ENTRIES are already open for the sixth Swindon Dragon Boat Festival at Coate Water this June.

Organised by Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix, the event sees teams of 12 to 17 people paddling dragon boats across the water in a battle to become the 2018 champions.

The group has promised that this year’s event on June 24 will be bigger and better than last year, with stalls, music and a beer tent. A special emphasis has been put on families and spectators.

Around 14 teams have entered already but more teams are encouraged. The races give teams a chance to have a fun day out and at the same time raise money for a charity of their choice.

There will be a competition for the best dressed team and an array of medals and trophies to be won.

Teams can be made up of between 12-20 people, from work colleagues, friends, club members or charity workers.

The entry fee is £500 with an initial deposit of £150. Once a team is registered then the Rotary Club will set up a crowdfunding page for the teams to raise money for their chosen charity. Everything raised this way goes to the charity.

Visit the rotary club’s website at swindondragonboat.org.uk for information and entry forms.