Come on down to the Cam for water sports and a celebration all in one – and support a great cause while you’re at it
Image © Vanessa Barton Photography
Cambridge is well-known for its rowing, but head to the banks of Fen Ditton Meadows on 10 September and you will encounter a watery commotion that’s rather different from what you might normally expect.
The Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival is a popular tradition that’s been making waves on the Cam annually for well over a decade. Now in its 16th year and under the management of NewWave Events, it’s expected to attract over 35 teams, ready to go head-to-head in a ferocious fundraising boat race.
For the uninitiated, a dragon boat is a human-powered, canoe-like vessel, first made in the southern Guangdong province in China more than 2000 years ago. The boats are usually powered by a crew of ten paddlers keeping time to the steady rhythm of a drummer at the front. It’s believed that dragon boat racing was initially carried out by superstitious villagers celebrating the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Races were held to avert misfortune and encourage rains for prosperity – as well as worshipping the dragon, of course!
Today, dragon boat racing is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, as a means of uniting businesses and local groups in charity work. “It’s great for fundraising and bringing communities together,” says Alicja Mierzejewska, one of the founders of NewWave Events. “Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is our charity partner for the next two years. They have very high-tech equipment and are trying to invest money into improving all their facilities and buildings. Some of the best doctors and nurses in the world work there, but need better equipment for diagnosis and tools for surgery.”
ACT events lead, Joe Sagoe, adds: “By entering a dragon boat crew and raising money for ACT, teams will be helping to raise much-needed funds for cutting-edge technology, additional specialist services, vital research and extra comfort for patients. This makes all the difference, over and above what would be possible through NHS funding alone.”
The crew that raises the most for ACT will receive a special prize experience with Let’s Go Punting, and medals and trophies will also be awarded to the top-three crews, top mixed crew and the best-dressed crew. Previous years have seen teams don imaginative fancy dress, with themes ranging from Pirates of the Caribbean to Peaky Blinders!
Races run every ten to 15 minutes between 10am and 5pm, with live commentary provided. If that’s not enough to keep you occupied, there will be plenty of bankside entertainment, including children’s rides and refreshments from Pink Pizza, Grasmere Farm and La Crêpe Franglaise – among others.
Between 12 noon and 2pm – on the hour – experience a colourful lion dance, plus tai chi and traditional dancing displays from the Cambridge Chinese Community Centre. At 2.51pm on the dot, spectators and passers-by can look forward to a spectacular fly-past by a Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Find out more about ACT and the fantastic work they do for both Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospital overleaf, and in-person at the event, where you can donate directly.
“We’re encouraging as many people as possible to come along and show support,” says Alicja. “It’s a great family day out to watch the races and connect with others.”
Festival entrance is without charge – and free parking is available at Fen Ditton Recreation Ground. For more information, visit dragonboatevents.co.uk/cambridge-dragon-boat-festival.
