Everything You Need To Know About... Newcastle's Dragon Boat Race
Get the lowdown on Newcastle's epic annual Dragon Boat Race
If the idea of having fun on the River Tyne and raising money for an amazing local charity is your cup of tea, then you won't want to miss out on Newcastle's Dragon Boat Race.
Presented by NE1, this year’s race takes place on Saturday 28th September on Newcastle’s Quayside. Here's everything you need to know about the epic event.
What is dragon boat racing?
It's a fun-packed, adrenaline-filled water-based activity that sees intrepid teams race dragon boats - beautiful, colourful, dragon-themed canoes - to victory.
It originated in China over 2500 years ago, but dragon boat racing as a recognised sport kicked off in Hong Kong in the 1970s, with teams and competitions flourishing across the globe – including the UK – since then.
Nowadays, they’re are often organised to help raise money for charities - just like Newcastle's Dragon Boat Race.
How does Newcastle's Dragon Boat Race work?
Teams of 11 to 16 paddlers (plus a drummer who beats a drum that sets and unifies the paddling pace) will take to the River Tyne and race in a series of heats happening throughout the day.
Bronze, silver and gold medals will be presented to teams who place third, second and first and the overall winning team will receive a trophy.
When is it happening?
Newcastle’s Dragon Boat Race takes place on Saturday 28th September from 9:30am.
Where is it happening?
The race takes place on the River Tyne on the stretch of water between Newcastle’s iconic Tyne Bridge and the Millennium Bridge. Boats depart from NE1’s Newcastle City Marina, but there’ll be plenty of entertainment happening on the Quayside too.
Which charity is Newcastle’s Dragon Boat Race raising money for?
This year, racers will be raising money for Newcastle Hospitals Charity – a fantastic local cause that aims to improve the wellbeing of both patients and staff at the city’s hospitals through cutting-edge clinical research, training healthcare professionals and initiatives to tackle health inequalities.
How do I get involved?
Unfortunately, all Dragon Boat Race places have been booked up but that doesn’t mean you can’t come down on the day to cheer on racers, soak up the fun atmosphere and enjoy all the amazing entertainment!
What entertainment will there be?
The fun kicks off with the inaugral lion dance and there’s plenty more happening throughout the day – face painting, Chinese arts and crafts and lots of roaming entertainment included.
There’ll also be lots of interactive games that visitors can take part in for a donation to Newcastle Hospitals Charity – so even if you’re not racing on the water, you can still help support their amazing work!
Do you need a ticket to come along and watch?
Nope! If you want to watch the races and enjoy all the entertainment that’s happening on the Quayside, you’re more than welcome to attend and there is no need to book a ticket. Why not bring your friends and family and make a day of it?
Now you have all the info you need, you’ve no excuse not to come along and enjoy a day of action-packed races and fun entertainment on the River Tyne – and all for a great cause too!
Newcastle’s Dragon Boat Race is happening on Saturday 28th September at the Quayside. For more information visit www.ne1dragonboatrace.com.
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