The weather was perfect, the sun was shining, and the Stour River became a stage for a spectacular procession highlighting the history of Christchurch through the ages. There were pirates, smugglers, seagoing personalities, naval captains and singing troubadours delighting the crowds with popular sea shanties and plenty of flag waving.
The river parade featured over 40 watercraft made-up of boats, rafts, SUP’s, canoes, kayaks, gigs and animated floating platforms that entertained the crowds along the riverbanks from Tuckton Bridge to Christchurch town quay. It was led by the local sailing club’s historic yacht, Ianthe, built in the 1880s, and followed an old fashioned ferry boat carrying civic guests which had been on the river for almost as long! Amongst the assembled watercraft, three local Dragon Boat teams demonstrated their paddling skills after the boats had been blessed by a colourful Chinese dragon at start of the parade.
The flotilla gently travelled down the river and was kept under constant safety watch by the local Marine Volunteer Service with help from the Sea Cadets and Sea Scouts
Rotarians from Christchurch and Boscombe & Southbourne Rotary clubs, together with the Christchurch Chamber of Trade, Town Council, BID team and many local traders, had worked together to raise money for the Hengistbury Head Outdoor Centre, Bourne Water Dragons and Pink Champagne Cancer survivor charities.
Following the pageant, a grand prize giving ceremony for the best dressed entries was hosted by the Christchurch Sailing Club and attended by the Rotary District Governor Richard Burnett and civic guests. At the time of writing, over £2500 has been raised for the three charities.
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