Deepings Raft Race cancelled for second year running

The race, which raises cash for a number of charities as teams race down the river, was cancelled last year due to COVID - and sadly the 2021 event has also now been called off.

A spokesman for the event said: “The committee would love to be able to tell you that the Race will go ahead in 2021, but at our committee meeting in April we reviewed the latest government advice on events and had to come to the difficult decision that we would not be able to comply with the guidance.

“Because the event is held in an un-gated area, we have no way to control numbers or check for people that have been vaccinated or tested - as some events are suggesting.

“We would not be able to enforce social distancing and at this stage we probably couldn’t insure the event.

“We have to take the responsible approach and put the safety of people first. We realise that this will be a great disappointment to our racers, spectators, sponsors and especially the charities for whom we raise much needed funds.

“We will be looking to see if there is some safe alternative activity that we could operate to try and support some of those good causes so please keep an eye on our website and social media channels.”

It is hoped the event will take place on August 2 2022.

For more details visit http://www.deepingsraftrace.co.uk/