NE1 say it's their biggest annual Newcastle dragon boat race
Dragon boats are taking over the River Tyne today, as more than 900 paddlers race along Newcastle’s Quayside.
Newcastle NE1 say all 28 boats for Saturday's racing sold out in record time, raising money for this year’s chosen charity the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Rachel Fenwick, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1 said; “We’re already celebrating some record-breaking milestones with the fastest selling event, the biggest number of boats and we hope with the public’s support, the largest number of spectators the event has ever seen.
"We urge everyone to come along, cheer on the teams racing on the water, enjoy the entertainment on the Quayside and support the fundraising activities.”
Organisers say last year’s two-day event attracted an audience of more than 17,000 spectators and even larger crowds are expected this year as the city embraces the carnival atmosphere the event creates.
The event is bigger this year with a wider programme of free dry-land activities for the public to enjoy in between supporting the racers on the river. Large live-action screens positioned along the race zone on the Quayside to follow the racing and feel even closer to the action.
Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of free family activities including physical exercise challenges, craft stalls, face painting aboard the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Bus and a host of Dragon Boat themed entertainment.