Firing up for return of the Newark Dragon Boat Festival in support of Children’s Bereavement Centre and Beaumond House Hospice Care

Thirty-six crews from Newark businesses and organisations will take to the water for the Newark Dragon Boat Race this weekend.

The festival, now in it’s third year, is jointly organised by the Children’s Bereavement Centre and Beaumond House Hospice Care and is hoped to attract a bumper turnout. They also issued a statement to say the event will still go ahead following the death of the Queen.

Fundraising and marketing manager for the Children’s Bereavement Centre Rachel Wilson said: “It is our biggest fundraiser of the year, which for a charity that relies on the support of the local community for 96% of the funds required, makes it a hugely important event.

“Equally, we are looking forward to bringing people together for a day of fun and friendly competition.”

Racing starts at 10am on Sunday, September 18, with a series of heats testing the teams for a place in the finals.

The nine fastest from the heats will go through to three semi-finals, where there will be a trophy for the winning team, best fancy dress and the team that raised the most money.

Teams include headline sponsor GXO and event partners Motorfinity and Ringrose Law.

The fun doesn’t stop with the racing, as this year’s Riverside Park attractions include a new carnival-themed games area courtesy of Motorfinity, including traditional fairground stalls such as hook a duck and splat the rat.

There will also be inflatables from Bounceabout, a climbing wall and crafts by Tilly Pots to add to the family fun.

Cathy Lowe, head of fundraising and marketing at Beaumond House, said: “We are thrilled to be back for the third year of Newark Dragon Boat Festival working with another wonderful local charity.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has entered or sponsored the event.

“At the previous two events the local community has come out in their hundreds to enjoy and support the paddlers and we hope they will do again reinforcing the event as a real community family day for Newark and the local area.

“As well as the racing there will be a climbing wall, face painting and live entertainment. We would love to see more people than ever before come along. It promises to be a fabulous festival.”

The event’s stage will be hosted by radio presenter Matt Colbourne and Sensation Roadshow’s Paul Walker, with performances from the Barnby Road School choir and AJ’s School of Dance and Performing Arts.

There will also be range of food and drink ­— including barbecue by Cox Events, The Streatery Pizza, Thai street food, Toastie the Difference, Cakes by KJ’s Bakes, Reno’s Ice Cream Van, Caffe Alfresco, The Coffee Bean, Fresh and Delicious, draft beer by the Swan and Salmon and wine and spirits served by Ann Haynes and the team from Ann et Vin.

A traditional style tuck shop will be hosted by the Children’s Bereavement Centre and Beaumond House selling special event sweet pouches from Simply Sweet, soft drink cans, crisps and pick ‘n’ mix.

Rachel Wilson said: “We have once again been overwhelmed with the support we have received from the community and business, without which we would never be able to put on this fabulous Dragon Boat Festival.

“So from all the team at the Children’s Bereavement Centre and the children and families we support a heartfelt thank you to the many people that have supported us with this event, we can’t wait to see you all on Sunday.”

To find out more about the Newark Dragon Boat Festival and the teams competing visit www.newarkdragonboatfestival.co.uk

The event is free to enter, and is open 10am to 5.30pm.