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ORGANISERS of Portishead's annual raft race are urging people to get their entries in for this year’s event.

The mad dash across the water is on July 11 at the town's Lake Grounds and organisers promise it will be 'bigger and wetter' than before.

The race, which has been a highlight in the Portishead calendar for around 30 years, returned to the town's Lake Grounds last year after a three year break.

The event used to be organised by the Portishead Lifeboat Trust and was one of the charity's main annual fundraisers.

But it was forced to fold because of organisational issues and a problem finding volunteers to run it.

The event was revived in 2009 by a team of volunteers who set up a special raft race committee.

The race is held each July and last year attracted a crowd of around 5,000 who watched teams from local schools, businesses and community organisations race across the water.

This year organisers are including more races on the day including a childrens' race and an edible boat race where youngsters are being asked to make model boats out of edible items and sail them across the lake.

There will also be live music, a barbecue and family entertainment at the Lake Grounds throughout the day.

Music will kick off the event at 12noon before the edible boat race takes to the water at 12.30pm.

The first raft race across the water will be at 1pm and the prizes will be handed out at around 4pm.

So far there have been 25 entries for the race across the lake – but organisers say more are welcome.

Raft race committee spokesman, Mark Gardner, said: “We are gearing up for a great event this year and we are hoping for good weather.

 “We are pleased with the number of entries we have received already, but there is always room for more and I would urge anyone who wants to take part to get in touch.

“This year’s raft race will be a real family orientated event and we want people to come along and bring a picnic and enjoy a whole day at the Lake Grounds.”

Anyone wanting more information or to get involved with the event, sponsored by Foresters, can log onto www.portisheadraftrace.co.uk where they can download an application form.