The Dragon Boat Festival will be returning to Bewl Water for the 22^nd annual charity boat race, taking place on Saturday 7^th September 2019.

Previously hosted by Funraisers the event has been handed over to Markerstudy Leisure (owners of Bewl Water) who are excited to run this year’s event and continue the momentum of the festival. Bewl Water hosted the 21^st Dragon Boat Festival where crews of 16 paddlers raced in Chinese-style Dragon Boats over a 250-metre course.  Since the event began in 1998, over £2.7 million has been raised in the name of so many worthwhile causes.

Andrew Daniells, Chief Operating Officer at Markerstudy Leisure, comments on the venture and explains “Up to 60 Dragon Boat teams will take to the water racing in heats throughout the day for the honour of being crowned Bewl Water Annual Dragon Boat Race Winners 2019.

Possibly more important than winning is the unique opportunity for charities to raise much needed funds. The Markerstudy Bewl Dragon Boat Race empowers charities to support their good causes whilst having a lot of fun and possibly getting a little wet.”

The event is maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers which keeps the entry cost as low as possible. The event in 2018 set a new bench mark with all available Charity team boats booked by June, Bewl Water advises booking early to guarantee your boat, as places are limited. Go to www.bewlwater.co.uk to download the application form.

The festival is light hearted and crews do not need to be super fit or skilled to be successful – all that’s required is teamwork and a good sense of fun! If you’d like to be involved then you can register interest in competing in the 2019 Dragon Boats charity event by contacting sophieblackburn@makerstudy.com.

There’s more to the festival than just dragon the boat races. The lawns that look over Bewl Water will be full of tents and marquees selling cakes and other goodies. And of course, all competitors must wear the obligatory, interesting and unusual fancy dress!

If this isn’t enough, you can always participate in Bewl’s other activities such as, cycling, fishing and camping or simply embark on a gentle stroll around the reservoir. For more information please call 01892 890000 or email sophieblackburn@markerstudy.com