DRAGON boats will be making a roaring return to Stratford in support of Shakespeare Hospice.
The charity’s annual Dragon Boat Race takes place at Stratford Boat Club on Sunday September 16 from 10.30am.
Twenty-seven teams, from companies in and around Stratford, will be competing in multi-coloured boats, with crews of up to 17 paddling in races over 250 metres to the beat of an on board drummer.
Companies taking part include Listers, the Stratford Manor Hotel, DoubleTree Hilton Stratford Hotel, Johnsons Coaches, BDR and SSP Worldwide. The hospice’s own team The Purple Pirates will also be taking to the water.
The race is sponsored by Western Power Distribution, which is also entering two teams – Power Paddlers and Bright Sparks.
Western Power Distribution trainee engineer Ben Scroggs said: “Over the years the event has brought in thousands of pounds worth of much needed funds for the hospice and is an excellent occasion for local organisations like ours to get together for a good cause.”
Refreshments will be available for spectators, and there will also be activities for youngsters, including face painting.