The free community event will see teams take to the River Trent to battle it out on the water, while visitors can enjoy a full day of entertainment on dry land. The festival will raise vital funds for two local charities, the Children’s Bereavement Centre and Beaumond House Hospice Care.
Racing gets underway at 10.30am, with three brightly coloured Dragon Boats racing down the river at a time. Teams will compete in a series of races throughout the day, all hoping to secure their place in the final in the afternoon.
Spectators can line the riverbank and cheer on the crews as the competition unfolds. The full racing schedule and details of the teams taking part can be found at newarkdragonboatfestival.co.uk on the day. There will be plenty going on away from the water too. Live music and entertainment will take place on the festival stage throughout the day, while younger visitors can enjoy a range of activities including crafts, inflatables and traditional fairground games such as Tin Can Alley.
Visitors will also be well catered for, with a food and drink area offering a range of savoury food, hot food, cakes and coffee. Ann et Vin, The Swan and Salmon will also be running the bar, serving alcoholic drinks throughout the day. The event is completely free to enter (certain activities charged for) a great opportunity to bring the family along, enjoy the atmosphere and support two charities doing important work in the local community.
The charities would also like to thank the headline sponsors GXO in partnership with Currys, Middlebeck and Radio Newark. As well as all of the teams taking part and working hard to fundraise. Children’s Bereavement Centre provides free support to children, young people and families following the death of someone close to them, while Beaumond House Hospice Care provides compassionate palliative care and support to patients and their families. Every pound raised through the Dragon Boat Festival will help the two charities continue providing these vital services. The organisers are also looking for volunteers to help make the day happen. If you can spare a few hours to help with setting up, closing down or acting as a river marshal, your support would be greatly appreciated.
You can find out more about volunteering, see the racing schedule and discover who is taking part at www.newarkdragonboatfestival.co.uk/volunteer
So, whether you are supporting a team, coming along with the family or simply looking for something different to do on a Sunday, head down to Riverside Park and join the fun.
- Event details
- Newark Dragon Boat Festival
- Sunday 13 September 2026
- Riverside Park, Newark
- Free entry
- Racing starts at 10.30am
- In support of Children’s Bereavement Centre and Beaumond House Hospice Care
- More information: www.newarkdragonboatfestival.co.uk
