Dragon boat racing is widely recognised as one of the UK’s ultimate team sports – exciting, inclusive, and perfect for bringing people together. The Manchester Dragon Boat Festival welcomes teams from local businesses, sports clubs, and social groups. In fact, any group can take part – and no previous experience is needed.

All teams receive full training and a safety briefing on the day, making it an accessible and memorable experience for everyone involved. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to fundraise, whether you choose to support one of the festival’s partner charities or a cause close to your team’s heart.

Teams pay a registration fee, which helps cover the cost of staging the event. From there, each participant – and the team as a whole – is encouraged to raise sponsorship, maximising the impact for your chosen charity.