A jam-packed timetable of events is planned on the West Cliff and in town with a continental market, stunt shows and extreme sports workshops, a fun run and all the traditional competitions including tug of war, the Grand Baby Show and Glamorous Granny.

The BBC's weather forecast suggests heavy showers tomorrow and light rain on Sunday while sunny intervals are expected on Monday to coincide with the traditional Regatta parade through town.

Windy weather put a stop to the Regatta rowing races on Wednesday evening as the sea conditions were too rough but they were expected to go ahead as planned yesterday and today at the time of going to press.

Miss Regatta for 2008, Jenny Hutton (19) of Abbot's Road, is also excited about taking part in all the festivities and the rowing races as a member of the Fisherlads rowing crew.

In addition to a strong police presence in town and at Whitby's Cholmley Way where the official travellers' site is, private security guards are also patrolling the industrial estate over the Regatta period.

Police say the guards have been paid for by local businesses.

Just one caravan has arrived so far and is situated on the travellers' site where police officers are stationed nearby.

Sgt Steve Pearse of Whitby Police said: "The travellers' site has been open all week and we have had a presence there throughout that period of time.

"We hope for a trouble-free period and that people enjoy themselves."