The annual Dragon Boat Festival returns to the historic Gloucester Docks on Sunday 17 May 2026, offering residents a day of competitive racing and community fundraising. Organised by the Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn, this free event will run from 10:30 until 17:00 in the Main Basin.
Spectators can watch teams navigate a 300-metre course that starts beneath the swing bridge on Llanthony Road and finishes by the Greek at the Docks restaurant at Merchants Quay. Each crew is comprised of 10 paddlers and a drummer who beats the rhythm, with teams competing in at least three races throughout the day. The top performing crews will then qualify for the semi-final and final, where they will compete for the Gloucester Dragon Boat Shield.
This year’s festival continues a tradition that began in 2000. According to the organisers, the event has raised more than £600,000 for charitable causes over more than 25 years. Funds raised during the 2026 event will support Young Gloucestershire, the Pied Piper Appeal, and various other charities supported by the Rotary club.
Dragon boat racing, which originated in China over 2,000 years ago, has grown into one of the world’s fastest growing water sports. Nick Bishop, one of the event organisers, said: ‘The docks will come alive with colour, energy and friendly rivalry, and the support from the sides makes all the difference to the crews racing for pride, charity and the all-important Dragon Boat Shield.’
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
