Dragon boat on display for shoppers ahead of Peterborough festival.

A 30-foot dragon boat will be at Serpentine Green on 28 February between 9am and 5pm for shoppers to try, and the 26th Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival is scheduled for 20 June to raise funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

A 30-foot carved dragon boat will be on display at Serpentine Green on 28 February between 9am and 5pm. Shoppers will be invited to sit in the boat, pose with paddles and try the festival drum. Representatives from New Wave Events and Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice will be present to speak with visitors. The display launches interest in the 26th Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, planned for June. Event details: - The boat includes a carved dragon's head and a drum and will be on show at Serpentine Green on 28 February between 9am and 5pm. - Organisers from New Wave Events and staff from Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice will be available to talk to visitors and invite them to sit in the boat, pose with paddles and try the drum. - The 26th Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival is scheduled for Saturday 20 June at Peterborough Rowing Club, Thorpe Meadows. - Around 60 crews of businesses and community groups are expected to race along a 200-metre course. - Money raised at the festival will support Sue Ryder's palliative and end-of-life care and bereavement services. - Organisers report that entry forms and sponsor information are available through festival channels by phone and online. Summary: The display is intended to raise awareness of the June festival and its fundraising partnership with Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. The event will combine racing with food, entertainment and family activities and is expected to involve around 60 crews. Organisers continue to accept entries and sponsor enquiries ahead of the festival.