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All aboard for some raft race madness in Matlock

By Caroline King - Posted in : Alternative Sport

Matlock Boxing Day Raft Event When: 26th December 2013 (Boxing Day) from 10am

Where: Matlock, Derbyshire

£: Free to watch, the event is raising money for charities including the R.N.L.I. so donations will be most welcome

What is it?

The annual Matlock Raft Race takes place every Boxing Day and is organised by the Derbyshire Association of Sub Aqua Clubs.  This year will be the 51st raft race to be held at Matlock. The race begins around 10am on the River Derwent at Matlock and finishes at Cromford Meadows around 1.30pm.  The event often attracts ten to fifteen thousand people to the area.

Matlock Boxing Day Raft Event The Matlock Raft Race is free to watch but aims to raise money for the R.N.L.I. and over the past years the association has collected enough money to be able to buy a Lifeboat (Spirit of Derbyshire) and a small inshore rescue lifeboat.  The course is about four miles long and spectators can watch the race from various points along the river bank.

As with all good charity events, participants work hard on their fancy dress and the rafts come in all shapes and sizes.  Past competitors have dressed up as The Muppets, Santa and his Elves, The Flintstones and pirates complete with ship.

More info: www.facebook.com/DerbyshireAssociationOfSubAquaClubs