DRAGON BOAT F EST I VAL
E nte r t h e drago n NOW’S THE TIME TO GET YOUR TEAM TOGETHER AND ENTER THIS YEAR’S CAMBRIDGE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL. HERE’S A TASTER OF WHAT’S IN STORE
WORDS BY CYRUS PUNDOLE
Up to 40 teams will battle it out, cheered on by hundreds of spectators. Businesses, groups and friends across the region can test their skills against new and returning crews who have already booked their places, all while raising money for a good cause. Last year’s Dragon Boat Challenge was won by Row-Bots from CMR Surgical, with Puff, representing Team Consulting, taking the mixed prize. Cambridge Commodities was crowned charity champion, with last year’s festival raising an incredible £30,000 for ACT, which is the only charity dedicated to making a difference for patients at both Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals. The 30-foot long dragon boats, qualified helms (who ensure each boat is steered straight) and racing equipment are all provided by the organisers, Gable Events, while each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races over the 200 metres course. Most importantly, no previous experience is required to
urrounded by a blaze of colour and cacophony of sound, let your competitive spirit take hold at the annual fundraising Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival. There are many great ways to get fit, such as
Couch to 5K and Parkrun, but the festival offers something a bit different – and a fab team option full of camaraderie that is a grand day out for all the family. Held on a stretch of the Cam every September, each boat has an on-board drummer pounding out a rhythm (that may or may not be perfect to row along to!) as crews jockey for position on the river at Fen Ditton. This year’s big day takes place on 7 September, and there’s still time to book a place for teams .The Dragon Boat Festival raises money for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) and is one of the biggest fundraising events in the county.
WHAT: Colourful river race where teams battle it out in traditional Chinese-style dragon boats, featuring bankside entertainment WHEN: Saturday 7 September WHERE: Ditton Meadows, Fen Ditton HOW MUCH? Entrance to the event is free to spectators and parking is available at the nearby Fen Ditton Recreation Ground. Standard entry for a team is £650 + VAT
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