The regatta has been popular for more than 100 years

The event has been taking place on the River Great Ouse between Hemingford Grey and Hemingford Abbots, in Cambridgeshire, since 1901.

It was due to take place on 8 July but has been cancelled because flood defence work by the Environment Agency on the river has not finished.

The only other times the regatta was not held was during the two world wars.

Bill Lewis, chairman of the regatta committee, said: "We've had extensive river works carried out on the banks - flood defence works - and unfortunately they're not going to be completed in time for the regatta this year.

"They're going to be in situ for a good two months afterwards.

Essential flood defence work on the river has not finished

"We are sad, but the flood defences for the village are far more important and we will come back all the better for it next year."

The regatta began as village watersports in 1901.

In 1904 the vicar of Hemingford Grey, Reverend Byrom Holland, donated a trophy of crossed silver sculls for a Men's Double Sculling race, which he called The Vicar's Sculls and he organised a structure of rules for the races.

Only people in the two villages are able to participate in the regatta.

The last race of the day is traditionally the final of The Vicar's Sculls.