Sunny weather for annual Ironbridge Coracle Regatta

People travelled from far and wide to take part in event on the River Severn at Ironbridge Rowing Club.

From coracle racing to the far side of the river and back to coracle polo – it aims to celebrate everything to do with the handmade boats.

And – of course, there is no question – a good amount of those who take part are guaranteed to end up soaking wet.

Terry Kenny, aged 74, of the The Ironbridge Coracle Trust, founded the current event and helps organise it each year.

He said: "The Ironbridge Regatta used to happen way before the first world war and was a very big event.

"There wasn't just coracle races, there was rowing, greasy pole and track and field events on the field behind.

"I suspect the First World War put a stop to that but we revived it 20 years ago and its been a coracle regatta since. It's an excuse for having fun. A lot of people fall in the water and we're lucky this year with the weather being so good. It makes a big difference.

"You get a big crowd of people when the weather is good. The novices and intermediates go across and back the river and the experts do something a little more difficult."

People travel from far and wide to take part in the event each year.

Among them was Jerome Read, 49, from Manchester, who was visiting the area with friends ahead of his 50th birthday in September.

His coracle happened to capsize and he ended up in the water and wet through.

"It's tough! You see the experts take part and it looks easy but it isn't. I'd seen the event was on and got in touch with the organisers to say we'd be keen to come down.

"It's a stunning day and just great fun. A really family friend event and has been really nice to see it all."