Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival – Still time to get a team together!

31 teams have already signed up to take part in this year’s Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival in aid of MacIntyre and there’s still plenty of time to get a team together and join them on the start line! The Festival, supported by Business MK and MKFM, takes place at Willen Lake on Sunday 23^rd June and is one of the highlights of the regional events calendar.

The Dragon Boat Festival attracts a complete mix of new and returning crews and all with the same aim in mind - to enjoy a fabulous day out with colleagues and friends and make a difference in their community.

EDW Technology has been entering teams into the Festival since 2012 and CEO, Simon Miles explains that as the company grows the competition for places increases every year, “Now that we are a bigger organisation with many more staff, the demand for rowing places is very competitive. Since acquiring TEAM Energy in 2017, last year was the first time we had a combined team from EDW and TEAM. It turned out to be a fabulous way for us all to socialise and integrate. We also revel in the friendly competition that brings businesses in Milton Keynes together. It’s a fun day out for all – both paddlers and supporters cheering from the side”.

EDW is one of several entrants opting for the enhanced Gold entry package which includes the profile and fundraising benefits of the company’s logo on each side of a dragon boat as well as a significant donation to MacIntyre. Other Gold entrants include Collins Aerospace, Home & Legacy, L&Q, Little Star Media, Pertemps Medical, Samuel & Co Trading, The Paterson Group and two teams from SMC Pneumatics.

To take part in the dragon boat racing and help raise money for MacIntyre, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. There will also be a variety of bankside entertainment to enjoy such as funfair rides, children’s activities and food stalls.

MacIntyre is looking forward to supporting and promoting the fundraising activities of the competing teams. As well as raising vital funds to support its work with over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism, the Dragon Boat Festival provides the charity with an opportunity to raise its profile within the corporate sector and wider community. The top fundraisers for MacIntyre will win the Charity trophy plus a special prize meal, sponsored by Merinvest, at highly rated Melis Restaurant in Central Milton Keynes.

MacIntyre’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy, adds, “Last year’s event was amazing and we’re really looking forward to doing it all again! Every penny raised will be used to benefit people in the Milton Keynes area. The funds raised will support our sports projects which aim to make sport equally accessible for people with a learning disability and other complex needs who want to participate.”

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100

The Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival – a Boat Race with a difference!

All eyes will be focussed on the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake this Sunday for the Oxford v Cambridge University Boat Race when double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell becomes the oldest man to represent one of the crews for this annual test of strength and stamina at the remarkable age of 46. If James has inspired you to take to the water and try something different this summer, why not get some colleagues/friends together and enter a team in the 18^th Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival?

The Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival in aid of MacIntyre takes place at Willen Lake on Sunday 23^rd June and there’s plenty of time to get a team together and guarantee a place on the start line.

Unlike the University Boat Race crews who average 6’ 4” and 14 stone for the men and 5’ 10” and 11 stone for the women, you don’t need the physique of Sir Steve Redgrave or Dame Katherine Grainger to be successful as dragon boat racing caters for people of all shapes, sizes and levels of fitness. No previous experience is required to take part, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm!

Under the expert guidance of a qualified helm provided by organisers Gable Events, your crew of up to 11 people will soon be paddling in time and bonding together as you race towards the finish line over the 200m race course. Each team gets three attempts to improve their race times with everyone having an equal chance of reaching the semi-finals. Over 40 crews are expected to battle it out and all will be seeking to knock Kuehne + Nagel’s ‘Brinklow Barbarians’ off their pedestal as reigning champions.

Based in Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes, ‘Calverton Capsizers’ representing Calverton Finance are regular entrants and crew manager Tasha Cox explains why the Dragon Boat Festival is the first event to go into the staff calendar every year, “We were first introduced to the Festival by a key client of ours six years ago and since then we have been hooked! We enter the Gold membership where a donation of £750 goes straight to the Festival charity. Our employees, friends and family get excited for this time of the year and, being as competitive as we are, we look to better our scores each time. Our ‘buzz’ for the race starts as soon as we sign up for the event and is a great talking point with many prospective clients. We do not have any hierarchy within Calverton and everyone gets involved including our company directors!”

All the entered teams are encouraged to raise sponsorship for MacIntyre, a national charity based in Milton Keynes that supports over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism. As well as raising vital funds, the Dragon Boat Festival will provide the charity with an opportunity to raise its profile within the corporate sector and the wider community. The top fundraisers for MacIntyre will win the Charity trophy plus a special prize meal, sponsored by Merinvest, at highly rated Melis Restaurant in Central Milton Keynes.

MacIntyre’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy, adds, “We are proud to be Festival charity as we know what a fantastic event this is for everyone who takes part and their families and friends. Every penny raised will be used to benefit the people we support in the Milton Keynes area”.

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100

Teams race to sign up for the Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival!

Companies, clubs and organisations from across the region are getting their teams together and signing up to take part in the eagerly anticipated Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival which celebrates its 18th anniversary this year. The Dragon Boat Festival takes place at Willen Lake on Sunday 23rd June in aid of MacIntyre and there’s plenty of time to get a crew together and guarantee a place on the start line.

Each year the Festival, supported by Business MK and MKFM, attracts a complete mix of new and returning crews. The dragon boats and qualified helms are provided by organisers Gable Events, each team is guaranteed a minimum of three races and no previous experience is needed, just plenty of team spirit. One of the first companies to sign up this year was Kuehne + Nagel who have entered three teams representing their various sites. The Kuehne + Nagel Brinklow Barbarians team will be defending their title having won the event for the first time last year, narrowly beating the ‘Dragondoliers’ team from Little Star Media into second place.

Based in Magna Park in Milton Keynes, crew manager Tracey Theobald explains why the Dragon Boat Festival is one of the highlights of the year for Kuehne + Nagel staff and their families. “It’s a great way to bring the workforce together and a tradition as Kuehne & Nagel have entered many boats over the years. Our very loud captain Ady Smith, who you can hear shouting across the lake every year, will be joined by new captain Michael Moyle who got the buzz last time and now wants to win the whole festival! We are hoping to enter one mixed boat as well if we can drum up enough interest from the ladies onsite. The event lifts staff morale, shows teamwork pays off and most importantly raises a lot of money for charity”.

Other early entrants include Gold entries from SMC Pneumatics with two teams, The Paterson Group and Little Star Media plus EDW Technology and Team (EAA Ltd). All the entered teams are encouraged to raise sponsorship for Festival charity MacIntyre, a national charity based in Milton Keynes that supports over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism. The top fundraisers for MacIntyre will win the Charity trophy plus a special prize meal, sponsored by Merinvest, at highly rated Melis Restaurant in Central Milton Keynes.

MacIntyre’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy, adds, “MacIntyre is delighted to again be the official charity for the 2019 Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival. Last year’s event was amazing and we’re really looking forward to doing it all again! Every penny raised at this event will be used to benefit people in the Milton Keynes area. The funds raised will support our sports projects which aim to make sport equally accessible for people with a learning disability and other complex needs who want to participate.”

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100.

 

The Dragon Boat Festival celebrates Chinese New Year

Gable Events and MacIntyre are celebrating Chinese New Year by inviting entries into the 18th Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival. This popular annual event returns to Willen Lake in Milton Keynes on Sunday 23rd June and up to 50 crews are expected to battle it out in 40’ brightly painted Chinese dragon boats over the 200m race course, watched by several thousand spectators.

An ancient Chinese history
Dragon boat racing has an ancient Chinese history, dating back 2,000 years to the Kingdom of Chu, where local fishermen used their paddles to stave off vicious fish in a valiant attempt to save drowning warrior poet Qu Yuan. Their efforts failed and in Hong Kong a Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng) is held annually as a re-enactment of this tragic event.

Year of the Pig
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2019 is the year of the Pig. People born in this year are believed to be energetic, enthusiastic and blessed with good fortune – all important qualities for achieving dragon boat success in June!

Team building and fun for all
This spectacular team event takes place at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes on Sunday 23rd June and is open to everyone. Each crew comprises up to 16 paddlers, a beating drummer at the front of the boat and a steering helm (provided by organisers, Gable Events) at the tail end. The dragon boats and all racing equipment are provided, each team receives three races and no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit! The Festival promises a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike, with catering and bankside entertainment for all the family between races.

A great fundraising opportunity
The Dragon Boat Festival offers an excellent opportunity to raise money for MacIntyre, a national charity based in Milton Keynes that supports over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism. For crews opting for the popular gold and silver entry packages, a significant donation to MacIntyre is included in the entry fee alongside marketing benefits such as the company logo on the sides of a dragon boat. The crew raising the most money for MacIntyre will receive a special prize meal at the acclaimed Melis Restaurant, sponsored by Merinvest – a great incentive!

Festival charity - MacIntyre
Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy comments, “MacIntyre is delighted to be the official charity for the 2019 Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival. Financial constraints in the social care sector mean that income we receive from fundraising is more important than ever. We use fundraised income to buy the extras that make a real and tangible difference to the people we support. Every penny received will go directly to benefit the people we support; nothing is deducted for administrative costs.”

How to join in
For further information and an entry form please visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100

Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival in aid of MacIntyre is back for 2019

Entries are officially open for the annual Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival which returns to Willen Lake on Sunday 23^rd June and, organisers Gable Events, are expecting an even higher turnout this time around.

The Dragon Boat Festival, supported by Business MK and MKFM, attracts more than 50 companies annually and for the second year the teams will be raising funds for MacIntyre, a national charity based in Milton Keynes that supports over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism.

There is a great incentive for teams to raise as much sponsorship as possible as the top fundraisers will win a charity trophy and a special prize meal, sponsored by Merinvest, at Melis Restaurant. The sponsorship raised by the participating teams is expected to make a significant contribution to the funds MacIntyre needs for its vital work.

Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy comments, “MacIntyre is delighted to again be the official charity for the 2019 Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival. Last year’s event was amazing and we’re really looking forward to doing it all again! Every penny raised at this event will be used to benefit people in the Milton Keynes area. The funds raised will support our sports projects which aim to make sport equally accessible for people with a learning disability and other complex needs who want to participate.”

With entries now open, companies, clubs and organisations from across the region are getting their teams together to take part. They represent a complete mix of new and returning crews but all with the same aim in mind - to enjoy a fabulous day out with colleagues and friends and make a difference in their community. Enhanced Gold and Silver entry packages are available which include marketing benefits such as the company’s logo on each side of a dragon boat as well as a significant donation to MacIntyre.

To take part in the dragon boat racing and help raise money for MacIntyre, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. There will also be a variety of bankside entertainment to enjoy such as funfair rides, children’s activities and food stalls.

Check out our promotional video:

Last chance to make a splash at the Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday 23rd June

In a few weeks’ time, Willen Lake in Milton Keynes will reverberate to the sound of beating drums and there is still time to get your team together and join in the fun.

The Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival, supported by Business MK and MKFM, celebrates its 17^th anniversary on Saturday 23^rd June and around half the teams that take part each year are new - so why not join them on the start line?

All the entered teams this year are being encouraged to raise sponsorship for MacIntyre, a national charity based in Milton Keynes that supports over 1,500 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism. To make the most of their Festival partnership, MacIntyre are also having a team in this year’s event.

Events & Corporate Fundraiser, Jessie Easterby explains how they plan to participate fully in the day and how they will benefit, “This is a brilliant way for us to work together and have a laugh with our colleagues. Lots of the people we support are also very excited to take part, whether that is through volunteering, paddling in the boat, helping with our catering tent or simply watching; and this is at the heart of MacIntyre, to give the people we support new and exciting opportunities, and to involve everyone in any way we can. As the Festival’s new charity partner we want to experience all aspects of the event and get stuck in with the rest of the teams. Some of us are in it to win it, and others are just looking forward to a great day out.”

Over 40 crews have already booked their place on the start line and finding the right name for the crew is essential – KPMG have plumped for “Row Hard or Row Home” whilst Frost Landscapes two teams are “Tree Huggers” and “Niff Naff n Triv”. Interserve are clearly not too hopeful as they have named their team “Intersink”.

The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided by organisers Gable Events and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. No previous experience is needed to take part and everyone has a chance to be a winner. Medals and trophies are up for grabs for the top three crews, top mixed crew and the ‘best dressed’ crew. The top fundraisers for MacIntyre will win the Charity trophy plus a special prize meal, sponsored by Merinvest, at highly rated Melis Restaurant in Central Milton Keynes – a great incentive.

As well as the dragon boat racing, crews and their families will be able to enjoy a whole variety of bankside entertainment including a funfair, inflatables, food stalls - and even a special flypast by a Dakota aircraft, one of the most iconic aircraft from military history.

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100

Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival
Still time to get a team together!

Companies, clubs and organisations from across the region have been getting their teams together and signing up to take part in this year’s eagerly anticipated Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival in aid of new partner charity MacIntyre. The Festival, supported by Business MK and MKFM, takes place at Willen Lake on Saturday 23^rd June and there’s still plenty of time to raise a team and get involved!

The Dragon Boat Festival attracts up to 60 companies each year - a complete mix of new and returning crews and all with the same aim in mind - to enjoy a fabulous day out with colleagues and friends and make a difference in their community.

EDW Technology has been entering teams into the Festival since 2012 and CEO Simon Miles explains that the company has even more reason to get involved this year, “In the past 12 months EDW Technology has acquired TEAM Energy, another Milton Keynes based company. Since then, we have been successfully integrating staff, departments and processes. Entering a joint EDW & TEAM crew in the dragon boat race this year will be a lively way for everyone to bond outside of the workplace – and work together with a bit of a sporting challenge. We enjoy the friendly competition that brings businesses in Milton Keynes together. It’s fun and enjoyable for all, both the people participating in the boat and the supporters cheering on from the side”.

EDW is one of several entrants opting for the enhanced Gold and Silver entry packages which include the profile and fundraising benefits of the company’s logo on each side of a dragon boat as well as a significant donation to MacIntyre. Other Gold and Silver entrants include AFL Hyperscale, Alpha Club MK Ltd, Calverton Finance, Little Star Media, SMC Pneumatics, Forticrete (two teams) and Rockwell Automation. They will be joining over 30 crews who have already signed up for the challenge this year.

To take part in the dragon boat racing and help raise money for MacIntyre, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. There will also be a variety of bankside entertainment to enjoy such as funfair rides, children’s activities and food stalls.

MacIntyre is looking forward to supporting and promoting the fundraising activities of the competing teams. As well as raising vital funds to support its work with over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism, the Dragon Boat Festival will provide the charity with an opportunity to raise its profile within the corporate sector and wider community. The top fundraisers for MacIntyre will win the Charity trophy plus a special prize meal, sponsored by Merinvest, at highly rated Melis Restaurant in Central Milton Keynes.

MacIntyre’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy, adds, “Having been involved in previous years, we know what a fantastic event this is for everyone who takes part and their families and friends. Every penny raised will be used to benefit the people we support in the Milton Keynes area”.

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100

All aboard the dragon boat for MacIntyre!

Shoppers were given the chance to climb aboard a full-size dragon boat and beat the drum at intu Shopping Centre in Milton Keynes on Saturday.

The display was to promote the 17th Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival and visitors to the Centre were able to sit in the boat, try the paddles for size and enjoy a taste of this year’s Festival dished up by organisers Gable Events and new charity partner MacIntyre.

The 2018 Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival takes place at Willen Lake on Saturday 23rd June and over 50 teams are expected to battle it out on the 200-metre course, cheered on by their supporters with lots of bankside activities to enjoy between races.

The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment will be provided, no previous experience is required, and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races.

Crews will be invited to raise money for MacIntyre and the top fundraisers will win a special prize meal at the highly rated Melis Restaurant in Central Milton Keynes, sponsored by Merinvest.

MacIntyre is a national charity based in Milton Keynes that supports over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism. As well as raising vital funds, the Dragon Boat Festival will provide the charity with an opportunity to raise its profile within the corporate sector and the wider community.

MacIntyre’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy, says, “Having been involved in previous years, we know what a fantastic event this is for everyone who takes part and their families and friends. Every penny raised will be used to benefit the people we support in the Milton Keynes area”.

Joining in the fun at intu on Saturday were the presenters from Festival radio partner MKFM and the staff and volunteers from MacIntyre who gave out free cookies made in their café. Visitors to the stand were also able to try out their fitness on a rowing ergometer provided by Energie Fitness in readiness for the big race on 23rd June!

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100

All aboard the dragon boat!

Shoppers will be given the chance to climb aboard a full-size dragon boat and beat the drum at Intu Shopping Centre in Milton Keynes this Saturday 14^th April.

The display is to promote the 17^th Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival and the boat complete with paddles, drum and dragon’s head will be stationed in the Centre between Hollister and Gap from 9am until 6pm. There will be a chance to sit in the boat, try the paddles for size and enjoy a taste of this year’s Festival dished up by organisers Gable Events and new charity partner MacIntyre.

The 2018 Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival takes place at Willen Lake on Saturday 23^rd June and over 50 teams are expected to battle it out on the 200-metre course, cheered on by their supporters who will be able to enjoy lots of bankside activities between races.

The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided, no previous experience is required, and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races.

Crews will be invited to raise money for MacIntyre and the top fundraisers will win a special prize meal at the highly rated Melis Restaurant in Central Milton Keynes, sponsored by Merinvest.

MacIntyre is a national charity based in Milton Keynes that supports over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism. As well as raising vital funds, the Dragon Boat Festival will provide the charity with an opportunity to raise its profile within the corporate sector and the wider community.

MacIntyre’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy, says, “Having been involved in previous years, we know what a fantastic event this is for everyone who takes part and their families and friends. Every penny raised will be used to benefit the people we support in the Milton Keynes area”.

Joining in the fun at Intu this Saturday will be the presenters from Festival radio partner MKFM (from 10am until 2pm). Staff and volunteers from MacIntyre will be giving out free cookies made in their café and visitors to the stand can also try out their fitness on a rowing ergometer provided by Energie Fitness in readiness for the big race on 23^rd June! The staff and guests of Energie Fitness will be entering a team into the event, joining over 20 companies who have already signed up to take part.

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100

The Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival –
a Boat Race for all!

If the annual University Boat Race has inspired you to take to the water and try something different this summer, why not get some colleagues/friends together and enter a team in the 17^th Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival?

The Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival, in aid of new charity partner MacIntyre, has become one of the biggest corporate team events in the region and there’s plenty of time to get a crew together and guarantee a place on the start line at Willen Lake on Saturday 23^rd June.

You don’t need the physique of Sir Steve Redgrave or Dame Katherine Grainger to be successful as dragon boat racing caters for people of all shapes, sizes and levels of fitness. No previous experience is required to take part, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm!

Under the expert guidance of a qualified helm, provided by organisers Gable Events, your crew of up to 17 people will soon be paddling in time and bonding together as you race towards the finish line over the 200m race course. Each team gets three attempts to improve their race times with everyone having an equal chance of reaching the semi-finals. Of 49 crews last year, two out of the four top-placed teams were first-time entrants in to the Festival including eventual winners ‘Aero Tec Pirates’ representing ATL Ltd.

Based in Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes, ‘Calverton Capsizers’ representing Calverton Finance are regular entrants and crew manager Tasha Cox explains why the Dragon Boat Festival is the first event to go into the staff calendar every year, “We were first introduced to the Festival by a key client of ours six years ago and since then we have been hooked! We always enter the Gold membership where a donation of £750 goes straight to the Festival charity. Our employees, friends and family get excited for this time of the year and, being as competitive as we are, we look to better our scores each time. Our ‘buzz’ for the race starts as soon as we sign up for the event and is a great talking point with many prospective clients. We do not have any hierarchy within Calverton and everyone gets involved including our company directors!”

All the entered teams this year are being encouraged to raise sponsorship for MacIntyre, a national charity based in Milton Keynes that supports over 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability or autism. As well as raising vital funds, the Dragon Boat Festival, supported by MKFM and Business MK, will provide the charity with an opportunity to raise its profile within the corporate sector and the wider community. The top fundraisers for MacIntyre will win the Charity trophy plus a special prize meal, sponsored by Merinvest, at highly rated Melis Restaurant in Central Milton Keynes.

MacIntyre’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Kennedy, adds, “Having been involved in previous years, we know what a fantastic event this is for everyone who takes part and their families and friends. Every penny raised will be used to benefit the people we support in the Milton Keynes area”.

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. For information about MacIntyre, visit www.macintyrecharity.org or call 01908 230100