More than 250,000 people are expected to flock to Putney on Sunday to watch the 150th Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

The event is being held on a Sunday for only the second time in its history so it does not clash with the Six Nations Rugby tournament. It will also start later than usual, at 6pm.

To celebrate the 150th Boat Race and the 175th anniversary of the very first boat race two crews of old students from both universities will race in replica boats during the afternoon.

The cutters have been made to the same dimensions as those in built 1829. Old Oxbridge rowers will include Olympic rowing gold medallist Jonny Searle.

The Putney Music Festival, which starts tomorrow, will entertain the crowds until Sunday with live music in bars and restaurants in the area.

Wandsworth Council's economic development officer Mike Brook said: "The Boat Race is a fantastic event.

"It always draws a big crowd to Putney town centre.

"The day itself shows a close working partnership between businesses, the local community and the race organisers.

"We would advise people not to drive to the race unless they have no other way of getting there. Public transport is the best option. Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes footbridge will be closed while the race passes by."

A BBC spokesman said the race's late start is down to the tide, not the TV schedulers. He said: "It is the first day of British summer time, so it should still be light at 6pm."

Last year's race was the closest ever, with Oxford finishing just one foot ahead of Cambridge. The record was set in 1998 when Cambridge completed the four miles, 374 yards from Putney to Mortlake in 16 minutes, 19 seconds.

The BBC will televise the historic event for the last time this year, before rights to show the race are handed over to ITV. About 7.9 million people tuned in to watch the Boat Race last year and similar figures are expected this year.

The 150th Boat Race starts at 6pm on Sunday, March 28, from Putney Embankment.