THE unpredictable weather and last minute cancellations failed to dampen spirits at the start of the Port of Dartmouth's 160th Royal Regatta.

Today sees the nail-biting finals of the rowing events, a Tornado display as well as crab fishing and pavement art events.

But the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, set to take place at 6pm, has been cancelled. An announcement was made on Wednesday that the fly-by of the Lancaster, Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire would be cancelled.

Coordinator of the aerial displays Jason Aylett said: 'They called me on Monday to say the engine of the Dakota had a fault and was on the verge of blowing and needed repairs costing £30,000 which would take two weeks. The Hurricane is also grounded due to an engine fault. Obviously it's a disappointment but it's just one of those things.'

Still to come, however, is the RAF Tornado display at 5.45 today, the RAF Harrier at 6.20 and tomorrow at 5.30 the Red Arrows will be performing their highly-skilled aerobatics.

The record-breaking Atlantic foursome, Yorkie Lomas, Jason Hart, Phil Langman and Shaun Barker, opened the grand fete on Saturday at the Bandstand.

They said they were privileged and honoured to open the fete and urged people to spend their money.

Entertainment was provided by magician Alan Austin who delighted his audience of tiny tots and was followed by Lester's Punch and Judy show and clowning by Professor Fumble. The event raised £1,000 for the regatta.

There were stalls from the Rowcroft Hospice, RNLI and the Dart Rowing Club as well as a coconut shy and a whiskey draw.

The winner of the best-dressed window competition was announced on Saturday with Danielli taking first prize, For All Occasions second and Tozers third.

Regatta chairman Basil Williams said this year's efforts were the highest standard to date. The competition was organised by Cllrs Pam and Peter Norton.

On Sunday, the Songs of Praise in the Royal Avenue Gardens was well attended with the mayor and mayoress of the town Cllr Richard and Wendy Rendle occupying the front row along with regatta chairman Basil Williams and deputy mayor Cllr Iris Pritchard. The event was organised and led by Christians in Dartmouth.

The marquee in Coronation Park has seen a lot of action over the early days of the regatta with more than 600 people flocking to Regatta Rock Saturday night to hear music from Marmalade and Clem Curtis and The Foundations, supported by Duke Johnson and the Scorchers.

Flooding in the marquee put the regatta committee under pressure as it worked through out the day to ensure it was ready for the Regatta Ball on Tuesday night,

Mr Williams said: 'I can't praise the committee and volunteers enough. They moved the bar and the entrance and worked very hard throughout the day to ensure the marquee was in a fit state for the ball. The weather had made things a little difficult but we're pulling out all the stops.'

A 100-year-old fairground organ was towed into Dartmouth on Wednesday morning by a vintage steam engine and will be playing its fairground tune throughout the week to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Anderton and Rowland fair.

The naval ship Sir Galahad made its way into the port at noon on Wednesday and will stay on the Dart throughout the festivities.

Sir Galahad, captained by Capt Chris Fell, will be open for public viewing from 10am to noon from Thursday to Saturday and 2pm to 4pm on Thursday and Friday afternoon.

Ferries will operate from the North Embankment and visitors are advised not to carry bags due to security checks.

A small Naval Belgian ship BNS Valcke joined the naval ship on the Dart on Thursday for a three-day visit to join in the fun.

The colouring competition, grand draw for cash prizes steam boat rally and tennis tournament will continue through the jam-packed week.