Teams are being urged to sign up for the 10th annual East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival after it was launched to coincide with the Chinese New Year.

The 2016 festival, supported by Archant, will take place on Sunday, May 22 at Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad.

Up to 50 crews representing companies, organisations, clubs and groups of friends from Lowestoft, Waveney and throughout East Anglia are expected to compete over the 200m course, in order to raise money for the East Coast Hospice appeal.

The funds raised from the East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival will go towards 'Raising the Roof' of Margaret Chadd House and help to turn the vision of a new hospice for Great Yarmouth and Waveney into reality.

At present there are no inpatient hospices in the Waveney and Great Yarmouth area.

No previous experience is required to participate in the race and the dragon boats, qualified helms and racing equipment are provided.

However, spectators can also enjoy the entertainment activities on the bankside in between races.

Carol Lester – director of the festival organisers, Gable Events – said: 'The festival is a great chance for companies and organisations to try something completely different, promote themselves to a large local audience, network with local companies and potential clients and raise money for East Coast Hospice.

'It is also a fantastic team building opportunity – what better way to get to know what makes your colleagues and competitors tick.'

A charity trophy and a prize meal at the Hotel Victoria in Lowestoft will be awarded to the team which raises the most money.

Last year's charity winners were Mumfords Hardware of Southwold, who raised £5,000.

For further information and entry forms visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia or call 01780 470 718.

To find out more about East Coast Hospice call 01493 718707 or visit www.eastcoasthospice.org.uk

Are you organising a charity event? If you are, then tell The Journal by calling 01502 525820 or email lowestoft.journal@archant.co.uk