Inaugural Christchurch River Pageant

Bourne Water Dragons are proud to be part of the river pageant organised by Christchurch, Boscombe & Southbourne Rotary Clubs as part of this year’s Christchurch Carnival.

This exciting new fundraising event on the River Stour from Tuckton Tea Rooms to Christchurch Quay will take place on Saturday 16th August. The pageant parade will begin at 12 noon, and spectators are encouraged to view from either side of the river.

The event will be open from 11 am with several stalls, activities, water safety demonstrations and presentations about the history of Christchurch. Refreshments will be available to purchase from the Tuckton Tea Gardens.

The theme of the event is the history of our local area, and smugglers and pirates immediately spring to mind. The parade will feature decorated floats, boats and various watercraft, including homemade rafts, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. The showstopper will be both dragon boat teams, Bourne Water Dragons and Pink Champagne, joining together to paddle down the river as a finale. The event is followed by a prize giving ceremony at Christchurch Sailing Club. The aim is to raise money for three local charities, Hengistbury Head Outdoors, The Bourne Water Dragons and Pink Champagne.

The first event needs to be huge and many community groups, clubs and schools have been invited to participate. The Sea Cadets, Sea Scouts, Harbour Watch, Marine Voluntary Service, RNLI, National Coastwatch Institution, Christchurch Rowing Club, Christchurch Sailing Club, Southbourne Surf Lifesaving Club, various local SUP and canoe clubs have all agreed to join the parade; there is space for other clubs, businesses and private boat owners who would like to take part in the parade. The event will provide an opportunity for everyone to have fun and enjoy the river, raising money for local good causes and encouraging people of all ages to engage with Hengistbury Head Outdoors, which is being developed with the help of the government-backed Community Ownership Fund.

For any queries about the event, please contact Gerry on 07710611123 or email riverpageant25@gmail.com