IN only a few weeks, one of the district's biggest sporting events will be taking place once again.

This year's Hexham Jubilee Regatta will take place on Saturday, June 4, with racing over 3 divisions.

Hexham Regatta, hosted by Hexham Rowing Club, has attracted thousands of visitors to the town over the years.

But while the event did go ahead last year, it had to be scaled back compared to previous years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event took place in fine weather conditions on Tyne Green and Hexham Rowing Club walked away with several victories.

Barney Hawkins, who has been Hexham's Rowing Club Regatta Chair for 13 years, told the Courant they were looking forward to hosting the event as normal this year.

He said: "The event is normally on every year around the first week of June, so it would normally be happening anyway but as it is the Queen's Jubilee, we thought we should dedicate the event to it. A little Jubilee Twist.

"It will be the first year that all clubs will not be restricted by covid restrictions, as two years ago we had to cancel the Regatta for the first time in ages and last year we were one of the only clubs to return to side-by-side competing.

"So it will be nice to finally have everything return back to normal.

"I am sure it will be a fantastic day and anyone

watching will see that something will happen every minute, so there is plenty to see and do.

"We have lots of clubs coming from all over the UK.

"It is to be one of the biggest one-day regattas on our calendar and I, myself will be competing in a race with my team.

"I am sure it will be a big turnout and Tyne Green Park anyone watching will have a lovely place to sit and watch during the event and support all the teams."