A RACE that sees rowers dash down the Thames in fancy dress will return in September.

The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper has announced the date for its 19th Dragon Boat Festival and appealed for entrants.

It will take place in Abingdon on Sunday, September 3 and will raise money for the club to donate to charities.

The boat race has raised £430,000 to date, benefitting some of its supported causes including Helen and Douglas House, Kingfisher School, and international projects such as Polio eradication.

Rotary club spokesman Richard Benton said: “This is a day to have a great time raising money for charity in a different way.

“No experience is needed, just a willingness to dress up, have a lot of fun and maybe get wet in the process.”

Anyone over the age of 12 can take part and teams generally comprise of about 20 people, with fancy dress encouraged but not a necessity.

Races take place along a 250 metre course near Abingdon Bridge and there is also a fun fair and stalls selling food, drink and craft items.

Teams, stallholders and sponsors can visit abingdondragonboats.org.uk.