Brindleyplace is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Dragonboat Festival as entries open for this year’s competitive boat race.
Since it was launched in 2000, the annual event has raised an impressive £315,000 for local charities and this year, Brindleyplace – along with sponsors Deutsche Bank – has set a fundraising target of £50,000 for HelpHarryHelpOthers.
The hugely competitive race will take place along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal at Brindleyplace on Saturday 28 June. Attracting high profile businesses from across Birmingham, the event sees 20 teams – made up of between 10 and 16 rowers and one drummer – participate in a series of heats in traditional Chinese longboats.
Lydia Ellis, Marketing Manager at Brindleyplace, said: “We can’t believe it’s been 15 years since we launched our Dragonboat Festival. The charity boat race has achieved so much during that time and I would like to thank every single person that has taken part in Dragonboat over the years. The money raised really has helped transform the lives of hundreds of people across Birmingham.
“Despite only opening registration a couple of weeks ago, we’ve already had more than half the places filled, demonstrating just how popular the Dragonboat race is amongst the local business community. We’re always looking for new companies and organisations to take part and hopefully, we can help make this year’s event the best yet.”
In addition to fighting it out on the water, teams will also be asked to take part in their best fancy dress costumes, with the most original team being awarded the prize for best fancy dress. Previous winning costumes have included superheroes, 101 Dalmatians and Oompa Loompas which have often been chosen by someone who has been supported by the charity.
Last year’s event raised £48,000 for the HelpCure and HelpCope strands of HelpHarryHelpOthers, with £25,000 raised by Deutsche Bank alone. This year’s event will raise money for the HelpCope strand of HelpHarryHelpOthers which helps support families affected by cancer.