AN estimated 20,000 to 30,000 visitors are set to descend on a park this weekend for the thrilling Bradford Dragon Boat Festival.
Roberts Park in Saltaire is set to host the festival on Saturday and Sunday where 45 teams will compete in the Lord Mayor’s Championship on Saturday and another 45 teams will take to the water in the popular Multi-Charity Championship on Sunday.
A dragon boat team has a maximum 16 paddlers and one drummer per race. The course length is 200 metres.
“I expect Sunday could be the busier day because people like to raise money for charity,” said festival spokesperson Gail Simpkins.
“A lot of people who take part have never set foot on a boat in their life, but we provide training before the race.”
In addition to the racing, Gail said: “A lot is planned for the two days including live music, food bars on the field, and stalls on the promenade.
“Cecil Green Arts will also bring a massive dragon and water witch puppets. There will be carnival dancing workshops, circus trick workshops and craft stalls for children.”
The festival usually features a Youth Day for local schools on Friday, but that is not happening as it clashes with the end of term.
“The Youth Day will be back next year,” said Gail.
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