The race is on to secure a team spot in this year’s NE1 Newcastle Dragon Boat Race and to compete for the coveted title of Dragon Boat Champions 2026, all while raising valuable funds for local cancer research charity, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
NE1 is bringing back its hugely popular event, taking over the River Tyne on Saturday, 26th September, and drawing thousands of spectators to Newcastle’s Quayside. The area will be buzzing with crowds cheering on the competitors alongside a range of free, family-friendly activities on dry land. Visitors can enjoy crafts, live performers, face painting, and other entertainment throughout the day. Racers will also be able to join in these activities between their races, making it a fantastic event for participants and spectators.
Only 28 team slots are available, and demand is expected to be extremely high. Anyone interested in taking part in the Dragon Boat Race can register a team at https://www.ne1dragonboatrace.com/. Slots are filling fast, so people are encouraged to rally their team and book quickly.
Teams consist of between 11- 16 rowers plus one drummer, who sits at the front of the boat, beating the drum to set the all-important rhythm for the rowers.
Racing starts at 10:00 a.m. with multiple heats taking place throughout the day, culminating in a six-boat final to crown the winner, offering plenty of opportunities for competitive racing on the river. The event has become a much-anticipated date in Newcastle’s summer events calendar, with crowds filling the Quayside to enjoy the action on and off the water.
Registration for team spaces is now open. The first 28 teams to submit their registration forms and deposit will secure one of the coveted race places. Teams can choose between two packages:
Race Day Essentials Package: £800 per boat
Includes entrance for a team of up to 16 rowers and one drummer. The entrance fee includes the boat hire, a donation to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation charity, a designated space in the NE1 event marquee for the team and access to an album of images taken by a professional photographer on the day.
Race Day Hospitality Package: £1100 per boat
Includes entrance for a team of up to 16 rowers and one drummer. The entrance fee includes the boat hire, a donation to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation charity, a designated space in the NE1 event marquee for the team, a light breakfast, lunch pizzas, plus water and drinks vouchers for each participant, together with access to an album of images taken by a professional photographer on the day.
Only teams can apply to take part – no individual race places are available for 2026.
Commenting on the event, Rachel Fenwick, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1, said: “NE1’s Dragon Boat Race has grown in stature and popularity year on year, with demand for team places higher than ever. We expect this year’s event to be our biggest yet and would encourage anyone interested to gather a team and book early. It’s such an exhilarating experience for those competing on the water and a vibrant, fun-filled day for spectators.
“What began as a small racing event has evolved into a highly anticipated event for both competing teams and the wider public. Last year saw a record turnout, with more than 12,000 visitors cheering on the racers and enjoying the fantastic atmosphere and onshore activities. This year, we’re proud to be working with our nominated charity, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, raising vital funds to support its £10 million goal to open a new research institute in the region.”
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