In Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows Ratty enthuses over his love of the water, with the famous line, 'Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.'

Eastern Daily Press: A scene from the Wells Carnival raft race. Picture: CY CAMPBELL.A scene from the Wells Carnival raft race. Picture: CY CAMPBELL. (Image: Archant)

It's a belief shared by those who took part in the Wells Carnival raft race on Saturday.

It was one of the highlights of the carnival's opening weekend, which has also featured an Elvis night, a Bruno Mars tribute act and a fete.

Wells hosts one of the most popular traditional town carnivals in East Anglia.

It has been running for more than 100 years. There will be activities throughout the town over the next few days in the lead up to the main highlight, carnival day, on Saturday.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the 2017 Wells Carnival raft race. Picture: CY FOR WELLS CARNIVALScenes from the 2017 Wells Carnival raft race. Picture: CY FOR WELLS CARNIVAL (Image: Archant)

Wells Carnival Committee chairman Patrick Weston said: 'We've had a fantastic start and we're hoping that will continue throughout the week up to carnival day.'

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the 2017 Wells Carnival raft race. Picture: CY FOR WELLS CARNIVALScenes from the 2017 Wells Carnival raft race. Picture: CY FOR WELLS CARNIVAL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the 2017 Wells Carnival raft race. Picture: CY FOR WELLS CARNIVALScenes from the 2017 Wells Carnival raft race. Picture: CY FOR WELLS CARNIVAL (Image: cycoze.com)