NE1’s much-loved Dragon Boat Race returns to the River Tyne for its fifth year* on Saturday 27 September 2025, bringing NE1’s Summer in the City programme to a spectacular close.
Newcastle’s Quayside will be transformed into a vibrant festival of colour, culture and competition, drawing thousands of spectators to enjoy one of the most exhilarating spectacles in NE1’s annual events calendar.
The action takes place on the River Tyne between the Tyne and Millennium Bridges, with dry land activities for supporters and spectators of all ages to enjoy.
More than 450 competitors will take to the water for a series of fiercely contested heats starting at 10am, with the fastest teams meeting in the finals around 3 pm. The presentation ceremony will take place on dry land at 4pm.
Teams of between 11-16 racers crew the long, narrow dragon canoes, paddling in pairs to the beat of a drum positioned at the boat’s helm, which sets the rhythm for the races. Together, they battle it out for the coveted title of NE1’s Dragon Boat champions 2025.
Crewed by fundraising adventure-seekers, the dragon boat teams will have fun racing and raising money for this year’s chosen charity, the Great North Children’s Hospital at the RVI. Last year’s event raised over £20,000 for the official charity the Newcastle Hospitals Trust, with additional money raised for other local charities.
The day begins a 9.30am with an impressive ceremonial lion dance, performed by Newcastle Kung Fu Club, creating a colourful and noisy start and setting the tone for the rest of the day, with a family-festival atmosphere and free events including face painting, crafts, roaming entertainment and live music.
Spectators can enjoy the racing, support the fundraising efforts, and make the most of the final days of summer with free entertainment all day on the Quayside.
Rachel Fenwick, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1 Ltd said: “What an amazing summer we’ve had, and NE1’s Dragon Boat Race is the grand finale. This spectacular, colourful and high-energy event will be enjoyed not just by the racers on the river but by the 10,000+ supporters we expect to pack the Quayside. Since 2019, it has been a special event, a true celebration of community, sport, and charity and this year promises to be our biggest and best yet. We urge everyone to head down, cheer from the riverbank, join in the free family fun and help support a truly worthy cause.”
NE1’S DRAGON BOAT RACING - 2026
No spaces are available aboard boats this year, but NE1’s Dragon Boat Racing is open to everyone to take part.
Registration opens at the end of each year, and demand for places is as fiercely contested as the races on the river.
Want to race in 2026? Rally your team, and head to www.getintonewcastle.co.uk to register as soon as bookings open.
*NE1 hosted the first NE1 Dragon Boat race in 2019 and every year since, except 2020 due to Covid.
More in latest
