Charity dragon boat race returns to Ipswich Waterfront as festival expands.

The annual Dragon Boat Festival, organised by Brave Futures, returns to Ipswich Waterfront on June 6, 2026 and will expand into a full waterfront celebration. Funds raised will support Brave Futures' work with children and young people.

The annual Dragon Boat Festival, organised by Brave Futures, will take place at Ipswich Waterfront on June 6, 2026. Now in its seventh year, the event is expanding into a full waterfront celebration with more boats and activities. Organisers say the festival aims to raise vital funds for Brave Futures, a charity supporting children and young people. Demand for the charity's services has grown in recent years, and last year's event raised £50,000. Key details: - Date and location: June 6, 2026, at Ipswich Waterfront. - This will be the festival's seventh year and it is expanding across the waterfront with additional boats and family attractions. - Planned features include live entertainment, Chinese lion dancers, and a chance to visit Ipswich Harbour Trust's 1948 motor tug. - Last year more than 30 teams competed and the event raised £50,000 for Brave Futures. - Funds support Brave Futures' work with children and young people, including services for children who have experienced sexual abuse, and some areas report a 36% rise in demand. - The fundraiser is sponsored by Cory Brothers and will be hosted by BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Wayne Bavin, with Suffolk Sound as media partner. Summary: The expanded festival is intended to broaden the waterfront celebration while continuing to raise funds for Brave Futures' services for children and young people. The event is scheduled for June 6, 2026, and organisers say more boats and a larger programme of activities are planned. Partners and local organisations are supporting the fundraiser as preparations continue. Undetermined at this time.