THE DRAGON Boat Race held annually in Stratford is back on after being postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The splash-tastic event, which sees teams of amateur rowers take to the River Avon for charity, is set to be held on Sunday October 16.
Organisers felt it inappropriate to hold the event on the original date of Sunday September 11, as it was just days after the death of the late Queen.
With more time to get their oar in, some 25 teams will paddle over distances of around 250 metres with perhaps just a little more finesse, as they compete in races along a river lined with spectators.
Each team – more often than not in fancy dress – will compete in a minimum of three heats, aiming to set the fastest time in each round.
The teams with the fastest single times will then go into the Grand Final to compete for gold, silver and bronze Dragon Boat Challenge medals.
The winning team will be presented with an engraved champion’s trophy and be declared ‘The Shakespeare Hospice Dragon Boat Champions 2022’.
Last year’s Dragon Boat Race raised over £30,000 for The Shakespeare Hospice. Cash raised will help the hospice provide palliative and end of life care to patients and their families across South Warwickshire and the surrounding areas.
One team preparing to do battle for the first time is Moreton-in-Marsh based estate agents Hayman-Joyce – a team with no rowing experience whatsoever.
Senior Lettings Negotiator Emma Cattell, Senior Lettings Negotiator said: “What we lack in expertise, we hope we can make up for with enthusiasm. We are promised a ‘fun-filled adrenaline pumping water sports activity’ which is enough of a reason for us – the added bonus is that we can raise money for an excellent charity along the way.
“The Shakespeare Hospice provides expert, holistic and specialist care to those living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their carers, and they rely heavily on donations.”
The first race gets underway at 10am.
