A giant dragon boat will be land-locked in Kingston Market Place in July, a week before rowers take to the Thames.
This year’s race will see up to 36 teams vying against each other to reach the final.
Dragon Boat racing began on the southern shores of China with the rowing of ceremonial boats to supplicate the God of Water, bring good fortune and defend against disaster.
Kingston Rotary Club is sponsoring a boat in the race and will display a similar boat from the River Thames Boat Project on Saturday, July 10, eight days ahead of the race on Sunday, July 18.
Former mayor of Kingston David Berry said: “We would love to have new members, and to support this, we will be talking about how our members enjoy themselves whilst bringing joy to others.”
For more information about Kingston Rotary visit kingstonrotaryclub.org or about the dragon boat race on dragonboats.org.
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