NE1 is delighted to announce two new corporate sponsors for what will be the fastest selling and biggest Dragon Boat Race the city has ever staged.
All 28 boats sold out in record time, with more than 900 competitors signing up to take part in the adrenaline-fuelled racing on the River Tyne, raising money for this year’s chosen charity, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Orega and Fortis Vision have been confirmed as the event’s official sponsors, with partnerships that will help NE1 deliver another outstanding Newcastle Dragon Boat Race when it returns to the Quayside on Saturday 26th September to celebrate its 7th anniversary. Demand for boats has never been higher, reflecting the event’s continued growth since it was first launched in 2019. Last year’s two-day event attracted an audience of more than 17,000 spectators and even larger crowds are expected this year as the city embraces the carnival atmosphere the event creates.
Having the sponsors on board will allow for a bigger event, with a wider programme of free dry-land activities for the public to enjoy in between supporting the racers on the river. Large live-action screens positioned along the race zone on the Quayside to follow the racing and feel even closer to the action.
Comedian and radio presenter Alfie Joey will return to compere the event with his live commentary broadcast across the Quayside through the screens and speaker system to build excitement during the event.
Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of free family activities including physical exercise challenges, craft stalls, face painting aboard the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Bus and a host of Dragon Boat themed entertainment.
Rachel Fenwick, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1 said; "We are excited to welcome both Fortis Vision and Orega as partners for this year’s event. Their investment is helping make this the biggest Dragon Boat Race we’ve ever organised on the Tyne. We’re already celebrating some record-breaking milestones with the fastest selling event, the biggest number of boats and we hope with the public’s support, the largest number of spectators the event has ever seen. We urge everyone to come along, cheer on the teams racing on the water, enjoy the entertainment on the Quayside and support the fundraising activities.”
Mathew Moore, Marketing Director at Orega said; “As Orega celebrates 25 years of providing flexible workspace across the UK, we're proud to sponsor this year's NE1 Newcastle Dragon Boat Race. With 25 centres nationwide, supporting local business communities is a key part of who we are, and we're passionate about helping businesses connect, grow and thrive in every region where we operate. We're delighted to support an event that celebrates Newcastle's collaborative spirit and look forward to joining the city's business community on the Quayside.”
Nikki Todd, Managing Director, Fortis Vision said; “We’re thrilled to come on board as an official sponsor and play our part in making this year’s event bigger and better. The event is a landmark date in the city’s event calendar and we’re proud to encourage even more people to get involved whether that’s as spectators on the Quayside, fundraisers, or future racers. We can’t wait to take part and support the event, which brings the community together and all for a fantastic cause.”
To find out more about NE1 Newcastle Dragon Boat Race visit ne1dragonboatrace.com.
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