Severn Hospice Dragon Boat Festival 2026

Severn Hospice held its Dragon Boat Festival over the weekend of 18 and 19 July 2026 on the River Severn in Shrewsbury, racing on the stretch by Beck's Field between Shrewsbury School and Pengwern Boat Club. Crews of 11 to 20 people paddled 40ft Viking dragon boats in head-to-head heats. Entry was £425 per boat and every crew had to raise at least £1,250 in sponsorship on top of the fee. Each team received an HQ tent for the day and every crew member a bespoke medal, with awards for top fundraiser, best fancy dress and overall champion. The 2026 edition was reported to have raised around £107,000 for the hospice.