Families from across the Maldon District enjoyed the Heybridge Basin Regatta last Saturday.

In the blazing sun, activities both onshore and in the River Blackwater included sailing races, blindfolded canoe and SUP (stand up paddle board) races, and a homemade raft race.

Photo: Gill Carpenter

There was a Punch & Judy show, BBQ, children's crabbing competition and pillow fight over the lock.

Brighlingsea-based shanty-singers the Motley Crew provided a rousing performance to raise money for the RNLI. (Photo: Gill Carpenter)

The highlight towards the end of the day was the pillow fight over the lock. Two at a time, brave locals scrambled along a greased-up wooden pole across the lock, armed with a pillow.

When they got to the middle, fighters hit each other with their soggy pillows, until the loser fell into the lock. Crowds of onlookers chanted in support of who they wanted to win, and a few decided to take part themselves.

The wooden pole had been greased-up beforehand, making it even more difficult to maintain balance, often resulting in a big splash from one of the competitors. (Photos: Ben Shahrabi)

Marie Ellis, Chairperson of the Heybridge Basin Regatta Committee, told Nub News she was very pleased with the Regatta, speaking just shortly after sinking in the raft race.

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She said: "It's been fantastic - really good.

"I think we were thwarted at the beginning, because of the burst water main. People were in a lot of traffic getting here, so it was a slow start.

A water main burst outside the Bentalls Centre in Colchester Road last week, resulting in long queues during busy periods. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

"But it has come good, and there were a lot of crowds.

"Next year, I think we'll try to make it a bit bigger, and definitely better."

A rowboat in the River Blackwater, being watched by a crowd of onlookers. (Photo: Gill Carpenter)

However, Marie admitted that not as many people had opted to take part in the water-based activities as the committee had hoped.

She said "What I would like for next year would be more uptake on the canoe and SUP racing. We had races, we've got trophies, but we literally had no entrants. It's such a shame.

"Hopefully we'll get more uptake next year, along with rowing races.

"I think it's just because we've had two years of COVID and nothing going on. This is the first year back, and I think it went really well."

On dry land, however, dozens of stalls held by local charities and craftspeople meant there was something on offer for everybody.

Local stallholders displaying a vibrant collection of goods. (Photo: Gill Carpenter)

Families gathered around the lock to watch the chaotic pillow fights. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

All the profits made at this year's event will be split three ways: installing defibrillators around the village, maintenance for St George's Church Hall, and a replacement for the pontoon which got destroyed in Storm Eunice. All the causes were chosen by the village, and Marie hopes they have raised lots of money for them. There were also collections for the RNLI.