MORE than 110 teams from across the district have taken to the water as part of the Bradford Dragon Boat Festival this weekend.

The Lord Mayor's Appeal Championship was held yesterday and today sees the Multi-Charity Championship on the River Aire at Roberts Park, Saltaire, raising money for various good causes.

The festival supports the Lord Mayor's Appeal - which this year has raised money for the Down Syndrome Training and Support Service and the Wishing Well Appeal - as the main event. and teams racing yesterday helped raise thousands for the Mayor's charities.

The festival organisers have also opened up the event today to support 18 other charities.

Huge crowds flocked to the park to watch the action as the teams took part in glorious sunny conditions.  As well as the racing on the river, which was shown on a big screen in the park, there were plenty of attractions for all to enjoy including children’s entertainment, charity stalls, catering stands, landside games, bars, live music acts, army assault courses, and much more.

Junior Dragon Boat racers took to the river on Friday for the festival's youth championships, with teams from schools and academies across the district taking part.

One of the festival organisers, John Galt, said: "The youth championships were brilliantly supported on Friday, but today (Saturday) is just another level isn't it. Look how many teams have come along, including the GB juniors, who are former world champions. Everyone is enjoying themselves. 

"18 major charities are involved this year and hopefully we'll raise £75,000 for those good causes. Personally I'd like to get to over £100,000, that would be a real story.

"We just want to carry on getting bigger and better, and between us and the T&A, let's see where can we go with this. It's an internationally recognised event and we've put Bradford on the map. Let's keep growing it."

Nick Garthwaite, managing director of Christeyns UK Ltd, helped to provide the pontoon used for the races free of charge, as well as racing in his company's team.

He said: "The Dragonboat Festival is going from strength to strength.

"This is the fourth year and we've entered every year with Christeyns, and I can't see us not entering in the years to come.

"We're delighted to support the Lord Mayor's charity, and what's not to like about the day.

"The weather and crowds are fantastic, and we're now up to it being a three-day event.

"The organisation is just first-class, those behind it deserve medals. They are real unsung heroes."

Some photos by Steve Gawlyk - T&A Camera Club