The Deepings Raft Race, the highlight of summer in the Deepings, is set to make waves once again on Sunday 2 August. The event promises a day of fun, excitement, and friendly competition, drawing participants and spectators from near and far.
📅 Date: Sunday 2 August
🕥 Time: Racing starts 12pm
📍 Location: Starting line at the Bell Bridge (PE6 8HA), Deeping St James, finish line Boundary Green, Market Deeping (PE6 8EB). Market stalls along Bridge Street in Deeping St James and High Street in Market Deeping.
💷 Cost: FREE for spectators
Car Parking
Wherever possible, we advise walking or cycling in. There are road closures in place from 6.30am. If driving in, you can use the pay and display at the Deepings shopping centre (PE6 8HT) or park for free at the Deepings School (PE6 8NF). Blue Badge parking is available at the Deepings Community Centre (PE6 8PA).
Road Closures
Closure times are approximate and if we can open a road earlier, we will. Diversion routes will be in place, please follow the signs. For safety reasons we can only allow emergency vehicles access to the closed roads.
HIGH STREET, MARKET DEEPING: 6:00 to 18:00
BRIDGE STREET, DEEPING ST JAMES (New Road to Hereward Way): 6:00 to 18:00
CHURCH STREET, DEEPING ST JAMES (Waterton Arms to Hereward Way): 6:00 to 18:00
THE BELL BRIDGE, DEEPING ST JAMES: 6:00 to 18:00
Timetable
All times subject to change, keep an ear out for announcements on the day!
9:30 Stalls start opening to the public in Market Deeping
10:30 Stalls start opening to the public in Deeping St James
12:00 Craft & Raft – build phase
12:30 Youth race on the short course, sponsored by S&J Windows
13:00 Craft & Raft race on the short course, sponsored by Path Mortgages
13:30 Fun race, sponsored by Linfords Fish & Chips
13:50 Main race, sponsored by The Boundary Fish & Chips
14:10 Pub & Hospitality race, sponsored by The Bull
14:30 Business race, sponsored by Invictus Teamwear
15:30 Trophy presentation at the Boundary Green
What’s On
As well as all the action on the river, there is plenty happening off the water as well including:
Lots of options for food from our street vendors
50+ stalls selling everything from jewellery to dog treats
Pubs and bars serving refreshments
Live music
Ice cream
Tombola
Fun fair
Award ceremony at the Boundary Green at 3.30
Top tips for a great day out
- For the best view of the rafts and the start of the race, go to Bridge Street (by the Bell Bridge), Deeping St James between 12pm and 3pm.
- Cheer the rafts past the finish line (the grass beside the Boundary Fish & Chip Shop) between 2.15pm and 3pm.
- Toilets are at the Freemason’s Lodge (corner of New Street and Bridge Street), the Baptist Church in Bridge Street, Deeping St James and off the market square, Market Deeping.
- Please DON’T bring eggs, water balloons or flour to throw at the rafters as these pollute the river. You can bring water pistols, but only use after the stone bridge once the rafts have been judged for the best dressed raft competition.