Anyone who feels like livening up their weekend with an unusual challenge still has time to sign up for the NE1 Dragon Boat Race which is making a comeback on the River Tyne this weekend.
Saturday's colourful all-action event, which is open to all, will see teams of rowers compete in ornamental canoes paddling to the beat of an on-board drummer. And the racing, which celebrates a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition, is set to draw big crowds of spectators too.
Dragon boat racing historically played a part in ancient rituals to ward off misfortune and seek prosperity, with a mystical dragon being at its heart. And on Newcastle Quayside this year the North East Chinese Association will be performing its own Chinese dragon dance to add to the occasion.
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There also will be food outlets, market stalls, games and face painting. The racing is being organised Atlantic Dream and places are still available to take part, whether as an individual or as part of a team of up to 16 paddlers, accompanied by a drummer.
Proceeds raised from the event will go to the Freeman Hospital children’s heart unit fund CHUF and those with time to raise sponsorship can give it a boost with a donation too. Organisers are hoping to see around 20 teams taking part.
Tariq Albassam, director of operations at NE1 Ltd, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dragon Boat Racing back to the Tyne for an event that will be bigger and better this year. It is such a great, adrenaline-fuelled event both on the water and on the Quayside.
"We are excited for race day and urge people to sign up to take part, or come down to watch the excitement unfold on the water and to enjoy the activities and entertainment on dry land.” A trophy and title of Dragon Boat Champions 2022 will be up for grabs for racers on the day which will start at 9am with team registration then a warm-up in the company two personal trainers before racing gets under way at 10am.
The dragon boats hold between 11 and 16 people and there will be two to three canoes racing at a time on a 250m route between the Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge. Both the race meeting point and start will be on the Quayside opposite the law court and Wesley Square will be the focus of the day’s activity.
The ceremonial Dragon Dance - to welcome participants and spectators - will take place during a break in the action at 10.30am. Then the racing will re-start and continue with heats during the afternoon ahead of a final followed by a medal presentation at around 3.45pm-4.15pm.
The day's timings may change slightly depending upon the weather. Three different 'packages' are on offer for anyone wanting to take part, starting at £550 for the Bronze Package - working out at £34.50 per person - for a 16-strong team, plus one drummer, for the boat only. A £750 Silver Package includes the boat fee plus a food and drinks voucher each and there's also a Gold Package which has, in addition to the silver option, film footage of the day with interviews and footage of each race for £950.
Also, individuals can apply separately for £45 per head to join a boat made up of others who are happy to join a collective team. To book call Philip Pugh on 07737 362 405 or email philip@adeptcts.co.uk or else contact Paul on 07989 431 697 or hoppo3892@gmail.com
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