IMG_4184

Leicester Dragon Boat Race in aid of Prostaid Charity

Dragon boat race in aid of Prostaid has returned to Leicester this year better than ever, after a few years hiatus! Us at NewWave Events partnered with Rob, the manager and trustee of Prostaid, to bring this event back to life on 2nd June.

Prostaid care for local people living with prostate cancer. They are a voluntary team made up principally of prostate cancer sufferers, their family and friends and members of the University of Leicester Hospitals Urological team. It was a delight to support Prostaid at the Leicester dragon boat race.

We provide five Support groups throughout our area, to give support to local men newly diagnosed and treated and to patients with advanced prostate cancer. We fund new innovative treatments, tests and equipment. We at PROSTaid are a local Charity formed in 2006 with a positive attitude to prostate cancer and our aim is still to continue to improve treatments and save lives!” – Find out more about the work Prostaid do here https://prostaid.co.uk/.

It was a beautifully sunny morning for the riverside festival in Leicester. Food stalls, drinks stations, gift stands were all setting up in the picturesque Castle Gardens, getting ready for the popular annual Leicester Riverside Festival to begin – this year with the addition of the exciting dragon boat race! Although spectators weren’t allowed access to the park yet, they were lining up getting their seats ready to watch a day of thrilling races, with the colourful boats and competitive spirits making for it to be a great day ahead!

This dragon boat race was a day of complete novice crews, making the competition even more exciting with all crews having to work out their technique and tactics as the racing happened! After round 1 it was Sea Ton United leading the way with a time of 60.47 seconds. We usually say that a time around 60 seconds is a great time, so Sea Ton United were in for a winner here with that as their first time of the day! Round 2 of the dragon boat race came and went with some major improvements with five out of the nine teams now hitting sub-60 times!! Weafer Warriors came from no-where and stole the top spot away from Sea Ton United with a whopping round 2 time of 53.46 seconds. With music and commentary booming around the city, more and more crowds formed along the bridge and the length of the river to watch the excitement and cheer the participants on.

After all teams had completed their second race of the day, all teams gathered around the NewWave Events gazebo for the results to find out who had made it into the semi-finals of today’s dragon boat race. The four teams advancing through to the semi-finals were Highfield Rangers, Sea Ton United, Weafer Warriors and Hawaii Wine-hoes (the only completely female crew of the day!). Whereas the way to get through to the semi-finals was by having the fastest times of the day, the only way to get through to the final was to win the semi-final. With only 2 teams advancing through to the final, the only way in was to win! The first two semi-finalists got kitted out in the boat marshalling area and headed down to the pontoons. It was Weafer Warriors vs Hawaii Wine-hoes battling it out in semi-final 1 with Sea Ton United and Highfield Rangers in semi-final 2. It was a clear win from Weafer Warriors in semi-final 1, however a photo finish in semi-final 2! Tensions were high as the results and times were announced. It was Highfield Rangers that just pipped it at the post, making their way into the grand final against Weafer Warriors to finish off the day!

Last race of today’s dragon boat race and our helms were raring to go for this grand final, teams loaded the boats and made their way up to the start line. Highfield Rangers against Weafer Warriors. Another photo finish!!! There was less than a second in it… but Highfield Rangers just scraped the win!! Shrieks of joy, sprays of bubbly and lots of clapping and cheering finished off what was an outstanding day of paddling, sunshine and fundraising.

DBL24-239

Construction Industry Dragon Boat Challenge in London

TO ENTER VISIT: https://dragonboatevents.co.uk/construction-industry-dragon-boat-challenge/

This annual event is always set to be an exciting event, showcasing fierce competition and camaraderie among construction companies in and around London. With a new venue for the 24th year, we were excited to introduce this year’s dragon boat race to Surrey Docks – with its scenic waterfront it provides the perfect backdrop for an exciting dragon boat race day.

It was a gorgeous morning over London as the sun rose on Thursday 23rd May. The NewWave events team had arrived and were setting up ready and raring to go! With eight 30ft boats involved in the dragon boat race, it was one of our biggest and most popular dragon boat races of the season. We had an incredible 39 teams enter from the construction industry all coming together to support CRASH charity.

‘CRASH unites the construction industry by channelling the professional expertise, construction products and donations of our Corporate Patrons and supporters to: Transform hostels, day centres, night shelters and move-on accommodation for homeless people across the UK. Create caring environments where children and adults who need end of life care in a hospice can spend precious time together with their families and deliver meaningful social impact between companies and charities to create a more caring society and deliver long-lasting benefits in communities across the UK.’ – https://www.crash.org.uk/

1pm approached and a few butterflies of nerves and excitement as the dragon boat race began! The spectator area was full to the brim, the hustle and bustle of teams getting themselves ready for the day ahead. We had the club room designated for NewWave Events race control area as well as the base for CRASH Charity with the ever-popular Batak competition running alongside all the other excitement of the day. (The NewWave Events team obviously had to make sure the Batak was fit for purpose before the day with an inter-office Batak competition, won by a country mile by Aiden, our logistics and events manager!)

A full day ahead with 20 heats, 3 semi-finals and one grand-final. In Deep Ship, HQR Vikings, ISG Agility Sea Dragons and Parkaray were the first teams up in the dragon boat race ready to compete in Heat number 1. HQR Vikings took a storming lead with a time of 68.14 seconds – no other team in heat 1 managing to cross that sub-70 mark. In fact, only one other team could beat their time in the whole of round 1! Opera were standing in first place after round 1 with HQR Vikings a close second. These were the teams to beat after the first 10 heats, but this was the construction industry – anything could happen!

The teams only had one more round to paddle their quickest times in order to advance through to the semi-finals. A BBQ pit stop for all teams to load up on energy as the second round of the boat race began. The burgers and beverages must have helped with 18 out of the 39 teams finishing round 2 hitting a sub-70 time! The race to the semi-finals was on.

After a battle in the semi-finals, the teams advancing through to the grand-final were Boaty McBainsface, Opera, The Horizon Dragons, and HQR Vikings.

Deep breaths as the final teams lined up on the start line for the Constructions Industry Dragon Boat Challenge. Boaty McBainsface took an early lead, pulling slightly ahead of all other teams, their paddling technique was on point. The other three teams were hot on their tails though. Spectators really got into it, screaming for their favourite team! All teams were neck and neck coming up to the half way mark but in the last 50m Boaty McBainsface surged forward, there was no stopping them. They crossed the finish line with so much power and energy, winning the construction industry challenge but then, disaster!! They over celebrated and capsized!!! Boaty McBainsface emerged back on to dry land a little soggy but with huge smiles on their faces after their little celebratory swim!  

What a day! The weather was spot on, teams were sportsmanlike and supportive and an incredible amount of money was raised for a brilliant cause.

Trisha Pickersgill, Chief Executive at CRASH, said: “I was delighted to attend my first Construction Industry Dragon Boat Challenge in aid of CRASH. Thank you to our media partner Building Magazine, event organisers NewWave Events and the wonderful teams from across the construction industry who joined us. The fundraising efforts were incredible and will go on to leave a lasting impact in our communities when combined with the best of the industry’s professional expertise and construction product. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event in what will be the 25th, Construction Industry Dragon Boat Challenge.” – https://thejoinerynetwork.co.uk/2024/06/10/dragon-boat-challenge-sees-27k-raised-for-crash/

lincoln dragon boat race

Lincoln Dragon Boat Race

June saw the annual return of the Lincoln Dragon Boat Race! This year’s event organised by Ringrose Law in aid of LIVES was a booming success with 16 teams entering.

Bayford Waterfront was littered with food stands, drinks stalls, passers-by, spectators and of course the teams participating in the exhilarating dragon boat race! The day began and teams came down to the boat marshalling area, got kitted out with their buoyancy aids, grabbed their paddles and spent their last few moments on dry land attempting to think of some last minute tactics before their first dragon boat race of the day.

First up in the dragon boat race were Siemens Energy vs Shock n Oars vs Ringrose Rowers ready to try and show the crowds just how it’s done for the first heat of the day. Ringrose Rowers pulled through winning that first heat with a time of 69.39 seconds. With Ringrose Law sponsoring that first heat, that was a brilliant win from them!

Round 1 continued into the early afternoon when the heavens started to open and rain came pouring down!!! Believe us however, it did not stop the fun, competitiveness and camaraderie of the teams and the helms involved in the dragon boat race! Hoods were up and game faces were on as everyone paddled through the rain into an exciting Round 2.

As Round 2 started, the current leaders of the day were the Thomson Tornados with a first race time of 64.38 seconds. Thomson Tornados were the team to beat but the question was who was going to stay strong through the great British weather to move up the leaderboard…

Round 2 timings soared way above the timings in Round 1! 11 out of the 16 teams secured sub-70 second times in Round 2 with Thomson Tornados being knocked off that top stop and Stroke Masters storming ahead with a time of 64.07 seconds – the quickest time of the day so far.

“The atmosphere was electric as participants left no paddle stroke unturned in their quest for victory” says Alex Bennett the event organiser from Ringrose Law – https://www.ringroselaw.co.uk/2024/06/18/thrilling-success-at-lincoln-dragon-boat-festival-this-weekend/

An incredible photo finish from both semi-final races! Timings had to be reviewed in the finish tent before any results were announced, building the excitement and tension for all involved! Lucy, the event manager, built suspense on the microphone before finally revealing the top 3 crews advancing through to the grand final as Gelder Load of this, Thomson Tornados and Shock n Oars.

After more thrilling yet soggy races, the teams advancing through to the semi-finals, achieving the highest total times of the day were Gelder Load of this, Thomson Tornados, Shock n Oars, Dragon Boat Z, Brown & Co and Stroke Masters. It was all to play for in these two semi-finals.

With lots of chanting and banter between the teams leading up to the start line for the final time in the dragon boat race, everyone’s spirits were high but focus was strong! All teams shot off the start line and tried their best to stay in paddling time with each other, helms worked hard on keeping their race lines poker straight and all teams crossed the finish line within just over a second of each other. The finish judge reviewed the times and finish line video to reveal the Lincoln Dragon Boat Race Champions as….GELDER LOAD OF THIS! Fantastic win!

“Given the poor weather all day and the conditions the team had to endure I was overwhelmed they stayed so positive and focused.” said Steve Gelder, CEO of Gelder Group. “Participating in this event has not only been a fantastic team-building experience but also an opportunity to support worthy local Charity LIVES.” – https://gelder.co.uk/2024/06/19/gelder-group-vikings-are-dragon-boat-race-winners-2024/

dragon boat racing in salford, machester, north west

Chinese Dragon Boat Festival in Manchester UK

On the weekend of 8th June, Manchester’s Salford Quays was taken over by the thrilling, extravagant and exciting UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival!

Since the Xinhua Chinese Association (XCA) introduced the first UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival (UCDBF) at the Salford Water Sports Centre in 2012, XCA has continuously been developing this event into a popular and well-known community. It is an event that contributes greatly to the multicultural and inclusive society, as well as promoting understanding, exchanges and friendship between the UK and China, which have been highly praised by all parties”https://www.dragonboatfestival.uk/about

The UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival at Salford Quays always promises to be a vibrant and exhilarating celebration of Chinese culture and tradition. Spectators can enjoy a feast of Chinese cuisine, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities, immersing themselves in the rich heritage and festive spirit. All of the teams participating in the day’s dragon boat race were a brilliant mix of cultures making this a wonderfully diverse day.

The day began with a captivating opening ceremony setting the stage for a day of thrilling races and cultural festivities. Then the 41-teams strong dragon boat race began! The teams involved in the first race of the day were all local Mancunian teams, making this our first super competitive race of the day. Manchester United Foundation Red Devils won that first race with a time of 77.55 seconds. The races got more exciting and more competitive as the day went on. Teams gathered for team talks, tactics and good luck handshakes.

After round 1 the team leading the dragon boat race were the Belt and Road Association UK, the only team up until then to break the 65 second mark!

“As the festival unfolded, we witnessed colourful parades, lively performances, and a festive atmosphere that resonated with joy and enthusiasm. The intricately crafted dragon boats sailed past to the roaring cheers of spectators lining the quays. Drone footage was captured to get the sense of actually what it feels like to be slicing through the water at speed.” – https://www.rockfieldmedia.com/blog/uk-chinese-dragon-boat-festival-2024

Round 2 flew by with almost all teams improving on their round 1 times. More focused technique and understanding of how to propel the dragon boats through the water resulted in some incredible results. But still, no one could catch the tail of Belt and Road Association UK with a round 2 time of a fantastic 62.66 seconds!

One of our helms commented on his race with the Belt and Road Association UK saying “they were so quick off the start line I could’ve flown off the back of the boat! The power in that boat is unmatched!”  

The race wasn’t over though! As we all know, anything can happen in dragon boat racing! Advancing through to the three semi-finals were the 12 quickest teams with only 6 of these making it through to the grand-final. With a dramatic did-not-finish from Liverpool CSSA-2 due to a big wobble and a capsize, the semi-finals were completed. The six teams advancing through to the huge 6 boat grand-final were: The Belt and Road Association UK, Che Kung Tong, Bank of China, The Cargill Canoe, New Jackson Dragons and Liverpool CSSA-1.

With a nerve-wracking line up on the start line, all teams were set and ready to go. Hawaii 5-0 boomed around the water as the teams attempted to paddle to victory. It was an absolutely outstanding win from Belt and Road Association UK winning by at least a dragon boat length, flying to a well-deserved win!

Want to plan our own dragon boat event? get in touch with NewWave Events: https://dragonboatevents.co.uk/contact-us-dragon-boat-events-newwave-events/

Year of the dragon Promo

Lunar Year of the Dragon Promotion Winners!

Exciting Announcement: Winners of Our 2024 Dragon Boat Festival Promotion! 🐉

As the Year of the Dragon 🐉 sets off with a roar, we are thrilled to announce the winners of our exclusive promotion for the 2024 Dragon Boat Festivals. After receiving an overwhelming response from teams eager to participate, we’re delighted to unveil the lucky winners who have clinched fantastic prizes for their crews.

Without further ado, let’s congratulate the winners:

Construction Industry Category:
🏆 AKT II

Peterborough:
🏆 Barhale

Milton Keynes:
🏆 Opus Restructuring LLP

Cambridge:
🏆 Huawei Technologies R&D UK Ltd

These outstanding teams have not only secured their spots in the upcoming Dragon Boat Festivals but have also bagged amazing prizes, including 25% off their team entry fee, branded T-shirts, water bottles, and fortune cookies for their entire crew! 🌊🙌

For those who missed out this time, fret not! There are still plenty of opportunities to join in the excitement. Head over to dragonboatevents.co.uk to explore our online entry forms or give us a call today at 📞01536 674748 for more information.

Let’s embrace the Year of the Dragon with an exhilarating start and ensure that this year’s Dragon Boat Festivals become an unforgettable adventure for all participating teams! 

Stay tuned for more updates and details as we gear up for an exhilarating Dragon Boat Festival experience. Congratulations once again to our deserving winners! 🎉

Year of the dragon Promo

Lunar New Year Promotion – Year of the Dragon!

Exciting news!!! In celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon 🐉, we are launching an exclusive promotion for our 2024 Dragon Boat Festivals 🌊🙌
 
If you enter your team/(s) by 5pm on the 11th March, you will automatically be entered into a draw for a chance to win an amazing 25% off your team entry fee, branded T-shirts, water bottles AND fortune cookies for your whole crew!
 
Head to dragonboatevents.co.uk to find our online entry forms or call us today for more info 📞01536 674748
 
Embrace the Year of the Dragon with a roaring start and make this year’s Dragon Boat Festivals an unforgettable experience for your team!
 
🌊 Teams already entered will automatically qualify for the draw!🌊
 
Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival

Embrace the Year of the Dragon at the 2024 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival!

Entries are now open for the 2024 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, set to make waves at the Peterborough Rowing Club on June 22nd, 2024. Organised by NewWave Events, this marks the 24th year of this fantastic event, and they are determined to surpass the success of previous years. In 2023, a sell-out 48 teams participated, raising £42,000 for the esteemed Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Gather your crew of up to 11 participants and prepare to navigate the water in magnificent 30-foot dragon boats. Each boat boasts its own dedicated drummer, setting the pace for an exhilarating race. Alongside the thrilling races, which are expected to draw thousands of spectators, you can look forward to a wide array of entertainment and stalls suitable for the entire family.

In the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune. Just like the dragons of old, this year is filled with anticipation and excitement. So, be ready to celebrate this auspicious year as you join us for a day of fundraising and team building.

Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival

Alicja Mierzejewska, Executive Director at NewWave Events, enthusiastically stated, “We are thrilled to announce that the event will run again in 2024! The event raised an amazing amount for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in 2023, and we are hoping to beat this in 2024! We can’t wait to welcome back the incredible companies that join us year after year and eagerly anticipate new participants. Our dragons are primed and ready, so join us this summer for an exceptional day of fundraising and team unity!”

Lucy Morton, Executive Director at NewWave Events, expressed her delight, saying, “It is a testament to the popularity of this event that we once again achieved the maximum entry, last year. We are sure that both crews and spectators will enjoy a fantastic day where we can continue to beat the fundraising total especially with the new minimum fundraising element. Last year was one of our busiest festivals yet and we are hoping to continue helping Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice raise as much as possible. Fingers crossed we get amazing weather in 2024 like we did for last year’s festival!”

This festival remains dedicated to raising essential funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, the sole specialist palliative care inpatient unit in Peterborough. The hospice offers expert care and support to individuals living with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families.

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice heavily relies on fundraising activities and voluntary donations to sustain its vital services throughout the region. This makes events like the Dragon Boat Festival all the more significant.

Teams have a fantastic incentive to raise sponsorship, as the top fundraisers will be awarded the charity trophy and receive a special Glo Golf experience.

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice’s Senior Community Fundraiser, Nilesh Patel, said: “It’s that time of year again when we ask people to put their best paddle forward and help make a splash for families needing our care, and we can’t wait to welcome every on board.

Last year the community helped us to be there when it matters by raising an incredible £42,000  – money which helps fund our expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support. We are so grateful for the backing of the festival again this year.”

The festival offers space for up to 48 crews to compete on the 200-meter course. Enhanced Gold and Silver entry packages are available, offering marketing benefits and a significant donation to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. Each team will participate in a minimum of three races, and all equipment is provided, with no prior experience required. A range of bankside activities will keep teams and spectators entertained.

The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival is supported by ESP Magazine and sponsored by Peterborough-based appliance manufacturer Hotpoint. Ian Moverley, Communications Director at Hotpoint commented that: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the festival for the third year running as part of our commitment to supporting fundraising in our local community and for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in particular. Our colleagues love taking part in a fun-filled day supporting such a great cause and hopefully this time we can make it onto the winner’s podium!”

For more information and to enter, call Festival organizers NewWave Events at 01536 674 748 or visit https://dragonboatevents.co.uk/peterborough-dragon-boat-festival/ to register online.

Learn more about the essential work of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice by visiting www.sueryder.org/thorpehall or emailing thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org.

Join the 2024 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival and be a part of a truly memorable Year of the Dragon celebration, all while supporting a worthy cause!

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice – What Funds Raised by Dragon Boat Teams Could Help to Buy:

£145 could fund a Sue Ryder Nurse for an entire day.

£600 could fund another 24 hours of expert care, ensuring people spend their final moments surrounded by loved ones.

£3,244 could provide at-home care during someone’s final days by a Sue Ryder Hospice at Home Nurse.

Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival photos courtesy Magdalena Sienicka Photography.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival is back for 2024! Entries are now open!

Get your paddles ready! The highly anticipated 2024 Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival is back, and we’re inviting teams to join us at Willen Lake on Saturday, July 6th, 2024. Festival organisers, NewWave Events, are expecting up to 48 teams to join in the fun and surpass the remarkable £16,850 fundraising achievement of 2023!

 

We’re proud to announce that the 2024 Dragon Boat Festival is generously supported by our valued sponsors: Business MK, Pulse Magazine, MKFM, and our new charity partner, Brain Tumour Research. With the support of these partners, we’re determined to make this year’s festival the best one yet.

In 2024, teams will rally together to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research, a medical research charity dedicated to funding research and raising awareness of brain tumours. The top fundraisers will earn a coveted charity trophy and team prize, providing an extra incentive to gather sponsorship.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, adding an extra layer of excitement to this already vibrant dragon boat festival. Join us to celebrate this auspicious year as we come together for a day of fundraising and team building.

Alicja Mierzejewska, Executive Director at NewWave Events, said, “We’re delighted to announce the return of this event in 2024! We can’t wait to welcome back the fantastic companies that join us year after year and eagerly anticipate new additions. Our dragons are primed and ready, so we’ll see you all in 2024 for an exhilarating day of fundraising and team building!”

Lucy Morton, Executive Director at NewWave Events, added, “The Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival embodies an incredible sense of community each year, and it’s wonderful to bring people together in this way for the benefit of numerous outstanding local charities. We are thrilled to partner with a new charity this year, Brain Tumour Research and see the good that this relationship will bring to the event with the aim of raising as many funds for a very important cause. Hopefully 2024 will bring much better weather than the 2023 Festival!”

Just like in 2023, the festival will feature 30-foot dragon boats, accommodating teams of up to 11 participants. This ensures that companies and organisations of all sizes can easily form teams. With entries now open, entities from across the region, including companies, clubs, and organizations, are assembling their teams to partake. These teams represent a diverse mix of newcomers and returning crews, all sharing the common goal of enjoying a fantastic day with colleagues and friends while making a meaningful impact in their community. Each team will participate in a minimum of three races, and all equipment is provided, with no prior experience required. A range of bankside activities will keep teams and spectators entertained.

Enhanced Gold and Silver entry packages are available, offering marketing benefits such as the company’s logo displayed prominently on each side of a dragon boat, as well as a substantial donation to our partner charity Brain Tumour Research.

Matt Howarth, corporate development manager at Brain Tumour Research: “We are delighted to be the charity partner for the 2024 Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival. One in three people knows someone affected by a brain tumour, and the disease kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.

“With so many people affected it’s vital we continue our work to raise awareness, to fund research at our Centres of Excellence, and to lobby the Government and the larger charities to invest more. As a Milton Keynes-based charity, we hope lots of teams will get behind our cause and help raise vital funds so that we can improve treatment options for patients and, ultimately, find a cure.”

For additional details and to access an entry form, visit: https://dragonboatevents.co.uk/milton-keynes-dragon-boat-festival/  or contact dragonboatevents@newwave-events.co.uk. Learn more about the essential work of Brain Tumour Research by visiting https://braintumourresearch.org/. Let’s make a splash in 2024 and make a positive difference together!

dragon boat racing wales

Dragon Boat Racing – An Exciting Team Building Activity

Dragon boat racing is not merely a sport; it’s a team-building exercise that promotes values of resilience, perseverance, and teamwork. This water activity is a fantastic solution for corporate events, providing a unique and fun way to enhance communication, productivity, and relationships among colleagues. In this article, we’ll explore how dragon boat racing can be a game-changer for your team building efforts, with a special focus on NewWave’s private corporate dragon boat events and charity dragon boat festivals.

The Elements of Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing is a water sport that involves teams of paddlers working together to navigate a boat through a race course. The sport requires a high level of teamwork and communication, making it an excellent team-building activity. The fastest teams are those that can synchronise their paddling and work together most effectively.

dragon boat team

The Power of Teamwork in Dragon Boat Racing

In dragon boat racing, teamwork is not just important; it’s essential. The sport requires all paddlers to work in unison, promoting a level of communication and coordination that can be transferred to the corporate world. This activity takes participants out of their comfort zones and encourages them to rely on their teammates, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual trust.

NewWave’s Corporate Dragon Boat Events

NewWave, a leading name in the realm of team-building activities, offers an unconventional yet thrilling experience with their corporate dragon boat events. These events are not just about racing in a dragon boat; they are about fostering a sense of unity, enhancing communication, and building stronger bonds within a team. 

Charity Dragon Boat Festivals

In addition to their corporate events, NewWave also organises charity dragon boat festivals. These events align participants with organisational goals and values, while also providing an opportunity for companies to give back to the community. The festivals are not only a fun day out for employees but also a chance to build strong, supportive relationships between co-workers and the wider community.

Dragon Boat Festivals

Dragon Boat Racing: A Fun Day for the Company

Dragon boat racing is not just a team-building activity; it’s also a great way to have a company fun day. The sport is exciting and engaging, and the friendly competition can boost team motivation and retention levels. Plus, the physical activity and outdoor setting can renew energy and enthusiasm among employees.

In conclusion, dragon boat racing is an amazing tool for team building. Whether you’re looking to improve communication within your team, strengthen bonds between colleagues, or simply have a fun day out, dragon boat racing offers a unique and effective solution. With NewWave’s private corporate dragon boat events and charity dragon boat festivals, your team can experience the benefits of this sport firsthand.

Corporate Dragon Boat Events

cambdragon-1581

Gong Hey Fat Choy! Entries are open! Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival 2023

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) has joined once again with the event organisers NewWave Events to launch the 17th Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival and what better time to announce this news than Chinese New Year!

Cambridge dragon boat festival team on water

The 2023 Festival takes place on Saturday 9th September on the River Cam at Fen Ditton and is one of the largest and most eagerly anticipated team events in the region. Over 30 crews representing companies and organisations from all over Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas are expected to battle it out over the 200m racecourse. The teams will also be raising vital funds for ACT, the only charity that supports Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals.

Dragon boat racing has an ancient Chinese history dating back 2,000 years and according to the Chinese calendar, 2023 is the year of the Rabbit. In Chinese culture, the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded and ingenious.

By entering a dragon boat crew and raising money for ACT, the teams will be helping to raise much needed funds for cutting edge technology, additional specialist services, vital research and extra comforts for patients that make all the difference over and above what would be possible through NHS funding alone.

ACT Chief Executive, Shelly Thake, said:

“We are truly honoured and very excited to be the charity of choice for Cambridgeshire’s Dragon Boat Festival for the sixth year running. Last year, our supporters raised an amazing £12,000 either by taking part in the race itself, or coming along on the day. A big thank you to everyone who helped to make last year’s festival such a success, every penny raised for ACT helps to make your great hospitals even better.”

Alicja Mierzejewska, Executive Director at NewWave Events, said: “We are thrilled to announce that the event will run again in 2023! The event raised an amazing amount for ACT in 2022 and we are hoping to beat this in 2023! We are super excited to see all the amazing companies that enter year on year and we are also looking forward to seeing some new ones! Our dragons are ready and waiting, so see you all this summer for a great day of fundraising and teambuilding!””

Lucy Morton, Executive Director at NewWave Events, said: “The Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival is definitely one of my favourite events and I am so glad we can now bring this back to the city once again. To be able to continue the partnership with Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) for 2023 is just the icing on the cake for the come-back of this event! We are all systems go now at NewWave with the preparations and cannot wait to welcome teams and spectators back for the 17th year!”

No previous experience is required to take part, just plenty of team spirit so why not take up the challenge? The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided, and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. The festival offers a full day of fun on land as well as water with activities on the bankside to entertain teams and spectators. The event is supported by Cambridge Edition and Cambridge Independent.

The team raising the most money for ACT will be awarded the charity trophy and receive the special prize of a Punting Tour along the River Cam courtesy of Let’s Go Punting.

For further information and to book your place on the start line please visit

https://dragonboatevents.co.uk/cambridge-dragon-boat-festival/ or call NewWave Events on 01536 674 748.

To find out more about the vital work of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust please call Donna Lee-Willis, Head of Community Fundraising on 01223 217757 or visit www.helpyourhospital.co.uk 

Images

Please find attached photos of the Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival, courtesy of Magdalena Sienicka Photography