Ramsgate lifeboat was one of the attractions at the 2008 Broadstairs Water Gala (picture by Phil Houghton)

by Peter Barnett

Seaside fun and games for all the family return to Broadstairs for the town's annual water gala next Wednesday.

One of the oldest summer attractions in the UK, it has run for more than 120 years, with organisers promising a range of fun activities.

Two of the most popular attractions from yesteryear - the Millers and Sweeps battle and the greasy pole challenge - return for 2009, while bags of flour and soot will be the missiles as the teams on rafts fight for the supremacy of Viking Bay.

Other events include a teddy bears picnic, sand castle competitions, organised beach games, a volleyball tournament and a sponsored swim from Ramsgate to Broadstairs.

There will also be craft stalls and a family fun fair in Victoria Gardens, with bandstand entertainment during the day and live music at night.

A competition for the best dressed beach hut will feature a Viking theme to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the landing at Broadstairs of a replica of the long boat Hugin that had brought Hengist and Horsa ashore centuries earlier.

The festivities finish with a firework finale over Viking Bay at 10pm.

The water gala is run by a tight-knit group of volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring the long-running event remains a firm part of the town's seaside programme.

Treasurer Dave Hooker said: "Our team is very passionate about Broadstairs and its quirky charm. We're determined to give visitors and residents the best free show we possibly can."

For a full preview of the Broadstairs Water Gala, see this week's Thanet Extra, available from tomorrow.