Needham Market Raft Race returns with a splash this summer

The Needham Market Raft Race returns this summer – and the organisers have put out a call for teams to take part.

The event takes place at Needham Lake on June 18, with racers arriving at 12pm for a 2pm kick-off.

Those taking part build their own rafts.

The theme of this year’s race is ‘Kings and Queens’, with participants encouraged to decorate their rafts thus, and to attend in fancy dress.

At 1.30pm on the day, judges will assess the “best-dressed raft.”

Teams come from across the county to take part, with some drawn from as far as Ipswich and beyond.

They must pay an entry fee of £20 per raft.

Competitors are gradually eliminated through a series of heats, leading up to the final race.

The organising committee has supported a number of local charities and causes over the years via proceeds from the event.

These include Mencap Ipswich, the Needham Market Scout Group and the Needham Market Ranger Guides.

In a statement, the organisers said: “The aim of the afternoon is to have fun – fun for our competitors as they strive for prizes and coveted first place, fun for spectators watching the antics of our rafters and enjoying Needham Lake and the local stalls on offer.”

The Needham Market Raft Race started back in 2002, in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee.

After a two-year break due to pandemic restrictions, the event was organised again for 2022 in honour of the Platinum Jubilee.

An entry form can be completed here.