Twenty teams from across the region will be vying for victory at this year's East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival.
The races will take place at Nicholas Everitt Park in Oulton Broad on Sunday, May 14, with teams gearing up for a day of fun on the water in aid of East Coast Hospice.
The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew will take part in a minimum of three races. Medals and trophies are up for grabs for the top three crews, mixed crew, 'best dressed' crew and charity champions. The top fundraising crew will also receive a special prize meal at The Hotel Victoria in Lowestoft.
There will be a race every 10 to 15 minutes between 11am and 4pm with a half an hour break scheduled for 1.30pm.
The teams taking part represent a variety of different industries from all corners of East Anglia. These include James Fisher Marine Services from Lowestoft, Mumfords Hardware from Southwold, Associated British Ports (ABP) and Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind from Lowestoft, who have all opted for the enhanced gold and silver entries. Other crews will be coming from Corton Coastal Village, Grosvenor Casino in Great Yarmouth, Gunton Hall Coastal Resort, Howes Percival in Norwich, NetMatters from Wymondham and more.
And as well as the racing, teams and supporters will be able to enjoy a funfair, bungee trampolines, inflatables, food stalls and a bar. Students from The Venue of Performing Arts will be dancing at the bandstand at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm and all eyes will turn towards the sky at around 12.50pm when a spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is scheduled to fly over, weather and operational restrictions permitting.
Visitors will also be able to find out more about East Coast Hospice and its aim to provide an independent hospice serving the Waveney and Yarmouth area.
Jeff Wood, ECH community fundraiser, said: 'The festival is a wonderful day for colleagues to get together, cheered on by their families and friends. We really appreciate the continuing support of the community and local companies to help us 'Raise the Roof' of Margaret Chadd house.'
For more information visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia
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