NE1 Dragon Boat Race 2025 – Bookings Now Open – Book Early to Avoid Disappointment

Applications are invited from teams of up to 16 participants with money raised from the event going to NE1’s chosen charity, Great North Children’s Hospital.

People are encouraged to sign up quickly for next year’s event, as a maximum of 26 teams can compete. Heats are held throughout the day, with semi-finals and finals building the fun and excitement and crowning a winner.

Groups of friends, families and workmates from all over the north east are encouraged to take on the challenge of Dragon Boat racing on the Tyne. Before the public event on Saturday, NE1 will again host a corporate day on Friday, 26^th September with teams from city centre business community competing to become Dragon Boat champions. Northumbria Police, Fenwick, John Lewis and many of the city’s leading law firms have all competed in the event in previous years

Next year’s Dragon Boat race event is expected to be bigger than ever, with heats held throughout both days starting at 10am, with the grand finale staged at 4 pm, and a lively presentation ceremony for the winners in the late afternoon.

The Dragon Boat Race event has grown in size and stature over the last few years. 2024’s event saw 35 teams competing in races across the two days, with over 10,000 spectators watching the racing on Saturday from the banks of the Tyne. As well as the thrills and spills of racing on the water, spectators enjoyed free, family-friendly activities, including face painting, a money-grab cubicle with chances to win prizes, craft stalls and roaming entertainment to amuse the crowds. Newcastle’s Kung Fu Club helped launch the festivities with a traditional lion dance and the event is always a major sporting spectacular.

Rachael Black, Head of Fundraising and Associate Director at the Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “We are honoured and delighted to be chosen as the dedicated charity for NE1’s Dragon Boat Race 2025. The event is a major highlight in our fundraising calendar, a fun-packed event for spectators and competitors. We look forward to joining the fun and raising lots of money for the Charity.”

Rachel Barlow, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1, said: “Following the success of this year’s event and due to popular demand, we’re delighted to open registration for next year’s Dragon Boat Race 2025 earlier than ever. It’s exciting to see the event grow so quickly from 400 participants in 2023 to over 600 this year. With more participants, we’ve also welcomed a huge rise in spectators on both days, and we can’t wait to build the event on the water and dry land in 2025.

“Friday’s corporate day always attracts a great mix of teams, representing a true cross-section of the city’s business community and raising a huge amount of money for charity.

“2025 promises to be the biggest event yet, so we urge people to get involved and book their place in the Race.”

For more information and to register to take part – visit: https://www.ne1dragonboatrace.com/

Prices and Packages:

Bronze £725

Basic boat package (16 paddlers and 1 drummer)

Silver £925

Basic boat package (16 paddlers and 1 drummer)
Food and drink voucher for each participant

Gold £1115

Basic boat package (16 paddlers and 1 drummer)

Food and drink voucher for each participant

Videography coverage including interviews