The entrants so far…

The teams entered so far represent a complete mix of returning teams and new teams from all corners of the region and the beauty of dragon boat racing is that everyone has an equal chance of winning!

As well as the Standard entries, eight Gold and Silver entry packages are available which include marketing benefits as well as a significant donation to new Festival charity, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust

ACT is the only charity dedicated to making a difference for patients at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals. Whether it’s treatment for an emergency, acute condition, pregnancy or long term illness, they believe that every patient deserves the highest quality of care available. Their aim is to continue to support the hospitals, as they have been doing for the past 10 years, by raising funds for cutting edge technology, additional specialist services, vital research and extra comforts for patients over and above what would be possible through NHS funding alone.

Keith McNeil, chief executive of Cambridge University Hospitals, has been confirmed as one of twelve crew members in the ACTion Heroes crew at the Dragon Boat Festival, as well as ACT’s chief executive Stephen Davies and consultant neurosurgeon, Rikin Trivedi.

Crew manager and ACT’s head of marketing and communications, Samantha Sherratt, said: “The ACT team is really excited about going head to head with Cambridgeshire businesses this year. Not only do all the crews seem really up for the challenge of racing each other, but they are all making a tremendous effort to fundraise for the hospitals!”

The Red Lion at Whittlesford Bridge has kindly donated a dinner for the team that fund raises the most this year. Dawn Wightman, marketing manager at the 13th century coaching inn said: “The team at The Red Lion is proud to be supporting ACT as the charity for the 2015 Dragon Boat Festival. Good luck to all the competitors. We are looking forward to welcoming the team who fund raises the largest amount of cash for ACT!”

Entertainment…

Between races teams and spectators will be able to enjoy a variety of bankside entertainment such as funfair rides, children’s activities, Chinese lion dancing, food stalls and a bar. There will also be a spectacular memorial flypast from a Battle of Britain Spitfire!

How to join in…

To take part in the dragon boat racing and help raise money for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. Medals and trophies are presented to the winners and the top fundraising crew for ACT will also receive the delicious prize meal courtesy of The Red Lion Whittlesford Bridge.

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/cambridge or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust call Carla Brown, corporate fundraising manager on 01223 348531 or visit www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk

 Images of dragon boat racing at previous Cambridge Dragon Boat Festivals courtesy Gable Events picture library - Credit to Ann Miles for the first photo.

This blog has kindly been shared with thebestof Cambridge by Carol at http://www.gable-events.co.uk/