Visitors to this year’s Dragon Boat Race in St Neots can expect a host of family entertainment as well as the traditional water-based activities.

New for 2017, is a junior race for scouting clubs, to enable the young scouts to earn dragon boating badges. The 1st Eaton Socon Scouts, 2nd St Neots Scouts and Little Paxton Scouts have all accepted the challenge and will compete in the afternoon before the final races.

For spectators, there will be plenty of entertainment on the riverbank, including a children’s activity area with live entertainment from Mrs Bubbles who will provide a magic show, dancing games and amazing bubbles.

Community group Vir2oso will provide free arts and crafts activities for children of all ages, from their art caravan. One Leisure will be putting on sports and fitness challenges for all the family and there will be funfair rides also.

Archaeology firm, Mola Headland Infrastructure, which has staff working on archaeological excavations along the length of the new A14 site, will have some of its archaeologists competing in the race.

A range of refreshments will be available for visitors, from wood fired pizza to beef brisket and Spanish churros as well as a licensed bar, gourmet coffee and smoothie stalls.

Black Cat 107FM will be keeping audiences entertained all day with live race commentary.

Mike Truswell from the Rotary Club of St Neots St Mary’s said: “The whole event has an emphasis on fun, highlighting the wonderful facility we have in St Neots, the River Great Ouse, and a setting which is the envy of many other towns throughout the country.”

He added: “A recent National Dragon Boat Association event held on the Regatta Meadow brought great praise from the organisers, who said that it was one of the best venues in the country.”

The event runs from 11am till 5pm.

INFO: www.visitstneots.co.uk or Facebook: @stneotsdragonboatfestival