Portishead Raft Race entries needed

 

 

 

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 hoping to include more races on the day.

There will also be 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.

Raft race committee spokesman, Mark Gardner, said: "We have had a lot of interest in this year's event and have already received a number of entries.

"But we want to make the 2010 event the biggest and best yet and need more entries - the more the merrier.

"Anyone wanting to enter can simply log on our website and download the entry form."

Around £11,000 was raised at last year's event which went to a variety of good causes, including the Portishead and Bristol Lifeboat Trust, Portishead Christmas Lights Committee and Brampton Road Pre School.

Mr Gardner added: "The committee is also looking for nominations for local groups and charities, across all ages, which could benefit from funds raised from this year's raft race."

Organisers have also set up a special Facebook page called Portishead Raft Race.

Mr Gardner said: "The Facebook page has been set to keep people up to date about all the raft race news and give people tips on how to build a raft.

"We are really keen for people to join the group and share their memories of the raft race and submit pictures from previous events.

"We also want people to share their tips on raft building."

Anyone wanting more information or to get involved with the event can log onto www.portisheadraftrace.co.uk.