Public Announcement: Following the recent announcement of her Majesty the Queen’s passing.
Please await official correspondence from our team regarding any upcoming events between 9th – 19th September.

ENTRIES OPENING SOON!

WHEN

Saturday 21st June 2025

WHERE

Peterborough Rowing Club, Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough PE3 6LN

2025

PETERBOROUGH

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

IN AID OF SUE RYDER THORPE HALL HOSPICE

Join The Community

Check out the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival Facebook page! Follow the latest news about the event, including updates on teams entered!

Hotpoint-Brand-logo_2021

Dragon boat racing stands as the fastest-growing water activity in Britain today, and, more importantly, it’s the most fun! Each 30′ boat accommodates up to 10 people, with a dedicated drummer at the front beating time and our skilled helm at the tail ensuring a straight course. No prior experience is required; all you need is an abundance of team spirit!

The 25th Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, in aid of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, is scheduled for Saturday, June 21st 2025, at Peterborough Rowing Club, Thorpe Meadows, PE3 6LN. A total of 48 teams are expected to compete on the thrilling 200m race course, while several thousand spectators eagerly watch. Beyond the exciting races, a wide array of bankside entertainment, delectable food stalls, and fun activities are set to ensure a fabulous day out for the entire family! For more details on entry levels, continue reading below.

The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival primarily caters to corporate groups seeking an exceptional team-building day out while simultaneously supporting and raising funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. Upon entering, you have the choice to upgrade your entry package to include a donation to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice or raise funds in your unique way. Learn more about the charity and how you can contribute below.

We are thrilled to bring this incredible event to you once more, and we look forward to seeing you all there! Let’s make this year one to remember, raising as much money as possible for the local charity. Interested in discovering more about NewWave Events? Visit https://newwave-events.co.uk/ or feel free to reach out to us at 01536 674 748; we’d love to introduce ourselves!

Entries are now OPEN - Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival 2024!

So, are you interested in entering a team? You are in the right place - It’s quick and simple! All you need to do is read the entry levels below, choose the package which suits your team best, click on the ‘enter now’ button and fill in your details on our online entry form.

Alternatively, you can download our PDF Entry Form, fill in your details and send it to us by post at Unit 5 The Old Quarry, Nene Valley Business Park, Oundle, PE8 4HN or scan the entry form and send to dragonboatevents@newwave-events.co.uk.

Once, we receive your entry we will send you an email with a payment link for card payment (2% transaction charge), an invoice for a bank transfer or you can send us a cheque for the right amount (Please specify how you are going to pay on the entry form). You can also pay by card directly via the online entry form. Once the payment is received, we will send you an acknowledgement email with a confirmation of entry and further information on the event*. If you are the assigned Crew Manager, we will be contacting you with any new information related to the event.

*Please note that your entry is not confirmed until you've received an acknowledgment email.

Entry Levels

Entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. No refunds will be given once an entry has been accepted and there can be no refund if the Festival or racing has to be cancelled due to conditions outside the control of NewWave Events.

Note: There is a minimum fundraising amount of £500 per entry (Silver and Gold entries go towards this). All funds raised are for our charity partner, Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Standard entry - £580 + vat (£696)

  • Dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment
  • At least 3 races per crew
  • Music and entertainment
  • Trophies for the top three crews, the best-placed mixed crew (minimum 5 ladies), the crew raising the most money for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, and the ‘best dressed’ crew
  • Medals for the top three crews
  • A fantastic 15-hole Crazy Golf experience including a welcome drink at Glo Golf Peterborough for the team raising the most money for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. 
  • All full-resolution photographs from the day available digitally
  • Does not include any contribution towards the £500 minimum fundraising amount.

Silver Entry - £1,130 + vat plus £500 donation to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice  (£1,856)

  • Standard entry plus £500 donation (meeting minimum fundraising amount) to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, company logo on each side of one dragon boat, acknowledgment on the Festival website, online souvenir programme and commentary

Gold Entry - £1,590 + vat plus £750 donation to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice (£2,658)

  • Silver entry plus an additional £250 donation to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice (£750 total), crew gazebo with chairs and full-page advert in our online souvenir programme

Additional standard teams - £480 + vat (£576)

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice

Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, Sue Ryder helps people live the best life they possibly can. Sue Ryder is there when it matters.

Last year, the charity provided palliative care to thousands of families across the country, including from Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice here in Peterborough - the only specialst palliative care inpatient in the city - as well as a Hospice at Home service for patients who prefer to receive palliative care at home.  

The Peterborough Sue Ryder hospice also offer complimentary therapy for people living with a life-limiting condition as well as rehabilitation and bereavement support, which is also available from a number of Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces across the region and Sue Ryder’s Online Bereavement Support.

Sue Ryder relies on its incredible supporters to help raise crucial funds for its care, at a time where demand for their services are increasing. Your support will help Sue Ryder continue to deliver its expert and compassionate care and be there for families at the most difficult times of their lives. 

Please speak to the hospice’s fundraising team to find out how you can make your time in the dragon boat count. 

Tel: 01733225999

E-mail: thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org 

Visit: www.sueryder.org/thorpehall

Facebook/SueRyderThorpeHallHospice

Twitter@SRThorpeHall

Reg charity no: 1052076

All crews are encouraged to raise money for the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival charity Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice using the on-line giving information and/or sponsor forms provided (linked below). All the fees from standard entries go towards the costs of running the event. The charity benefits only from sponsorship money raised, or from gold and silver entries.

Reminder: there is a minimum fundraising of £500 which all goes to our charity partner, Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

As a charity, Sue Ryder is heavily reliant on the generosity of supporters to reach more people when they really need it, so no one is left to grieve or die alone. 

By taking part in the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, and  raising vital funds, you are helping Sue Ryder’s specialist teams to provide expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support; you are helping Sue Ryder be there when it matters. 

A generous donation of £500 could fund 20 hours of expert and compassionate care, so our Sue Ryder doctors and nurses can manage patients’ pain and symptoms and make more space for a family’s final days to be filled with love. 

Start raising money today!

Fundraising Form 2024

Sue Ryder - Online Bereavement Support

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice

Top fundraisers’ prize

The team raising the most money for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice will be awarded the charity trophy and receive a special 15-hole Crazy Golf experience at Glo Golf Peterborough. Enjoy a game against your colleagues at this fantastic glow in the dark experience. Visit www.glogolf.co.uk or tel 01733 215 683

Event Sponsor

Media Sponsor


ESP is a Peterborough Magazine that has  been covering the latest stories about art, culture, sports, food and more for over 20 years. Our team of skilled content creators are experienced and passionate about what they do, and are here to provide you with insightful stories about the topics that interest you the most in Peterborough. We’re an independent and reliable voice in the Online Magazine.

Crew Gazebos

Back by popular demand, crew gazebos are again available for hire. If you’ve entered a standard or a silver package you can purchase a 3m x 3m crew gazebo with 12 chairs - £220 + vat

*Gold package includes a gazebo in the cost*

Each high quality unit measures 3m x 3m and comes complete with 12 chairs (more are available on request).

The gazebos will be situated in a good position on the Rowing Lake overlooking the racecourse and will provide an ideal base for your crew as well as shelter in case of inclement weather (or from the hot sun!)

The gazebos will be delivered and erected for you before the event and taken away at the end and all come with your company name board attached. We have managed to negotiate an excellent rate with our supplier and are providing them at cost plus a small administration fee.

Gazebos will be allocated on a first come, first served basis (max one gazebo per team entry) on receipt of the completed booking form below together with appropriate payment.

Please note that crews may bring their own gazebos but space will only be allocated after the paid gazebos by the start.

Booking Form

To purchase a gazebo if you haven't already included it in your online booking form you can fill in the Crew Gazebo Booking Form , fill in your details and send it to us by post at Unit 5 The Old Quarry, Nene Valley Business Park, Oundle, PE8 4HN or scan the document and send to dragonboatevents@newwave-events.co.uk.

Food Stalls

La Levantina - Paella

A1 Catering - Burgers, Bacon Rolls, Hot Dogs, Chips

Tony's Ices - Ice Cream Van

Fresh Ground Coffee and Donut Stall

Flypast

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will not be in a position to conduct any displays or flypasts in the coming weeks. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

 

 

 

 

 

Attractions

Between races there is plenty to see and do (and eat!) on the bank. You can find out more about the work of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and meet the teams from ESP and Hotpoint!

A range of side activities for all ages including small fairground rides and inflatables.

Batak Pro

Challenge your colleagues to the ultimate reaction game whilst waiting for your next race! Batak Pro tests your reaction speeds as you must hit the buttons as they light up as quickly as possible. Who can get the highest score in 30 seconds?

Caricaturist

Elevate the excitement at this year's Dragon Boat Festival with captivating live caricature artistry! Our skilled artist, known for entertaining audiences nationwide, will be on-site in Peterborough. With a talent for quick black and white (and colour) sketches, each completed in around 5 minutes, our artist adds a unique and lively element to the festivities. Perfect for individuals, groups or whole teams, this engaging experience is sure to leave a lasting impression at the Dragon Boat Festival – a memorable blend of art and entertainment!

Race Schedule 

2024 Race Schedule

We now have a new online version of the souvenir programme as well as printed Souvenir Programmes to help the environment and encourage sustainability. We’ve also introduced a LIVE RESULTS page for up-to-date race results on the day. The QR code will be given out on the day so it’s easily accessible by crews and spectators.

Advertise in the souvenir programme and promote your company’s services or products at Peterborough’s largest corporate team event

  • Expected event audience 3,000 including over 600 from Greater Peterborough businesses
  • Online and printed flip book full colour page portrait publication
  • Available free to all competitors, spectators, media and VIP's and accessible with a simple QR code

File formats

  • Ideally we require a high resolution PDF file with image resolution 300dpi for photos or drawings with scaling no more than 120%
  • Fonts should be embedded into the pdf or set to outline in your application
  • Safe area - any text or important items should be 3-5mm inside the edge of your document

Booking Form

If you haven't already included it in your online booking form you can download Peterborough Souvenir Programme Form 2024 fill in your details and send it to us by post at Unit 5 The Old Quarry, Nene Valley Business Park, Oundle, PE8 4HN or scan both documents and send to dragonboatevents@newwave-events.co.uk.

Crews comprise of up to 10 paddlers plus a drummer – squads may be larger (max 15 persons). Crews can be mixed, all female or all male and organisations may enter more than one crew. The minimum age is 16 and no previous experience is required. All crew members must be confident in cold water conditions, wearing light clothing and in moving water and compete entirely at their own risk. BDA qualified helms, buoyancy aids and water safety cover are provided by the organisers. All crews accepted for entry must abide with the competition rules and entry details on this website. Each crew is guaranteed a minimum of 3 races (subject to conditions).

The Crew Manager will receive a full Crew Managers Information Pack following email confirmation of payment for the event.

2024 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival Photos

Please share them on your social media and tag NewWave Events and festival partners :) 

#peterboroughdragonboatfestival

*Please note, participants and spectators must acknowledge the fact this event is in the public arena and therefore by entering the venue, this may result in the recording of his/her image.

Our photographer for 2024 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival is an award winning photographer Magdalena Sienicka. 

Address: Peterborough Rowing Club, Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough PE3 6LN

Limited Parking is available at Peterborough Rowing Lake so alternatively you can park at the overflow car park at Orton Mere or at The Dragonfly Hotel. Please have a look at the attached documents and plan your route accordingly.

Driving & Walking route to overflow car park at Orton Mere

Parking at Dragonfly Hotel

WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING ON THE DAY?
We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, sun cream in case of hot weather and a sun hat. We also suggest you bring a change of clothes too as you may get wet from splashes when paddling.

If you are the crew manager, please also bring your signed risk forms for your team.

Other than that you just need a bit of determination and team spirit!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
On the day of the event we recommend you wear comfortable sports clothing and trainers or strap on shoes. Flip flops are strictly NOT allowed. 

Rain coats and/or hats and sunglasses may also be a good idea depending on the weather!

ARE PETS ALLOWED?
The event site is an open, public area so pets are allowed.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM FUNDRAISING TOTAL?
This year all teams are required to raise £500 for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice (of course more than this amount is encouraged and our top fundraising team receives a prize on the day!). 

This is £500 per entry rather than per company entering i.e 3 teams entering from one company will be required to raise £1500.

Silver and Gold entries have their minimum fundraising total included in their entry (again we still encourage these teams to try and fundraise on top of this!).

As a charity, Sue Ryder is heavily reliant on the generosity of supporters to reach more people when they really need it, so no one is left to grieve or die alone. 

By taking part in the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, and  raising vital funds, you are helping Sue Ryder’s specialist teams to provide expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support; you are helping Sue Ryder be there when it matters. 

A generous donation of £500 could fund 20 hours of expert and compassionate care, so our Sue Ryder doctors and nurses can manage patients’ pain and symptoms and make more space for a family’s final days to be filled with love. 

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