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Unleash your inner dragon at our first ever Dragon Boat Race!

Picture this. A warm, quiet June morning. A lake, a mirror of the blue sky above, sunlight dancing on gentle ripples. Then, the sound of distant drums. The beat gets louder and louder, joined by the roar of an excited crowd. Into view come the dragon boats carving through the water, each 30 foot long and decorated with ornately carved dragon heads and tails, crews furiously paddling to the rhythm beaten out by the drummers. The race is close, the two lead boats neck and neck as they near the finishing line. The drumming gets faster. The crowd’s going bonkers. One boat pulls slightly ahead. Everyone holds their breath … and they’ve done it, the race is won. The crowd settles back, enjoying the sunshine and the BBQ, as more competitors in hilarious fancy-dress take to their boats, readying themselves for the next race.

Sounds like fun, right?

We think so. That’s why we’re putting on our first ever Dragon Boat Race on 29th June at Elton Sailing Club in Bury. Why not join us and unleash your inner dragon!

Inspired by an exciting and colourful ancient Chinese tradition, dragon boat racing is a high energy, highly competitive challenge, perfect for families, friends and workmates.

Taking part will be 15 teams of 11 (10 paddlers, one drummer) competing in at least 3 races each over a 250m course on Elton Reservoir. There’ll be medals for the fastest teams and prizes for the best fancy dressed crews!

Anyone over 16 can take part – no previous experience of dragon boat racing is required and we’ll supply all the kit you need, including the boat!

We’ve plenty to entertain those watching from the shore too. With a yummy BBQ, plus Forget Me Not gazebo, tombola and face-painting, why not bring your camping chairs and a picnic and make a proper day of it?!

How to enter your team

To enter our dragon boat race, just email gracesplace@forgetmenotchild.co.uk or call us on 0161 724 5269 for an entry form. The entry fee is £500 per team or £50 per person. We’d love too for each team to raise at least £1000 in sponsorship (just £100 per person). We’ll send you a fundraising pack when you sign up with lots of ideas on how to raise as much as you can – all of which will make a huge difference to the local children and families we support!