Date announced for Newark Dragon Boat Festival 2024 organised by Children’s Bereavement Centre and Beaumond House on River Trent and Riverside Park in Newark as team registration opens

The Newark Dragon Boat Festival is ready to roar as it returns for the fifth time later this year.

Registration for teams has now opened and local businesses, community groups and groups of friends are encouraged to sign up as places are expected fill up quickly.

Each year the Children’s Bereavement Centre teams up with Beaumond House to organise the fundraising event, which last year raised nearly £46,000 for the two charities.

Based on a Chinese tradition dating back over 2,000 years, this year’s race appropriately falls in the Chinese Year of the Dragon, with up to 36 teams of ten people and a drummer each paddling their boats to glory.

The race will take place on Sunday, September 15 and once again will be held on the River Trent and at Riverside Park, where carnival style festival can be enjoyed.

Rachel Wilson, fundraising manager for the Children’s Bereavement Centre, said: “Newark Dragon Boat Festival is our biggest fundraising event of the year and probably the most fun.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Beaumond House Hospice Care again and bringing this amazing community event back to Newark for the fifth year running.

“To take part all you need is 11 willing participants, so whether you are a community group, a business, a club or even a family or group of friends this event is for you.

“There is a fundraising requirement but don’t worry we’ll be there to support you all the way.

“So if you would like both an amazing experience and the feel good factor of raising vital funds for two local charities please get in touch.”

Those wishing to register a race team, become a corporate sponsor or sign up to become a volunteer, should visit: www.newarkdragonboatfestival.co.uk.

Matt Colbourne, head of fundraising and communications for Beaumond House Hospice Care, said: “We can honestly say that Newark Dragon Boat Festival has grown beyond our wildest dreams.

“Last year’s event was our biggest and best to date, and we’re thrilled to once again be planning with our partners at the Children’s Bereavement Centre with the aim of topping that this year.

“The event is so big that it takes the combined resources of both charities to pull this off.

“We’re looking for help and support from local businesses and members of the community to help us continue to grow.

“If you would be interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteering your time on the day to support us, please do get in touch”.

Funds raised at the event will be split equally between the two charities and go towards helping them carry out their vital work in providing palliative care and supporting grieving families respectively.

This is achieved through sponsorship, teams fundraising and revenue from land-based activities.

This year’s headline sponsor for the event will be GXO Logistics and Inspire will also return as an event partner.