DEEPINGS RAFT RACE DRAWS RECORD CROWDS

Photos: Rob Walker Photography

Hundreds of people lined the banks of the River Welland on Sunday August 2 as the annual Deepings Raft Race returned in glorious sunshine for one of its busiest and most successful events in recent years.

This year's theme, Marvellous Musicals, inspired an incredible display of creativity, with rafts and costumes celebrating some of the world's best-loved productions. Spectators were treated to floating performances inspired by The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Mean Girls, Mary Poppins, Grease, The Lion King and many more.

The event attracted the biggest number of raft entries seen for many years, with teams taking to the river across a range of race categories. Following its successful debut last year, the Craft & Raft competition returned, challenging teams to build their rafts on the riverbank before racing them down the River Welland. The event once again proved hugely popular with competitors and spectators.

Competition was particularly fierce in the Pub & Hospitality Race, with five local businesses entering – the largest field anyone can remember in recent years. The Bull, The Stage, The Waterton Arms, Thirsty Giraffe and Lake Ross Holiday Park all battled it out on the water, with The Waterton Arms' team, Hulkmaniacs, taking the top honours.

Kevin Barber, chairman of the Deepings Raft Race committee, said: “What an incredible day. The sunshine certainly helped, but it was the fantastic atmosphere created by the hundreds of people who came along to support the event that made it so special. Every year we're amazed by the creativity, enthusiasm and effort that goes into the rafts and costumes, and this year was no exception. The Raft Race just keeps getting bigger and better, and it was brilliant to see the Craft & Raft event return so successfully, along with such strong competition across every race category.”

2026 Results:

Main Race: Clearly The Winner

Fun Race: Thunder Raft 5 Business Race: Braeburn Lodge

Pub & Hospitality Race: Hulkmaniacs

Youth Race: She Doesn't Even Row Here

Craft & Raft: Elphaba's Army

Best Dressed Raft: T Birds (Grease)

Once the total raised from the event has been calculated, the committee will once again invite local charities and community groups to apply for a donation. The aim is to spread the funds raised across a wide range of organisations making a positive difference in the Deepings and surrounding villages.

"Keep an eye on our social media channels for details of how and when to apply," said Kevin. "We're looking forward to supporting as many local groups as possible with the money raised from another fantastic community event."

Save the Date for 2027 – next year's Deepings Raft Race will take place on Sunday August 1.

To be the first to hear the 2027 theme and get notified when entries open, join the mailing list: https://deepingsraftrace.co.uk/mailing-list-signup/