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The Jersey Dragon Boat Festival returns today to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Today, competitors will take to the water at Albert Pier, some bedecked in fancy dress, to raise money for Jersey Hospice Care.
Over the festival’s 20 years, it has raised over £650,000 for the charity, which is a palliative care service for terminally ill islanders.
The first race is due to take place at 10.00 and the nine boat final is scheduled for approximately 16.00. As well as watching the races, organisers promise plenty to keep spectators entertained onshore, with a range of activities for all ages. There will also be Genuine Jersey food and drink stalls for all attendees.
Organisers are hoping to top last year’s fundraising total of £50,000, with each dragon boat team pledging to raise £500.
Pictured: The annual Jersey Dragon Boat Festival celebrates it 20th anniversary today.
The annual event is sponsored by Condor Ferries and hosted by the Ports of Jersey. Martyn Brydon, Condor’s Port Manager in Jersey, said: “As active supporters of our local community, Condor is proud to be the long–term sponsor of the Condor Ferries Dragon Boat Festival, which is remarkably now in its 20th year and as such has become a firm fixture in the local calendar.
“There’s a real sense of fun, energy and community spirit that characterises the Festival and it raises considerable sums for a very worthy cause. We’re delighted that so many people take part each year, carrying on the tradition of its success and generating even more money for Jersey Hospice Care.”
Linzi Duckworth, Dragon Boat organiser at Jersey Hospice Care, added: “The Condor Ferries’ Dragon Boat Festival is always one of the highlights in our fundraising calendar. It’s not often that you get to see Minions competing against Where’s Wally and clowns taking on men in drag!
“As well as being great fun, it is also a significant fundraiser for us, regularly bringing in more than £50,000 for Jersey Hospice Care. With daily running costs of approximately £14,600, the amount raised is vital to allow us to continue caring for our patients and their families.”
Pictures: Steve Lund.
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