It may not be as old as its water-based inspiration, but this year’s Oxford and Cambridge Goat Race promises to be no less nail-biting.

The annual event will see thousands of East Londoners flocking to Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, on April 7 like a herd of, er, goats.

All the money raised by the afternoon-long event will go towards supporting the urban farmyard, with bands, djs, food and drinks from 1.30pm.

Organiser Anne Hopkins, from Newington Green, said: “Cambridge has won three years in a row now but I think Oxford might get it this year. The goats are looking in really good shape.

“We try and make it bigger and better each year, so it’s going to be a great day.”

Two goats, one named Cambridge and the other Oxford, will hoof it around the cobbled farm course as the rowers set off from Putney Bridge at 4pm.

Organisers hope the event, now in its fourth year, will raise more than �6,000 to help fund the “incredible” city farm.

Tickets, priced at �5 for adults and 50p for “kids” are available online at www.thegoatrace.org and at the gate.