Crafting a raft to raft a craft

The popular event will start at the Dundas Arms, Kintbury, at 8.30am on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, and participants will travel aboard their rafts along the Kennet and Avon Canal to cross the finish line in Victoria Park, Newbury.
For spectators who want to join in the fun, entertainment will be provided at Victoria Park, with amusements, carnival rides and refreshments available from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
This year marks Crafty Craft’s 40th anniversary and the event will have a special ‘Brazilian Adventures’ the-me as a nod to the hosts of this year’s World Cup.
Since the Crafty Craft race originated in 1974, it has raised more than £300,000 for local groups and charities.
Last year’s event raised a record-breaking £7,500 thro-ugh entry fees, donations, sponsorships and fairground profits.
This year’s winners will be presented with a glass trophy rather than the usual cup, so they can take their prize home with them.
Community services officer for the Newbury Round Table, Marcus Franks, said: “I would encourage everyone to get involved for fun this year. For anyone who has not been to a Crafty Craft race before, I urge them to come along. It has been described as Newbury’s biggest free event, and it is a great day out.
“We had a very successful event last year. The weather was great and we managed to raise a lot of money.
“We are hoping that this year will be even bigger and better.”
For anyone wanting to get involved in this year’s fun, there is still plenty of time to enter a craft or apply for a stall in the park.
For more information or to book visit www.craftycraft. com or email jezspikins@hotmail.com