Entries filling up for Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday 9th September!

With just a few months to go until the River Cam in Fen Ditton reverberates to the sound of beating drums, entries are filling up for this September’s annual Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival - but there is still time to get your team together and join in the fun!

The Dragon Boat Festival, which raises funds for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), is one of the major highlights of the year in Cambridgeshire and up to 48 teams will battle it out in spectacular four boat races on Saturday 9th September, cheered on and supported by hundreds of spectators. Businesses and groups across the Cambridgeshire region are invited to get involved and test their mettle against the new and returning crews who have already booked their places on the start line, all whilst raising money for a brilliant cause.

Last year’s Dragon Boat Festival raised a magnificent total of over £20,000 for official charity ACT which is the only charity dedicated to making a difference for patients at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals. By taking part and raising money for ACT, the teams will be helping to raise much needed funds for cutting each technology, additional specialist services, vital research and extra comforts for patients that make all the difference over and above what would be possible through NHS funding alone.

The 30’ dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided by race organisers, Gable Events, and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. No previous experience is needed to take part, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm.

The Festival, supported by Cambridge Edition and Star Radio, promises a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike with Chinese themed entertainment, children’s rides, inflatable activities and plenty of food and drink for all the family on the bankside.

Don’t worry if you think winning is out of the question as medals and trophies are awarded to the top three crews, top mixed crew and the ‘best dressed’ crew (as fancy as possible!) and there’s a superb incentive to top the fundraising leader board as the crew raising the most money for Addenbrooke’s will receive a wonderful traditional afternoon tea at SIX Panoramic Bar and Restaurant in Cambridge!

Emily Willdigg, ACT’s Events Fundraiser is looking forward to building on the success of the event last year, “We hope that businesses will support our much-loved hospitals by getting a team together. With the help of many generous supporters, we can provide funds so that our local hospitals can offer the very best care day after day, year after year.”

For further information and to book your place on the start line this September please visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/cambridge or call Gable Events on 01780 470718. For information about the services of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, call Emily Willdigg on 01223 349885 or visit http://www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/