Sue Ryder Bedford Dragon Boat Race 2026
Let the battle begin! Take to the water along a 200-metre River Ouse racecourse, with thousands of spectators roaring your team to the finish line. Race for Sue Ryder and help us be there when it matters.
Date and time
18 July 2026
09:00am - 05:00pm
Registration fee
Bronze Package: £450 / Silver Package: £600 / Gold Package: £1,000 (all plus minimum fundraising target)
Fundraising target
£600
Contact
Sign your team up today to secure your place in the race!
Watch highlights from 2025
Racing teams and amazing crowds came out for a brilliant day!
Over 20 crews battling it out on the water
This year, Sue Ryder will be hosting the Bedford Dragon Boat Race, kindly sponsored by Champneys, at Bedford River Festival, in association with Bedford Borough Council and New Wave Events.
Over twenty crews are expected to battle it out on an exciting 200 metre course along the picturesque River Ouse.
St Mary's Gardens is a superb venue for the racing and a fantastic day is guaranteed with bankside entertainment, music, food and activities for the whole family.
Crew information
No previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit!
- NewWave Events will organise the race schedule, provide the dragon boats and a professional helm to steer the boat.
- Teams must consist of a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 15 crew members.
- Within the team there will be 10 crew members to paddle each boat, with a drummer at the front and up to four reserve crew members.
- Each team is guaranteed three races.
- Trophies for the overall winner and medals for the top three crews placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall.
Event packages
Following receipt of your completed registration form, one of the team will be in touch to take payment and confirm your team place.
Entries will be accepted on a first come first served basis. No refunds will be given once a registration has been accepted and there can be no refund if the festival or racing has to be cancelled due to conditions outside the control of Sue Ryder.
Choose your package
What happens next?
Register your team, using the online registration form.
- Once we receive your registration form, one of the fundraising team will be in touch via the contact details provided, to process the appropriate registration fee via:
- Credit/debit card over the phone
- Bank transfer
- Invoices and acknowledgment provided on request
2. Once the registration fee is received, The fundraising team will send across:
- Information on how to set up your fundraising page
- An individual form for all your crew to complete
3. Then it is over to you and your crew to paddle with purpose on 18th July!
Event sponsor
The Bedford Dragon Boat Race is kindly sponsored by Champneys
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