An oarsome weekend of fun on the River Severn was the order of the day when we held its headline fundraising event of the summer. 

Dozens of boats took to the waters between the Pengwern and Shrewsbury School boat clubs in Shrewsbury on Saturday and Sunday as part of our Dragon Boat festival. 

Carnival

There was a carnival atmosphere as teams from across the region battled it out for the title of Dragon Boat champion. 

Local and national businesses, as well as sports teams, workmates and friends engaged in good humoured rivalry – all while raising thousands of pounds us.

Jessica Druce, from our fundraising team said: “We’ve been completely overwhelmed with the support we have received from our teams this year. 

Incredible

“It has been truly oarsome, and we can’t thank people enough for taking part. Our headline sponsors Croud have been incredible over the last year, and we have been so grateful to them for getting on board. 

“The success of the weekend is also down to our volunteers and staff who work so hard to make everything go smoothly. 

“With the recent rain, we had been keeping a close watch on river levels but on Saturday morning everything fell into place and from breakfast time people were lining the riverbanks and enjoying the racing. 

Fantastic

“Our teams came from all over Shropshire including RAF Shawbury, The Wrekin Housing Group, Severn Business Network, University of Chester, Morris & Co, RSH Doctors and Dulson Training. In fact we had 41 teams in all which was absolutely fantastic and included in that were two hospice teams: Flower Power II and Hospice Vikings. 

“Once again, special thanks to Dragon Boat Events who provide the boats. Every year they come along, and everything goes like clockwork. We have worked with them for many years, and they have helped us raise thousands of pounds for the vital care we provide.” 

Important

Digital Marketing company Croud’s Ananda De Abreu and Team Wanda Captain added: “Being a Shropshire based business supporting our local community is really important to us. Sponsoring and taking part in the Dragon Boat Festival is just one of the ways we’re supporting Severn Hospice this year.

“Entering two teams has made the event even more special and being pitched against each other in the very first race gave us all an extra push.  Team Wally beat Team Wanda by just one second in the in the runners’ up final but I’d just like to clarify we beat them in all three heats when we had a full crew.

Rewarding

“It’s so rewarding knowing you’re supporting a local cause so many people hold dear, and it’s been fantastic getting together and having so much fun outside of work. If you’re thinking about entering next year, I’d definitely recommend it – it’s a phenomenal day.”

We have been holding the popular river festival for more than 25 years and apart from an enforced break during the pandemic when it wasn’t able to take place, it has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds. 

If you couldn’t make it to the event, but would still like to show your support, click here.