Gloucester Dragon Boat Festival returned for this year on Sunday 12th May 2024. The Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn and NewWave Events partnered up for another brilliant dragon boat race, raising money for Young Gloucestershire and other local charities.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn was formed in 1983 supporting local, national and international causes through a programme of fundraising. The annual dragon boat race being a highlight of the club’s calendar with the club’s core values being fun, fellowship and fund-raising – nothing describes a charity dragon boat race better!
From 10am the picturesque Gloucester Docks saw teams of paddlers compete fiercely to become the Gloucester Dragon Boat Festival 2024 Champions. Rhian and Aiden bounced back and forth on the microphones, booming commentary and paddler interviews around the docks for all spectators to hear. Passers-by flocked around the waters edge, watching the extravagant dragon boats race every 15 minutes, with friends and families cheering their loved ones on!
“Since coming to Gloucestershire, it has become a firm favourite amongst hundreds of spectators.” – BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0wexl6300o
By the end of Round 1 of the dragon boat race it was Team Safran that held the quickest time of the day so far with a whopping 64.92 seconds in their first race. That speedy Safran team didn’t come to play, they were in it to win it from the get go.
The rhythmic beat of drums and the synchronised chanting of ‘ONE, TWO’ from the paddlers drew even larger crowds to the docks, creating an electric atmosphere making the dragon boat race as competitive as ever. As you can see, the competition for best dressed was just as serious as the dragon boat racing!
Round 2 of the dragon boat race came to a close with Team Safran just managing to keep their lead, Team Hydro were hot on their tail however, with both teams securing a sub-60 time. Who will be able to secure that Champion spot this year?
In round 3 Team Hydro managed to overtake Safran’s time! Both teams advancing through to the semi-finals along with Simpson Associates, GMA, Tayntons and Newland Homes, all ready to paddle to the bitter end.
CHAOS in the semi-finals as Hydro JUST miss out on a place in the final with Safran, Tayntons and Newland Homes becoming the top three teams, ready to battle in the final to get their dragon head across that finish line first.
These three finalist teams paddled their hearts out to reach this final stage, showcasing incredible teamwork and determination. The weather – perfect, the water – calm, everything set for a thrilling final – but anything can happen in a dragon boat race final!
And it was a photo finish with all teams in the final finishing within one second of each other. Just scraping that win was, of course, Team Safran, becoming the 2024 Champions!
Amidst the friendly competition, the event created a real sense of camaraderie and community spirit, whilst raising money to help change peoples’ lives – making it a memorable day for all involved.
See you next year!
