Dragon boat

What better way to keep cool in a heatwave than with a day of competitive fun on the water racing a dragon boat alongside your colleagues and friends? With just a few weeks to go until Oulton Broad in Lowestoft reverberates to the sound of beating drums and splashing paddles, there is still time to get your team together and join in the annual East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival. 

More than 20 teams are expected to battle it out in spectacular races on Saturday 11th August, cheered on by hundreds of spectators in Nicholas Everitt Park. Businesses and groups across Norfolk and Suffolk are invited to get involved and test their mettle against the new and returning crews who have already booked their places on the start line, with the option to raise sponsorship for a favourite charity.

The 30’ dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided by race organisers, Gable Events, and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. No previous experience is needed to take part, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm. And don’t worry if you think winning is out of the question as medals and trophies are awarded for the top three crews, top mixed crew and the ‘best dressed’ crew (as fancy as possible!).

The Festival promises a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike with children’s rides, inflatable activities and plenty of food and drink for all the family on the bankside. Entry is free to spectators and there is ample ‘pay and display’ parking available. 

This year’s Festival is sponsored by Warner Leisure Hotels and Ian Gyte, Operations Director, comments, “We are proud to be sponsoring the 12th East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival. The Warner team are excited about representing our two East Anglia hotels Gunton Hall and Corton Coastal Village, whilst raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, the friendly competitiveness has already kicked in!  

Our guests are brilliant and are always keen on supporting and getting involved in fundraising challenges and we can’t wait to join all the other teams on the start line on 11th August!”

For further information and an entry form, visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia  or call Festival organisers Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about Warner Leisure Hotels, visit www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk or call 01442 863245.