The historic Whitstable Regatta will go ahead this year after organisers of the town’s Oyster Festival stepped in to resurrect the event.

The shock U-turn comes after the show - which is dubbed the oldest regatta in the world - was wiped off the calendar following a breakdown in talks between Canterbury City Council and the Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions club.

But organising firm Event Umbrella announced today that it will take the reins, hosting the event at Tankerton Slopes on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday 10.

Lions chairman Mike Shaw had blamed “increased bureaucracy and extra financial demands” by the council for its demise, but the show in September will be the 224th hosting of the event.

The popular greasy pole competition will return to the programme as well as the funfair, yacht races and the fireworks display.

It is hoped that it will then go back to its original August date in 2018.

Event Umbrella bosses will receive sponsorship from the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company.

Managing director at Event Umbrella, Gus Corcoran, said: “We are delighted to be part of the team working to ensure this great event continues long into the future.

“It would have been tragic to have lost such a historic event.

“We are determined to produce an event that is as successful as those the Lions have achieved over the last 43 years and we would like the people of Whitstable to get behind this 100%.

“We are asking all local businesses, organisations and individuals to come and get involved so the event can continue with a long and bright future.

“I would like to thank The Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions for their continued support and for all their hard work over the years.”

James Green, from the oyster fishery, says the event is etched in local history.