More rafts needed for Lyn Lions annual raft race in Lynmouth
In the wake of last year's bizarre 'Sheila's Wheels' and giant hamster wheel entries — anything goes in this year's Lyn Lions Raft Race.
The race takes place on August 2 and there are still about eight more places for teams who want to enter a raft.
Lyn Lion Roland Gold said: “It's more of a carnival than a race and we do try to encourage teams to entertain the audience rather than rush to be the first ones to complete the course.”
Mr Gold said that in recent years the spectacle had been stretched out to include a procession of rafts through the streets of Lynmouth — carried by the teams or on the back of trailers.
“The biggest prizes are for the best rafts and fancy dress efforts, with a top prize of £300 for the best craft and crew — but we also have a constructors' prize and even have a prize for the first raft to sink.
“Last year the constructor's prize went to the giant wheel, which the team rolled through the streets.They intended to walk in it, in the water, too — but it fell over and they had to sit on it.”
He said another inventive team had previously wrapped themselves in yards of bubble wrap to make them float, while other team members sat on them.
Crews are encouraged to raise as much sponsorship as they can, for completing the race and crews raising £100 or more will get free entry to the race — otherwise it is £5 per crew member, with a minimum of £20 per raft.
All crew members must be able to swim. Children on rafts must be 11 or older and have to be accompanied by an adult.
This year's procession begins at 6.45pm, with rafts launching into the water at about 7.15pm for a start at about 7.45pm before high tide at 8pm.
Anyone interested in joining the Lyn Lions Annual Raft Race can contact Roland Gold for an entry form on 01598-753921.
● See more pictures of last year's Raft Race in our 'Your Pics' pages
WHERE'S THE FIRE: Ho Ho Hose, last year's entry from Lynton Fire Station. Photos: Mike Southon 0708-69-29
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