Hawkins.

Singer Caroline Harries wowed the crowd, he added. 'She was excellent and has agreed to come back next year.'

The tug of war competition, which was due to go ahead inside the marquee on Coronation Park, was postponed because of the state of the ground.

It will now be going ahead tomorrow.

The regatta's first 'shindig' was also hailed a major success after some 300 adults and children turned out for the marquee show starring Mrs Crotty's Ceilidh Band, blues band Bad Knees and The Mangledwurzels from Somerset.

Regatta secretary Elaine Gilbard said even a torrential downpour could not keep people away from the event.

'It was great fun. It was intended for families and we got a load of families – most of them local. We even got one dog who came along with its owner and enjoyed itself.'

The weekend also saw the beginning of the tennis tournament, the darts competition as well as a regatta songs of praise.