Dragonboat race set to return to city canal

Fun for all the family at the Brindleyplace Family Festival.

The countdown is officially on for this year’s Dragonboat Race, which returns to the canal at Brindleyplace as part of the estate’s Family Festival on Saturday 15th June.

Sponsored by Deutsche Bank, the Dragonboat Race is just one of the activities taking place at this year’s festival. Offering fun for all ages, there is plenty planned throughout the day in Central Square, including a food market, dance workshops, live music, a magician show and even a mini petting farm – plus it’s completely free to attend!

The festivities will be kicking off at 11am when businesses from across the city will be taking to the water in 20ft traditional Chinese longboats for the first of the heats, in support of blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia. Locals are being encouraged to line the canal to cheer on their favourite team and see who will be taking home the coveted trophy this year.

Teams taking part include Avison Young, Bromford Industries, Deutsche Bank (pictured), Drive Systems Design, Jaguar Land Rover, O’Neill’s Pubs and John Sisk & Sons, who have already raised their £2,500 target for Cure Leukaemia. All funds raised from the event will directly benefit blood cancer patients, such as former England and Wolves footballer Geoff Thomas and 30-year-old Elizabeth Dean, who are both taking part in this year’s race.

Families can then head to Central Square to enjoy the entertainment on offer until 4pm, including face painters and balloon modellers, as well as street, bhangra and swing dance workshops for all ages and abilities. With plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from at Brindleyplace, festival goers can even raise a toast to the winning Dragonboat Race team once they’ve been crowned at 5pm.

Stacey Muir, Marketing and Events Executive at Brindleyplace, said: “Our first ever Family Festival was a huge success last year, so we’ve made sure it’s even bigger and better this year with plenty to entertain the whole family. The Dragonboat Race is one of the most fun and unique fundraising events held in Birmingham and it never fails to draw the crowds. It’s safe to say that the whole estate will be buzzing all day long so it’s definitely not to be missed!”

If you’re interested in taking part in the Dragonboat Race and would like to book the last few remaining boats, email [email protected] for more information. To sponsor the teams taking part this year, go to: JustGiving.

To find out more about the upcoming calendar of events and activities at Brindleyplace, visit www.brindleyplace.com.