Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival Offers Shoppers a Hands-On Preview
Excitement is building for the 26th annual Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, with organisers inviting the public to get a firsthand taste of the action. This Saturday, February 28, from 9am to 5pm, a magnificent 30-foot dragon boat will be stationed at Serpentine Green shopping centre, offering a unique interactive experience.
Interactive Display and Festival Launch
The impressive vessel, complete with a intricately carved dragon's head and traditional drum, will be on full display. Shoppers are encouraged to climb aboard, handle the paddles, pose for photographs, and even try their hand at beating the drum to set a racing rhythm. This engaging preview aims to generate interest and participation in the main festival, which has become a beloved summer highlight in the city's calendar.
Representatives from New Wave Events, the festival organisers, alongside staff from the event's long-standing charity partner, Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, will be present throughout the day. They will be available to chat with potential participants, answer questions, and provide detailed information about how to get involved in the fundraising race.
The Main Event: Bigger and Better in 2026
The 2026 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the Peterborough Rowing Club in Thorpe Meadows (PE3 6LN). Organisers are promising an event that surpasses all previous years, with approximately 60 crews expected to compete. These teams, comprising local businesses and community groups, will battle it out along a thrilling 200-metre course on the water.
The primary goal remains raising crucial funds for Sue Ryder's palliative and end-of-life care services, as well as their bereavement support programs. Each year, the festival contributes thousands of pounds to this vital cause, helping ensure no one faces death or grief alone.
A Full Day of Festivities and Community Spirit
Beyond the intense racing action, the festival promises a vibrant atmosphere with a wide array of entertainment. Attendees can look forward to delectable food stalls offering various treats and a selection of family-friendly activities running throughout the day. Spectators will be encouraged to line the course and cheer enthusiastically as the colourful dragon boats power towards the finish line.
Asif Shaheed, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, expressed his enthusiasm: "We're excited to return to Serpentine Green to launch our much-loved festival to shoppers. It's a highlight of the annual calendar and an incredibly fun day out, on and off the water. Get on board, support Sue Ryder, and together we can make a real difference."
Alicja Green, Executive Director at New Wave Events, added: "There's nothing quite like the energy of our dragon boat festival taking over the city each summer. It's vibrant, joyful, and brings people together. This year, we're going even bigger and want local businesses to be part of the action. Grab a paddle, rally your team—no experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and team spirit."
Opportunities to Get Involved
It is not too late for businesses or groups to participate. The festival is still seeking its main sponsor for 2026. Those interested in sponsorship, entering a team, or volunteering can find more information by contacting the organisers. This event represents a perfect opportunity for team building, community engagement, and supporting an essential local charity.
