The Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival is back for its 21st year at Ditton Meadows on Saturday 11th September 2027, and we at NewWave Events are asking local businesses, colleges, clubs and groups to start putting teams together now.
This year’s festival raised over £50,000 for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, with every pound going towards the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. We hope to build on that total in 2027, and every team that takes part will help make it happen.
Raising money for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust funds life-changing research, cutting-edge technology, specialist staff, those extra comforts for patients above and beyond what the NHS provides, and new buildings and facilities. The money raised through the festival goes towards the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, which will bring together clinical and research expertise in a new world-class building, designed in partnership with patients and staff. The hospital will detect cancer earlier, treat it more precisely and save more lives.
“Raising over £50,000 for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust this year was incredible, and it’s all thanks to the teams who take part. Knowing it’s going towards the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital makes it even more special. We can’t wait to see what we can do together in 2027,” said Lucy Morton, Executive Director at NewWave Events.
A day on the water
The festival is a day of friendly competition. Teams race each other in dragon boats over a series of heats, with a group of paddlers, a drummer and an experienced helm in each boat. No previous experience is needed. Whether it’s a team from the office, a lab or a college, it’s a chance to get everyone together and raise money for a cause that matters to so many people in Cambridge.
This year, 43 teams took part. You can compete for medals and a trophy, and there’s a prize for the top fundraising team. We’ll also have entertainment and a range of food and drink on site, and friends, family and colleagues are encouraged to come along and cheer from the bank.
Key Information for Teams:
- Event: Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival 2027
- Date: Saturday, 11th September 2027
- Location: Ditton Meadows, Fen Ditton, Cambridge
- Charity Partner: Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
How to get involved
Entries open in December 2026. You can find out more now at dragonboatevents.co.uk or email isabel@newwave-events.co.uk to register your interest and be among the first to hear when places are released. Put the date in your diary and get your team together to help raise even more for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.