In the Community
I
t’s back… the annual Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival returns to Willen Lake on September 24 and new festival organisers New Wave Events are expecting an even higher turnout this time around. Entries are already coming in following the festival’s launch last month. The Dragon Boat Festival, supported this year by Business MK, its sister title MK Pulse magazine, MKFM and MK Charities, attracts more than 50 companies annually and for the first time companies can raise money for a charity of their choice. There is a great incentive for teams to raise as much sponsorship as possible as the top fundraisers will win a charity trophy and the sponsorship raised by the participating teams is expected to make a significant contribution to the charities in and around Milton Keynes. New Wave Events executive director Alicja Mierzejewska said: “We are thrilled to be able to carry on the legacy of the festival and we are excited to bring new and fresh ideas in the years to come. Being involved with planning this festival previously, we knew it was and is an important event for the participants, charities, and local community, so we started planning as soon as possible.” Both Alicja and her codirector Lucy Morton worked
The dragons are back The countdown begins to Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival 2022 for the previous organisers of the festival, Gable Events which closed during the pandemic. “I am so glad we get to bring this amazing event back to Milton Keynes and the new feature to raise money for any local charity I think will bring more interest and raise vital funds to help so many different charities in the area,” said Lucy. “After such a tough couple of years, this is exactly
what the community and charities need and we cannot wait for it to all come together for the best year yet.” The festival will be using smaller 30ft dragon boats, holding crews of up to 11, with reduced entry fees to make it easier for companies and organisations of all sizes to enter teams. Companies, clubs and organisations from across the region are putting their
teams together to take part and represent a mix of new and returning crews but all with the same aim in mind: to enjoy a great day out with colleagues and friends and make a difference in their community. Enhanced Gold and Silver entry packages are available which include marketing benefits such as the company’s logo on each side of a dragon boat as well as a significant donation to the charity of their choice. Says Alicja: “When Gable Events closed it was certainly an end of an era but we are optimistic for the future and we are here to bring everyone back together again after what has been a difficult time for everyone. Our dragons are ready and waiting.” To take part in the dragon boat racing and help raise money for your charity, no previous experience is required - just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm. The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. n For further information and an entry form visit: https://dragonboatevents. co.uk/milton-keynes-dragonboat-festival/. Find out more about charities you can help at www. mkcharities.com/
NEW FOR 2022 - SUPPORT A CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE
SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2022
WILLEN LAKE, MILTON KEYNES
DRAGONBOATEVENTS.CO.UK SCAN THE QR CODE !
RESINAGRO
SRENTRAP AIDEM
RETROPPUS TNEVE
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Business MK
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March 2022
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