Newark Dragon Boat Race to return this weekend on River Trent by Riverside Park and Newark Castle

Thirty-six crews are ready to row for charity as the Newark Dragon Boat Festival returns for a fifth time this weekend.

On Sunday, crews made up of organisations and groups from the district will take over the River Trent and Riverside Park, Newark, for charity.

The festival — jointly organised by the Children’s Bereavement Centre and Beaumond House Hospice Care — is the biggest annual fundraiser for the two Newark charities.

From 10am until 5.30pm, the teams will race a series of heats competing for a place in the finals.

The nine fastest from the heats will go through to three semi-finals to battle for a place in the final, where there will be a trophy for the winning team.

Adding to the fun of the free event, people will have the chance to meet Inferno the Smoke Breathing Dragon and Sapphire, the Baby Dragon, Inferno, which were sponsored by Inspire.

There will also be traditional and fairground games where people can win prizes.

Some of the usual festival favourites will return as well, including the climbing wall, inflatables, face painting and a variety of food and drink stalls.

Live entertainment will carry on throughout the day, with stage performances from the Barnby Road Primary Academy choir, AJ’s School of Dance and Performing Arts, Julia Higgins, Clive Rudd, Andy McKay and Dicksy, Matt Shephardson, MF Dance and the Rogue Shanty Buoys.

Matt Colbourne, head of fundraising and communications at Beaumond House Hospice Care, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome back the Newark Dragon Boat Festival for its fifth year.

“The festival’s popularity continues to grow, and we’re delighted to see so many people supporting the event. Watching the banks of the Trent fill with cheering spectators never gets old.

“This year, we have a day packed with exciting dragon boat races, live entertainment from the stage, family-friendly activities, and a fantastic selection of food and drinks.

“We invite everyone to join us from 10am for a wonderful day and to help us raise much-needed funds for two incredible local charities.

“The teams have been working hard, preparing and fundraising tirelessly, and we are immensely grateful for their efforts.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our event sponsors, partners, and supporters, and we deeply appreciate the countless hours contributed by our volunteers. This event wouldn’t be possible without everyone’s collective
effort.

“This year promises to be bigger and better than ever."