Organisers of Newark Dragon Boat Festival announce date of its return this year

The organisers of the Newark Dragon Boat Festival have announced it will return this year on Sunday, September 19.

The event was launched in 2019 as a joint fundraising project between Beaumond House Hospice Care and the Children’s Bereavement Centre.

Thousands of people lined the banks of the River Trent to support the 27 teams that took part.

It raised £28,274, which was split between the two Newark causes.

Because of its success it was hoped it could become an annual event.

It then had to be cancelled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic but organisers are confident it will be able to go ahead this year.

Rachel Wilson, fundraising and marketing manager for the Children’s Bereavement Centre, said they were really looking forward to working in partnership with Beaumond House to bring the festival back bigger and better than ever.

“We are genuinely delighted to announce that after such a difficult 2020 and the disappointment of cancelling so many events and fundraising opportunities that the Newark Dragon Boat Festival 2021 will go ahead,” she said.

“Although there is still some uncertainty around what the restrictions will be later in the year, we are confident that the reduction in infection rates and the successful vaccine roll-out will enable us to organise the event safely, which is, of course, our primary concern.”

Cathy Lowe, fundraising and marketing manager for Beaumond House Hospice Care, said that after a year of social restrictions and missed fundraising opportunities they were delighted to be pressing forward with the plans for the Dragon Boat Festival.

“Whilst we recognise that we must adhere to government guidance the success of the vaccine programme across England gives us the confidence that the event will be going ahead,” she said.

“The 2019 event was a success on so many levels, it raised vital funds for two local charities and also brought together people from across our community in a wonderful fun and laughter-filled day.”

Both charities say they were looking forward to working together again and raising much-needed funds.

“We hope you will join us,” Cathy said.

For more information about the event, and how to enter a team, call 01636 610556 or visit www.beaumondhouse.co.uk