One of the region's most colourful spectaculars is coming to Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft.The East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival is being held on Saturday, May 19, when Nicholas Everitt Park will be transformed into a far eastern extravaganza.

One of the region's most colourful spectaculars is coming to Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft.

The East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival is being held on Saturday, May 19, when Nicholas Everitt Park will be transformed into a far eastern extravaganza.

The event is being organised by Gable Events and is raising money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) with the support of local companies and organisations including The Journal.

Last year the event was held at Whitlingham Broad, near Norwich, and attracted 52 teams and more than 3,000 spectators, raising more than £13,000 for EACH. This year, however, organisers are hoping for even greater success by moving to Oulton Broad.

Merk Hauck, managing director of Gable Events, said: “We were overwhelmed with the huge response to the dragon boat festival in Norwich last year and feel that Oulton Broad and Nicholas Everitt Park will better cater for the large number of teams and spectators expected. It is a bigger venue with on-site parking and more land space for viewing and side activities.”

The festival is open to everyone and organisers hope companies and organisations will jump at the chance to try something different.

EACH hospices, including those at Quidenham, near Diss, and Ipswich, provide one-to-one nursing care for children from birth up to 21 years of age.

No previous experience of dragon boat racing is needed to take part and the boats and all racing equipment are provided.

Each crew of up to 11 people is guaranteed a minimum of three races.

For further information, contact Gable Events on 01780 470718 or visit the festival website at www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia