In one month’s time, the tell-tale splashing of paddles and banging of drums will be clearly heard around Nicholas Everitt Park as the seventh East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival returns to Oulton Broad in Lowestoft. 

Up to 30 teams are expected to take to the water on Sunday 27th May 2012 in aid of new Festival charity, St Elizabeth Hospice, and there is still time to get a team together and join in the fun!

At least half of the entries each year are new and, as teamwork and timing are more likely to win the day than physical prowess, everyone has an even chance. Companies from around the region that have so far entered teams include ATP, Barchester Healthcare, BBC Radio Suffolk, Elite Interiors, Howes Percival LLP, IDM Electrical, Marriott Sprowston Manor, Morgan Sindall, Orwell Motorcycles Ltd, Ransome Mobility, Seajacks, Snelling Business Systems, STL Technologies and St Elizabeth Hospice. All will be seeking to topple the returning Great Yarmouth-based team from Expro North Sea off their pedestal as reigning champions.

But, with more than one prize on offer there really is something for every team to aim for. Trophies will be presented to the winning crew, the top mixed crew (minimum 5 ladies), the ‘best dressed’ crew and the crew raising the most money for St Elizabeth Hospice who will also receive a full day of spa, gym use and lunch at the Marriott Sprowston Manor.

Exciting, colourful and great fun, no previous experience is required to enter a team of up to 11 people into the event, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. The Festival promises a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike with street entertainment, funfair, inflatable activities and plenty of food and drink for all the family on the bankside. There will even be a flypast by a Battle of Britain Dakota! The Festival is supported by The Lowestoft Journal, Waveney District Council and BBC Radio Suffolk.

Teams entering the Dragon Boat Festival are encouraged to raise sponsorship for official Festival charity, St Elizabeth Hospice, who are dedicated to helping people living with a progressive illness and supporting their families free of charge in the region.

Douglas Flood, St Elizabeth Hospice’s Income Generation Manager, comments: “We are encouraging as many businesses, clubs and groups of friends as possible to take up the challenge and enter a team in this year’s Dragon Boat Festival and raise sponsorship for St Elizabeth Hospice. By entering a team in this fun event you will be helping us to raise awareness of the services we provide free of charge in the local area as well as raising funds which will help us to continue to provide these services in future.”

To make sure your company, club or group of friends is on the start line on Sunday 27th May please call Gable Events on 01780 470718 or visit the Festival website at www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia