Peterborough shoppers can try dragon boat out for size

The brightly coloured boat, complete with carved dragon’s head and traditional drum, will be on display in Serpentine Green in Hampton between 9am and 5pm this Saturday (February 22).

Shoppers will be able to sit in the boat, pose for photos with paddles and have a go at beating out time on the drum.

Representatives from the festival’s organisers, Gable Events, sponsor Whirlpool UK and chosen charity Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice will be on hand to share more information about the event.

Entries are now officially open for the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival 2020 which will take place on Saturday, June 13 at Peterborough Rowing Club.

This year’s festival will see teams taking to the water and competing over the 200 metre course in authentic dragon boats, each with a drummer at the front beating out time.

As well as the races, which are expected to be watched by several thousand spectators, there will be plenty of entertainment and stalls for all the family to enjoy.

The festival will once again raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice which is the only specialist palliative care inpatient unit in Peterborough. The hospice in Longthorpe provides expert care for people with life-limiting conditions and also supports their families.

“If you are out and about shopping this Saturday, why not come and try a dragon boat out for size?” said Nilesh Patel, senior community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

“We are thrilled to once again be the charity partner for the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival. We want to make sure this year’s festival is the biggest and best so far and are searching for teams to take part. Come and see us at Serpentine Green to find out about how you can get involved and race a dragon!

“Dragon boat racing is so much fun – it works really well for groups of workmates, friends and families. It is inclusive and you don’t need any previous experience, just plenty of fighting experience and competitive spirit.

“The funds raised at the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival will make sure we can carry on providing our palliative care and bereavement support and being there when it matters for local families.”

For more information about the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival and how to sign up, email: [email protected], call 01733 225999 or visit www.sueryder.org/peterborough-dragon-boat-festival-2020.