Dragon Boat Race 2024 - Forget Me Not Children's Hospice

Unleash your inner dragon!

Perfect for workmates, friends or family, gather your crew together for our exciting Dragon Boat Race!

In this exciting, fun and highly competitive challenge, your team of 16 paddlers (and a drummer to keep the rhythm) will take part in at least three 250m races in dragon-decorated boats, cheered on by spectators! The fastest crews go through to the semis and finals, with medals for the top three.

Those watching from the shore will have plenty to entertain them too. There's an onsite cafe, Forget Me Not pop up shop, tombola and raffle, and you're welcome to bring your own team gazebo. So why not make a proper day of it?!

Event Schedule

9am - Team arrival to set up

10am - Team registration

10.30am - Racing Starts

4.30pm - Final race, winner announced and trophies given out

Who can take part?

Anyone! Groups of friends, sports clubs, work colleagues, families - all are invited to fire up their inner dragon! No previous dragon boat racing experience required!

If you can’t gather 17 people together, don’t worry, it is recommended to have a minimum of 10 plus the drummer. You must be over 12 and be able to swim at least 50 metres to take part.

Entry fee: £300 per team of 17

Sponsorship pledge: £1000 per boat (Which works out around £60 per person with a full team)

Distance: 200m course, raced at least 3 times

Things you need to know.

What does the price include?

- Entry into the race (at least 3 races)

- Equipment provided (Dragon Boat, safety vests, rowing oars, drum and drumsticks)

What do we need to do in preparation for the day?

• Decide a team name
• Gather your team (16 rowers + Drummer)
• Start fundraising towards your £1000 target
• Decide what your on the day fundraising activity will be (a list of ideas can be provided)
• Get your gazebo, table, chairs and any resources you need for your activity together
• Consider your fancy dress outfits (optional)

What time should I arrive?

The event will start at 10.30am, participants will need to arrive earlier between 9am-9.45am to set up any gazebos they wish to bring along. Team registration is at 10am.

What is the plan for the day?

Forget Me Not will have a merchandise stall available for you to purchase goods, face painting, food and much more!

The on-site cafe will be open throughout the event for all your food and drink needs alongside a food van that will be attending the event.

Team briefings will be delivered before your first race, everyone who will be on the boat needs to attend.

Once the final race has finished we will award a trophy to the winning team and best fancy dress along with a prize for the fastest race!

We ask all of our teams to bring a gazebo to have as a base for the day and to organise a fundraising activity to raise some more money.

G azebos can also be hired (subject to availability and additional cost)

There will be a trophy for the winners, best fancy dress, fastest race and the most money raised from your fundraising activity on the day. Be creative and think outside the box to boost your fundraising on the day and to be in with a chance to win another trophy. We will ask teams to let us know how much they have raised from their on the day activity before the final takes place.

What about sponsorship?

We're asking all our Dragon Boat teams to raise at £1000. When you register, you will receive a confirmation - you will receive an email from us including sponsorship forms

I can't make it anymore. Is my registration transferable?

Whilst we can't refund tickets, you are welcome to give your place to someone else to row in your place.

Please send us an email to events@forgetmenotchild.co.uk with the full details of the person who will be rowing instead of you.

Is food available to purchase onsite?

Yes. There is an onsite cafe and a food stall will be attending organised by Forget Me Not to purchase food from. Teams cannot bring external caterers onsite.

Subject to availability - Teams are permitted to bring a BBQ onsite to man themselves. If you would like to do this please inform us as there are some restrictions which must be followed.

We cannot allow teams to bring external caterers to the event, alternatively you are able to bring food onsite with you to feed your teams , this could be sandwich platters or cakes which are only consumed by your teams.

If our team brings a BBQ what do we need to do?

Please contact events@forgetmenotchild.co.uk to check availability, book your team in and follow the restrictions below.

-Coal BBQ only (must be off the floor, disposable BBQs are not suitable)

-A bucket of water must be placed by your BBQ (buckets can be filled onsite)

-Burning BBQ must not be left unmanned

-Only to be consumed by their team

IMPORTANT - You must inform us if you intend on bringing a BBQ to the event so that we can ensure Health and Safety advice is followed, if the advice is not followed you will be asked to remove the BBQ from the event immediately. Food must only be consumed by your teams, not to be consumed by or sold to the general public.

What should I wear?

It is recommended that all competitors wear shorts, T-shirt and trainers for racing.

Most importantly, make sure you have some sensible footwear absolutely no flip flops allowed. You are also advised not to wear jeans as they become heavy when wet.

We encourage teams to wear fancy dress on the day. Please note families attend the event.

Can we bring alcohol to the event?

We would ask our teams to refrain from bringing lots of alcohol onsite and ask that any drinks you bring are consumed after the racing. The onsite cafe sells alcoholic drinks.

However please note anyone who is intoxicated will be asked to leave and not be allowed on the boats. Please remember you are representing your team and Forget Me Not Children's Hospice whilst at the event.

Is it safe to get in the lake?

No, under no circumstances must anyone get in the water. This is dangerous and anyone seen doing so will be asked to leave immediately.

Further information

If you would like any further information, please email: events@forgetmenotchild.co.uk

Event kindly sponsored by Polyseam