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.
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.
