Hundreds of competitors ready to take part in 13th Dragon Boat Festival in Northampton

There will be more than 400 competitors on the lake at Billing Aquadrome on Sunday (July 17) for the annual extravaganza.

Teams of 10 paddlers and a drummer will be battling it out to achieve the fastest time of the race.

As well as the race, there will also be a family fun day next to the marina.

Many Northampton businesses have signed up to the event and each team has raised sponsorship in support of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and also other local causes.

Last year more than £33,000 was raised, bringing the total in 12 years to more than £250,000.

Paul Simpson, the Rotary Dragon Boat Chairman says “The enthusiasm of the teams and the real competition to be the winner makes an exciting day.

“Our event is a fixture of the summer calendar in Northampton and gives businesses the chance to entertain their staff and families and give something back to our community.”