Praise for community after Dragon Boat Festival

A charity has thanked a community after thousands of pounds was raised during a city Dragon Boat Festival.

More than £35,000 was raised for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice as experienced and amateur teams competed in ornate vessels over a 200m racecourse in Peterborough.

Large crowds of spectators gathered at the city's rowing lake on Saturday to watch the colourful event - which is now in its 24th year.

Hospice fundraisers praised the "fantastic atmosphere and incredible community feel" adding they were "extremely grateful for the streams of support".

Nilesh Patel, senior community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice said: "The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival is a big event in our annual calendar and each year it never fails to impress with its fantastic atmosphere and incredible community feel.

“We are extremely grateful for the streams of support we receive year-on-year.

"The money raised is vital in helping Sue Ryder to ensure that no one has to face dying or grief alone."

Aiden Ward, from NewWave Events, organisers of the Dragon Boat Festival, said he was "thrilled by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm shown by the community".

"It's a testament to the spirit of Peterborough that we can come together to enjoy such a fantastic event while raising crucial funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice," he said.

"The energy on race day was incredible, and we’re proud to be part of something that makes a real difference in people’s lives."