Information

Attending the Dragon Boat Festival

Entry to the Dragon Boat Festival site is free, as are all events held in the arenas and access to the area of the stalls and other entertainments laid on throughout the day.

Entry into the Dragon Boat competition is on a first-come first-served basis and procedures and requirements are detailed in How to Enter.  The full complement of 36 boats has now been filled for 2009

Bookings for 2009 Complete (reserve list in operation)

We have 36 places in total (so we can offer each team at least three races in a reasonable length of time) and many slots will be filled by teams that entered in 2008 and previous years, so if you would like to enter for 2009, please see details under How to Enter and get your application in early (now too late - but you could go on a reserve list in case a team drops out).  Updated entry forms will be available from this site as soon as they have been produced but if you want to express your interest and receive preference in the event of over-subscription, please contact the Festival Chairman (Hasse Marrum) at Northampton.Dragonboat@yahoo.co.uk or via the other contact details provided here

Dragonboat 2009 Team Draw

A draw took place in May to decide who will race against who at Midsummer Meadow on 12 July..  The results of that draw, with race order for all teams and heats, can be seen by clicking below:

2009 Team Draw Details
 

Dragon Boat Racing and the Festival

Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition and the fastest growing water activity in Britain today – as well as the most fun! Up to 10 people paddle each boat with a drummer at the front beating time and helm at the tail
steering a straight course. No previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit!

Gable Events has joined with the Rotary Clubs of Northampton and their chosen charities to bring you the Dragon Boat Festival to be staged on the River Nene in Northampton. The Festival is open to everyone and 36 crews are expected to battle it out over the 250m race course, watched by several thousand spectators. The central Northampton location offers a superb venue for racing and a fabulous day is guaranteed with bank side entertainment, food and fun activities for all the family.

Entry includes:

o Dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment
o At least 3 races per crew
o Live music
o Souvenir programme (one per crew)
o Trophy for the winning crew and medals for the top three crews
o Special award for the crew delivering the most money for the charities
o Prize for the best dressed crew

Other Activities

As well as the stalls, events and the Dragon Boat racing itself, crews will also be invited to participate in other activities to help make sure the time between races is as much fun as the event itself.  Additional details will be provided here closer to the date, so check back later.

Parking and Site Layout

Racing takes place downstream from the Avon Bridge on Nunn Mills Road. Public, stallholder & competitor parking will be identified by signs and attendants will direct you to the appropriate designated location. Stalls and entertainments are located on Midsummer Meadow.

Tax Benefits:

Sponsorship donations can give substantial tax benefits for both individuals and companies. Under the Gift Aid Scheme for example, higher-rate tax payers can get about £70 off their own tax bill for a single £300 donation. The Charity will also receive an extra £84 from the Inland Revenue making their benefit £384 at a cost to you of £230.
Companies will also be able to reduce their tax bill at their own particular rate.