Crafty Craft sailing into view

Still time to enter annual raft race

CRAFTY Craft is nearly upon us.

The Kennet and Avon Canal will become a carnival route when the annual fun raft race returns on Monday, May 2.

This year’s theme is ‘Rio Sporting Carnival’ in homage to the Olympic Games being held in Brazil this summer. Teams are encouraged to wear fancy dress and to design and regale their craft with the theme in mind.

The race starts at the Dundas Arms in Kintbury and sees the wacky watergoers try and stay afloat the six miles all the way to Newbury’s Victoria Park, where stalls will be set up for visitors.

The event has been run by Newbury Round Table for more than 42 years. Last year’s event raised £7,500 for local groups and charities, with rafters feeling the force of the sci-fi theme.

Event controller Marcus Franks and the sponsorship team are hoping to attract more businesses to enter a team into this year’s event.

Mr Franks said: “For just £50, which goes to good causes, a team could have great fun and their support will be recognised throughout the day.

“As part of the corporate entrant’s fee for the first time this year we are offering companies the opportunity to display a company banner along the course.”

Any company, club, society or group of individuals may enter and details can be found on the Crafty Craft website www.craftcraft.com and on the Crafty craft Facebook page #craftycraft

There’s still time to enter a team and apply for a stall.

For more information visit www.craftycraft.com