Lucy Morton, Executive Director at NewWave Events, said: "We’re hoping to have a sell-out event raising a record amount for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. It’s such a fantastic day, so don’t hesitate to get involved and enter your teams before we’re sold out!”
The festival takes place on the River Cam at Fen Ditton with teams of 10-15 paddling 30ft boats up the river with a drummer at the front beating time and a helm at the tail.
Races start at 10am, with a prize ceremony at the end of the day. Bankside entertainment and refreshments include traditional lion dance performances. There are also funfair style rides on the day, with sponsors Illumina hosting family-friendly, fun activities including strawberry DNA extraction.
Each team completes three heats, with the 12 fastest teams going through to the semis. Three semi-final winners and the fastest runner-up go through to the final. Each boat seats up to 10 paddlers and 1 drummer. The racecourse is a 200m straight course with each race lasting anywhere between 55 and 90 seconds, with times affected by water flow and weather conditions.
Trophies are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place as well as to the highest placed mixed crew (minimum of five female paddlers), best dressed crew and top charity fundraiser. Medals also go to the top three crews and the highest placed mixed crew.