Peterborough shoppers are invited to ‘paddle up’ ahead of city’s 23rd dragon boat festival!
If you head to Serpentine Green this weekend you'll be in for a big surprise as you're invited to try a 30-foot dragon boat out for size ahead of the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival in June.
The brightly coloured boat, complete with carved dragon’s head and traditional drum, will be on display in the centre between 9am and 5pm this Saturday February 25. You can 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, New Wave Events, sponsor Hotpoint and chosen charity Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice will be on hand to share more information about the event. ESP Magazine is the media partner for the event so we'll be popping down too.
Entries are now officially open for the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival 2023, which will take place on Saturday June 10 at Peterborough Rowing Lake.
This year’s festival will see teams of up to 11 people take to the water and battle it out 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 fun, music, and entertainment for all the family to enjoy.
The festival will once again raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, which provides expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support to local families.
Nilesh Patel, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “Come along to Serpentine Green this weekend. Try out a dragon boat and find out more about how you can make waves at this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, while raising vital funds for our hospice so that we can continue to be there for more local families when it matters. We can’t wait to see you there!”
Alicja Mierzejewska, Executive Director at NewWave Events, will be part of the team talking to budding dragon boat racers this weekend: "Join us at Serpentine Green this Saturday. Snap some memorable photos with our magnificent full-sized dragon boat and find out more about the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival. Let's raise awareness and support Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice with a beat of the drums.
“NewWave Events is super excited to host this thrilling event once again on 10th June. This year, we're adding a touch of Chinese culture to the mix with a captivating Lion Dance and Tai Chi performance, all amidst the stunning scenery of Peterborough Rowing Lake. Don't miss this unique opportunity to give back, have fun, and make a difference in your community. We can't wait to see you there!"
Ian Moverley, Communications Director at Hotpoint added: "We're thrilled to sponsor the 2023 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival and continue our support for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in 2023. We look forward to taking our first steps into a dragon boat this year and encourage everyone to pop down and have a go for themselves."
For more information and an entry form, call festival organisers NewWave Events on 01536 674 748 or visit www.dragonboatevents.co.uk/peterborough-dragon-boat-festival/ to enter online.
For information about Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/thorpehall or email thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org