Where:
Exeter Quay
Devon
When:
21 June 2026 10:00am - 4:30pm
Paddle for a purpose! Get your team on board for the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable day at Exeter Quay!
The Devon Air Ambulance Dragon Boat Festival 2026 is a celebration of teamwork, community spirit, and making a real difference.
Why take part?
Enjoy the thrill of the Race as your team powers through the waves in a traditional dragon boat.
Unite your crew! Bring together, colleagues, friends, family or members of your community group in the ultimate team-building experience.
Support a great cause! Help raise vital funds for Devon Air Ambulance making an important difference to our service!
How it works
- Assemble your team of 16 and a drummer to keep the rhythm (20 for reserves).
- You will need to first pay for and secure your boat – this sum is non-refundable.
- Entry is £70 per rower required for sponsorship, or a team effort of £1,190 to be raised.
- Minimum age 12.
- Register your team online: Be sure to secure your spot early to avoid disappointment!
- Fundraise together – begin rallying support and raising funds.
Event highlights
- The race is held at Exeter’s beautiful historic quay-side
- Compete for prizes for the winning team
- Experience a family-friendly Events Village.
Ready to make waves?
Sign up today and turn your paddles into power for change.
Your questions about the Dragon Boat Festival
First be sure to secure your boat for your crew!
Please note that bookings are non-refundable and you’ll need to create your own fundraising page for your team.
Once the heats begin, spectators and teams gather along the riverside to cheer everyone on. It’s a brilliant spot to soak up the atmosphere — and the encouragement really does spur teams on!
Each team takes part in a minimum of three races during the heats. Once registration is complete, all teams are added to the main race board, where the running order for the day is displayed. Your team name will be called when it’s time to head down to the water, so keep an eye (and an ear!) out for your turn.
After every team has completed their three races, the fastest crews go through to the Grand Final, where the top three boats compete head‑to‑head.
This final race decides 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place:
- All three finalist teams receive medals
- The winning team’s captain is also awarded the Dragon Boat Trophy
Absolutely! The festival atmosphere is a big part of the day.
Our Events Village is the central hub where teams gather for registration and mingling. You’ll usually find:
- The Devon Air Ambulance stand
- The Critical Care Car / Crew
- Face painting and family‑friendly activities
Between races, many people enjoy relaxing here or browsing local stalls or simply watching the progress of your rivals! Some races can become very tense!
Yes. We actively encourage teams and supporters to enjoy and support local businesses along the Quayside, many of whom serve fantastic food, drinks, and snacks throughout the day.
At the end of the festival, the top three teams come together for a celebratory ceremony. A Devon Air Ambulance representative gives a short thank‑you speech, recognising everyone’s effort, fundraising and sportsmanship.
We then announce the final timings and placements — starting with 3rd place, then 2nd, and finally 1st place.
Every finalist receives a medal, and the winning team captain receives the trophy.
Both! While some teams get very competitive, the atmosphere is always friendly, upbeat, and full of good sportsmanship. Many teams come back year after year because it’s such a fantastic team‑building day. We do hope you will join as!
Photograph credit: Alan Hemmins
