Burnham Week kicks off on August 26, marking the start of an action-packed week of sailing and family fun on the historic river Crouch. 

Burnham-on-Crouch is home to the historic East Coast Sailing Regatta, which draws visitors to the town each year.

However, the excitement isn't just for those beyond the shoreline. On Bank Holiday Monday (August 28), Burnham will see the return of Quay Day, a pirate-themed celebration of local small businesses.

Burnham Week

Residents and visitors are invited to spectate a variety of dinghies and yachts racing through the Crouch moorings, with each race beginning at noon daily. On Saturday 26 August, Sunday 27, Monday 28 and Saturday 2 September, dinghies will depart from Burnham Sailing club. On other days, the larger boats will begin at 'Pile House' before making their way downriver. 

Burnham Town Council describes the races as a "fascinating spectator sport", as the boats must dodge mooring buoys as they jostle to the finish line. 

On the final day, Saturday 2 September, a firework display will celebrate the end of the event at 9pm.

Sailing teams from across the country are set to flock to Burnham to compete. (Credit: Burnham Week)

Quay day

Founded by Town Councillor Fiona Clegg, Burnham's Quay Day has been celebrated for 12 years. Originally funded by the Town Council, the event saw thousands of visitors enjoy the town's shoreline.

This year, it will take place on Bank Holiday Monday and will aim to celebrate the beginning of the regatta, as well as promote tourism and local business.

More recently, it has become a smaller affair, organised independently by local business owners. However, the event continues to be popular, and families flock every year to the Anchor pub and the Bistro on the Quay. This year will be no exception, with plenty of action packed family fun planned. 

The Anchor will be holding 'Pirates on the Quay', a family friendly day of fun. The pub is open, and there will be food truck 'Grub Hub', Tiki Cocktail bar and large Raffle. Local company Quest 4 Entertainment will also be there, with an opportunity for kids to meet some "baby dinosaurs". The Blackwater Pirates are also set to make an appearance. 

Next door at Bistro on the Quay, there will be live music from duo The Double Tops and other local acts. The café bar will be open serving hot food and drinks all day, and there will be cake, face paint, glitter tattoo and lucky dip stalls. Local creatives will also attend a busy craft fayre nearby.

Last year's Burnham Quay Day celebrations helped raise £1,000 for charity.

Edited by Ben Shahrabi.

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