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

 

Paddles Up- reduced

Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival 2022 – Last Chance to enter!

The Festival is back and over 44 teams have already signed up to take part! There are only 4 spaces available, so sign up today and join them on the start line! The Festival, supported by MK Charities, MKFM, Business MK and MK Pulse Magazine, takes place at Willen Lake on Saturday 24th September 2022 and is one of the highlights of the regional events calendar.

 

The Dragon Boat Festival attracts a complete mix of new and returning crews and all with the same aim in mind – to enjoy a fabulous day out with colleagues and friends and make a difference in their community. This year crews can choose to fundraise for their chosen charity, which means many charities will greatly benefit from the festival. On top of the fundraising, this year, there has been, many enhanced gold and silver entries, which include marketing benefits as well as a significant donation to the charity.  The gold entries include; Aero Tec Laboratories, Ibstock (two teams), Little Star Media, MHA MacIntyre Hudson, Personal Group

R S Response Ltd, Siemlus and SMC Pneumatics (UK) Ltd (four teams) and silver entries; Clipper Logistics, Cummins inc (two teams), PJ Care and RJS Ventol (two teams).

Alicja Mierzejewska, Executive Director at NewWave Events says: “We are thrilled to be able to bring the festival back this year and it’s promising to be a fantastic day with many local companies taking part. It’s an amazing community event and I think making it an open charity festival will make a big difference to those in need. This year there will be smaller boats that fit 10 paddlers and a drummer so getting a team together is much easier. If you are a local company and don’t have any plans for September you can still enter! See you all very soon.”

To take part in the dragon boat racing and help raise money for a charity, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided, and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. As well as the medals and trophies for the top crews, there will also be trophies for the best dressed crew and crew raising the most money for their charity.

As well as races every 10 minutes between 10am-5pm, there will also be a variety of bankside entertainment to enjoy such as funfair rides, face painter, a World War II Spitfire from the BBMF flypast and food stalls. Come down to Willen Lake on 24th September and watch over 40 local companies battle it out in 30’ colourful dragon boats! The event is free to spectators, which makes it a great day out for family and friends.

For further information and an entry form visit: https://dragonboatevents.co.uk/milton-keynes-dragon-boat-festival/  or call NewWave Events on 01536 674 748. For information about how you can help with fundraising, visit https://www.mkcharities.com/.

Milton Keynes FES

Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival is coming to Willen Lake for 19th year! Entries now open!

Entries are officially open for the annual Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival which returns to Willen Lake on Saturday 24th September 2022 and, new festival organisers NewWave Events, are expecting an even higher turnout this time around.

The Dragon Boat Festival supported this year by Business MK, Pulse Magazine, MKFM and MK Charities attracts more than 50 companies annually and for the first-time companies can raise money for a charity of their choice. Let’s make a difference together!

There is a great incentive for teams to raise as much sponsorship as possible as the top fundraisers will win a charity trophy and the sponsorship raised by the participating teams is expected to make a significant contribution to the charities in and around Milton Keynes.

Alicja Mierzejewska, Executive Director at NewWave Events, said: “We are thrilled to be able to carry on the legacy of the festival and we are excited to bring new and fresh ideas in the years to come. Lucy and I didn’t hesitate at all with a decision of starting NewWave Events. Being involved with planning this festival previously, we knew it was and is an important event for the participants, charities, and local community, so we started planning as soon as possible. When Gable Events closed it was certainly an end of an era, but we are optimistic for the future, and we are here to bring everyone back together again after what’s been a difficult time for everyone! Our dragons are ready and waiting, so see you all in September for a great day of fundraising and teambuilding!”

 

Lucy Morton, Executive Director at NewWave Events said: “Bring on September! I’m so glad we get to bring this amazing event back to Milton Keynes and the new feature to raise money for any local charity I think will bring more interest and raise vital funds to help so many different charities in the area. After such a tough couple of years, this is exactly what the community and charities need and we cannot wait for it to all come together for the best year yet.”

 

The Festival will be using smaller 30’ (up to 11 person) dragon boats with reduced entry fees to make it easier for companies and organisations of all sizes to enter teams! With entries now open, companies, clubs and organisations from across the region are getting their teams together to take part. They represent a complete mix of new and returning crews but all with the same aim in mind – to enjoy a fabulous day out with colleagues and friends and make a difference in their community. Enhanced Gold and Silver entry packages are available which include marketing benefits such as the company’s logo on each side of a dragon boat as well as a significant donation to the charity of their choice.

To take part in the dragon boat racing and help raise money for your charity, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races.

For further information and an entry form visit: https://dragonboatevents.co.uk/milton-keynes-dragon-boat-festival/. If you wish to find out more about charities you can help, visit https://www.mkcharities.com/