Huge dragon boat set for Milton Keynes city centre ahead of iconic festival
A 30-foot dragon boat is coming to Milton Keynes city centre for a special promotional event ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Shoppers will get the chance to get up close and personal to a authentic dragon boat, complete with a dragon’s head and traditional drum, at centre:mk.
The colourful boat will be stationed outside of Footasylum between 9am and 7pm on Saturday, April 11, giving onlookers the opportunity to step inside and get a feel of the raft before the main event.
Members of the public and local businesses will be invited to take photos with paddles, try their hand at the drummer’s seat, and learn more about how they can take part in this unique team-building and fundraising experience. A ‘hook a dragon’ competition will also be running, with instant prizes to be won.
The promotional event will be followed by the highly anticipated Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, July 4, at Willen Lake. Teams of up to 11 people will take to the water to battle it out over a 200-metre course in dragon boats.
The event is expected to draw huge crowds for a day of racing, entertainment and fundraising. Organised by NewWave Events, the festival is an open fundraising event, giving teams the freedom to support a charity of their choice.
A number of local charities are already involved, including MK Food Bank, Toybox, Camphill UK, Harry’s Rainbow, Willen Hospice, Al’s Pals and YMCA, offering teams plenty of inspiration when deciding who to fundraise for.
Entries are now open for the Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival 2026. Representatives will be on hand throughout the promotional event to share details on how businesses can enter and make a meaningful impact on the local community.
Alicja Green, Executive Director at NewWave Events, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing a full-sized dragon boat to centre:mk! It’s not every day you get to step inside one, have a photo and feel part of the action ahead of race day.
“Whether you’re trying out the drum or picturing your team on the water, it’s a fun way to experience what the event is all about. We can’t wait to see everyone there!”
For more information and an entry form, call festival organisers on 01536 674748 or visit the Dragon Boat Festival website.