The 46th Annual Chester Raft Race takes place this Sunday 2nd July. The iconic river event, which since the late 1970s was organised by the Rotary Club of Chester is now under the stewardship of the Grosvenor Round Table, who took over race in 2022.

The event starts at 10am with music at the Groves, with the rafts launching from 10.30 at the Meadows. The theme for this years event is Super Heroes.

The rafts race against the clock over an approximate 400 metre course starting just upriver of the Royal Chester Rowing Club, passing under the pedestrian Suspension Bridge to a finish on the north bank of the river by Recorder’s Steps to the Walls and just above the weir. Although the race is over at this point, the rafts then have to retrace their route back to the launch area on the Meadows. The ongoing repair work to the Suspension Bridge will have no impact on the event for spectators or racers, with the bridge works due be complete by the end of the week.

The Chester Raft Race is a charity event that has raised £500,000 for local charities in its lifetime. This years event Charity will be SHARE. The well known local group support families in crisis and people who are homeless in North Wales and Cheshire and assist refugees fleeing for their lives, wherever they are in the world. SHARE were recently recognised by the High Sheriff of Cheshire for their efforts in the community. https://thechesterblog.com/2023/04/02/share-recognised-by-high-sheriff-of-cheshire/ This years’ main sponsor is Salt Town Contractors,   a privately owned family run business with a nationwide service offering specialist solutions for roofing, flat roofing, cladding, and rainscreen.

The Round Table have organised an incredible line up of attractions and activities on the meadows including: fun fair rides from Charles Harris Fun Fairs UK, an ice cream truck, milkshake trailer, Pizza van, hot dog stand, coffee and dessert trailers plus The Old Harkers Arms Mobile Bar. The main staging area will host an entertainment hour and then the awards and trophy showcase. Local community groups and organisations will also be showcasing their work and initiatives. The Sandy Lane Ferry between the Meadows and Sandy Lane Aqua Park will be in operation between 9 – 5.15.

https://chesterraftrace.org.uk/