Record-Breaking Turnout for Tonbridge Lions Dragon Boat Race 2025

Gordon Hill
Sep 8
2 min read

Tonbridge, 8 September 2025 – The River Medway came alive this weekend as the Tonbridge Lions Dragon Boat Race returned with its biggest turnout yet. A record 30 teams representing local schools, charities, and businesses paddled their hearts out in a day filled with competition, celebration, and community spirit.

After a thrilling series of races, the 14th Destroyers Sea Scouts took home the champions’ trophy. Bidborough School and Nourish Community Foodbank secured finalist positions, while the crowd cheered on Ashdown Travel Agency’s Disney Dream Team, winners of the always-popular Best Dressed Award.

The event offered more than racing – families and visitors enjoyed a lively festival atmosphere, with stalls, games, and activities run by local businesses and charities. Pizza Express and 65mm helped keep the volunteer crews fuelled, while the late-summer sunshine made the perfect backdrop to a memorable day. “Dragon Boat Races are about more than competition – they’re about bringing people together,” said Lion Patricia Jordan, Chair of the event. “This year we saw first-time paddlers alongside returning teams, and the energy on and off the water truly showed the strength of our community.”

As always, all profits from the event will support local community causes, continuing the Lions’ proud tradition of giving back. The success of the day was made possible by months of preparation and the tireless work of volunteers.

The next Tonbridge Lions Dragon Boat Race will take place in September 2026, with team registrations opening in March 2026.