Needham Market Raft Race 2023 makes a splash

Hundreds spectated this year’s raft race as paddling competitors battled it out for victory.

Needham Market Raft Race 2023 kicked off yesterday and saw teams race their handmade rafts across Needham Lake.

Organiser Amanda Reardon was pleased with how the event went.

“It was brilliant,” she said.

“So many people came out to support and the rivalry between the three pubs was friendly and amusing which was a real hit.

“It’s about community at the end of day - getting together, having a picnic and enjoy some free entertainment in a beautiful setting.”

There were nine competing teams including Rafty McRaftface, Under The Thumb, CEVA, Suez and Everyone Active.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue entered their raft called the ‘Little Red Engine’ and there were rafts from three local pubs, The Swan, The Rampant Horse and The Three Tuns.

There were many different categories to win including fastest time, best fancy dress and the overall winner.

This year’s theme was ‘Kings and Queens’ and each raft team has been raising money for their chosen charity.

The team behind Rafty McRaftface have raised £850 so far for McMillian Cancer Support.

The race committee has been able to raise more than £6500 over the years for Needham Market Scout Group, First Responders, Mencap Ipswich, Jam Community Pot, Lighthouse (women’s refuge), St John’s roof appeal, Needham Market Ranger Guides, and SERV (Blood Runners).

Needham Market town mayor John Reardon presented the winning teams with different trophies and plaques before crowning 2023’s overall winners - Under The Thumb.

Other winners included:

• The Queen Bee Grand Final Race: UNDER THE THUMB
• The King Sloth’s Wooden Spoon Race: THE SWAN
• The Emperor Penguin Middlings Race: THE THREE TUNS
• Best fancy dress: EVERYONE ACTIVE
• The Tracey Cadman Trophy (for the fastest time): UNDER THE THUMB