Newark Dragon Boat Festival 2019 helps keep local charities afloat

A staggering £28,274 will be split between Beaumond House and the Children’s Bereavement Centre, as a result of Newark's first ever Dragon Boat Festival.

Thousands of people from across Newark and the surrounding area gathered at the Riverside Park on September 15, to enjoy a day of spectacular day of festivities. A total of 27 teams competed over three rounds of dragon boat racing, with the fastest making it through to the semi-finals. 

After a conversation with Ringrose Law, who run a similar event in Lincoln, the idea arose to replicate the event on the banks of the River Trent. It was soon decided that the festival would become a community affair, with plans to raise funds for two local charities - Beaumond House and the Children’s Bereavement Centre. 

The six teams in the semi-finals, with the fastest average times, were Aye Aye Abachem, Derry Boating Services, the Round Table Thunder Dragons, RPS, Staythorpe Power Station and Watery Doing Here from Blueprint Gaming.

The title of Newark Dragon Boat Champions 2019 was won by Watery Doing Here who finished ahead of other finalists Derry Boating Services and Staythorpe Power Station.

Team Timigos won the title of best fancy dress and Carrie’s Babes were the most successful fundraising team

Throughout the day visitors could also enjoy inflatables from Bounce About, entertainment from AJ’s School of Dance, the Bridge Street Stompers, Clive Rudd, Juke Box and Chuter Ede School Choir all compered by Radio Newark, as well as slime-making and face painting, and food stalls. 

Rachel Wilson from the Children’s Bereavement Centre said they had been overwhelmed by the response. She shared: “Wow what an amazing day,” 

There are not enough words to express our gratitude for the support we received for the festival,” 

“As two local charities we wanted to organise an event the whole community could be involved in as well as raising vital funds.”

Jo Harbord from Beaumond House commented on the great atmosphere of the day. She said:  “A heartfelt thank you to the 27 teams, the headline sponsors; Ringrose Law, Abachem Engineering and Liz Hobbs Group, companies that donated goods and services, the entertainers, stall holders, volunteers and the thousands that turned out to watch and enjoy the event,” she said.

Your support means so much to us.”

The Dragon Boat Festival was so successful it will now become an annual event, with plans for next years races to go ahead on September 20.