KEEN boat racers are being urged to sign up for this year’s Bradford Dragonboat Festival which will take place in May.

Now into its third year, the festival has become the biggest of its kind in the UK, and has been nominated for a string of awards.

This year’s festival is set to be the biggest to date, and organisers are now appealing to the Bradford public to get involved with the festival.

People can take part in the festival either as racers, by entering a team, volunteering on the day to help the event run as smoothly as possible, as a committee member to deliver the festival, or simply by turning up on the day as a spectator to watch and enjoy the various attractions.

Volunteers to run the festival’s social media and act as a positive ambassador are also being sought.

Bradford businesses can also play their part by paying for advertising and marketing at the festival, or by sponsoring the festival to help pay for the running of the event.

Festival organiser John Galt said since its inception the event has been a “tremendous success”.

He said: “People from across the UK are taking notice of what we have created.

“It has showcased how wonderful Bradford and its people are, so much so that other councils are wanting it too.

“The festival is a real community festival in its truest sense. It is run by volunteers, who do this form a zero start-up budget helped by participants and businesses on the day.

“Everything from the acts and performers, stewards, and planners are all volunteers contributing their time, skill, and expertise for the enjoyment of the people of Bradford.

“This amazing spectacle also raises money for good causes and helps create a stronger more cohesive and caring community.”

This year’s festival will take place at Roberts Park, Saltaire, on Saturday, May 6.

It is held to raise money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which this year is children and young people’s mental health charity Young Minds, which has been chosen by the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Geoff Reid.

Less than ten slots for teams are left, and to sign up as a team or to volunteer at the festival, visit bradforddragonboatfestival.co.uk or email john.galt@bradford.gov.uk.