Teams urged to sign up to this year's Dragon Boat Race

Teams urged to sign up for The Shakespeare Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race and help reach £50,000 fundraising target

On September 20^th, 2026, The Shakespeare Hospice will wage it’s annual Dragon Boat Race Event, and they are encouraging teams to sign up and take part to raise vital funds for the Hospice. This high-energy event on the River Avon promises fierce paddling, fun, and fundraising.

In teams of up to 17 people (8 pairs and one drummer to keep time), race 250 metres down the River Avon in heats, which becomes a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled competition that’s as entertaining for the crowd as it is for the crews.

Coloini + Lane, are back to participate in 2026 after having placed 4^th in 2025 added:

‘The Shakespeare Hospice Dragon Boat Race is one of our favourite days of the year, and we can’t wait to be back out on the River Avon. The atmosphere along the River Avon is electric, as we're driven by the drummer’s beat and the cheering crowd. Last year we came 4^th in the grand finale, just 0.03 seconds behind bronze, so this year we're determined to clinch a medal! It's teamwork, adrenaline and all for a great cause, rolled into one unforgettable day on the Avon - we wouldn't dream of missing it!’

This event is perfect for corporate teams, providing the ultimate team-building platform to boost morale and promote workplace skills like communication, coordination, and collaboration. Dragon Boat Racing is an exhilarating sport that brings people together in pursuit of a shared challenge: all while raising money for an important cause.

Whether you're paddling for glory or for fun, your participation will make a difference to the lives of patients and families supported by The Shakespeare Hospice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I would like to participate but I don't have a full team, what do I do?

Please get in touch! We'd love you to email fundraising@theshakespearehospice.org.uk and we'll organise a boat for you. We'll give you instructions and guidance, but we'd ask you to fundraise a small amount to get involved.

It's already August! How will we fundraise £1,000 in time?

We don't want a fundraising deadline to set you back from participating in this event, and being our ambassadors. We're happy for you to fundraise until the end of October for us, and still participate in this event.

Why would I want to participate in this event?

This day is brilliant fun while raising money for hospice care in our local community.