Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival launched at Chinese New Year 2017

Posted 27th January 2017

Crew members from last year’s exciting event, Age UK Milton Keynes chief executive Jane Palmer, MKFM’s Darren Dorrington, Matthew Edwards from Gable Events and The Zen Garden Restaurant owner Mei Xu attended the launch of the 2017 Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival on Friday 27th January 2017.

Gable Events brought along a 30 foot wooden dragon boat for would-be paddlers to try out on dry land and relive the excitement of last year’s racing.

As well as competing for the champions’ trophy, each dragon boat crew is encouraged to raise funds for Age UK Milton Keynes, the official charity of the event.  The crew that raises the most wins the charity trophy and voucher worth up to £350 towards a celebratory meal at Zen Garden Oriental Buffet Restaurant.

Age UK Milton Keynes’ focus this year is on preventing loneliness and isolation among older people in our community.  The charity hopes to raise £15,000 from the Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival, vital funds which will enable them to carry on making a real and positive difference to the lives of thousands of older people and their families in Milton Keynes.

It takes 17 enthusiastic people to form a crew – 16 paddlers and one drummer.  There is always space for new crews to enter, or for companies who have not entered for a few years to have another go and beat their rivals from previous years.

For more information on how to enter visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk or call event organisers Gable Events on 01780 470 718.

Visit our website for more information about Age UK Milton Keynes’s involvement with the Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival and the services we provide.

www.ageukmiltonkeynes.org.uk