Northwich River Festival dragon boat race opens for entries

Entries are now open for Northwich River Festival's dragon boat race, which sees the town’s usually peaceful and gently flowing river transformed into a theatre of war and tribal rivalry.

Whether you're a local business, a charity, or just a group of friends, if you can get a team of 10 paddlers together, plus a drummer, who can all confidently swim 50 metres, then it is a great way build camaraderie, have some fun, and get fitter.

Organised by the Northwich Rotary Club, the River Festival takes place over the weekend of July 15 and 16, featuring the ever popular dragon boat race and a duck race, as well as a great range of other family fun activities.

Teams from local businesses and charities thrashing it out on the River Weaver (Image: Christian Dobbie)

Rotary in Northwich spokesman, Peter Holland, said: “Rotary in Northwich are again proud of holding this annual event for the enjoyment of visitors, taking full advantage of the town’s rivers with dragon boat racing, entertainment, stalls and lots of delicious food and drink.

“The day will end with our fantastic duck race down the river Dane. We love delivering this event, with all funds raised will be going to local charities.”

Dragon boat teams pay a fee to enter, which they are free to fundraise for, and fortunately, teams don’t have to provide their own dragon boats.

Spectators line the river banks for the festival (Image: Christian Dobbie)

The River Festival, in its current form, has been running since 2017, and it has grown to become one of the premier events in Northwich’s calendar.

The event attracts tens of thousands of visitors over the weekend, and raises thousands of pounds for local charities.

Entry for the dragon boat race closes on Thursday, June 15, when the full balance of entry fees is due. 

For more information, and to enter a team, please visit the Northwich River Festival website.