Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Alternative Sport > Coracle races and games in Shropshire

Coracle races and games in Shropshire

By Caroline King - August 21, 2018Posted in : Alternative Sport, FEATURED-STORIES

Ironbridge Coracle Regatta 2014

People trying out the Coracle

When: 27th August 2018, 11am – 4pm

Where: On the River Severn at Ironbridge Rowing Club, Buildwas Road, Ironbridge, Shropshire

£: Free to watch.  It cost £2 to park at the event

What is it?

This bank holiday Monday, the River Severn in Shropshire will play host to the unusual Ironbridge Coracle Regatta, with races, games and entertainment.

The event attracts coracle makers and paddlers from all over Britain to participate in an array of madcap races.

But what are coracles?  Used for thousands of years, coracles are flat-bottomed boats made from woven wood covered in animal skins, or more often nowadays, canvas sewn on and waterproofed with tar or bitumen.  They were used for fishing, ferrying and – commonly in Ironbridge – for poaching.  Before the advent of the Iron Bridge, they were also used to ferry people and goods from one side of the River Severn to the other.

This year’s Ironbridge Coracle Regatta will feature a team challenge, as well as races for beginners, intermediates and experts.  There will also be coracle polo matches and other quirky competitions, including the dizzying 360 degrees and the intriguing Fish Kebabs race.

The events will begin at 11.30am with a chance to have a go in one of the traditional coracles, before the races start at 12.30pm.  Anyone can take part in the races, just turn up in plenty of time on the day.  The last event of the day will be a duck race at 3.30pm.

Food and refreshments will be available, along with a variety of shore-based activities including arts and crafts stalls. The event is free to watch and takes place along the picturesque stretch of the River Severn at the Ironbridge Rowing Club on Buildwas Road, Ironbridge.

More info: www.coracleshed.org and www.coraclesociety.org.uk

Related Posts

  • Heritage, art and music at Ironbridge Gorge festival
  • Waiters' races and a trolley grand prix at Dartmouth Regatta
  • A night-time cycle race with a twist
  • A free festival of brass at the Museum of Iron
  • Forgotten heritage, pubs and mindfulness at Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival

Tagged With: Bank holiday events, Family events, Free events, Shropshire events, West Midlands

Curiosity of the Week

Woodhenge, Stonehenge’s lesser-known neighbour
Woodhenge - ©English Heritage, Historic England Photo Library

You have heard of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, but have you heard of its lesser known neighbour, Woodhenge? Find out more in our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

HandleBards hit the pedals again to bring you a summer of outdoor theatre
HandleBards A Midsummer Night's Dream ©Rah Petherbridge Photography

The HandleBards are a Shakespearean troupe who tour by bike. And to celebrate their 10th anniversary, they’re climbing back into the saddle…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 · Contrary Life