THE River Dee will be awash with colour and spectacle this Sunday with the annual Rotary Club Fun Raft Race.
The main beneficiary charity this year is the Chester Childbirth Appeal whose principal patrons are Michael and Louise Owen.
Dave Holroyd and his team from Peacock Garage in Boughton are busy preparing for the event which starts at 10.30am.
Dave said he felt it was particularly appropriate they were raising funds for the appeal at the Countess of Chester Hospital as his two-month-old daughter Isobel had spent time in the unit with a suspected infection but has now made a good recovery.
Both he and his wife Kelly were impressed with the caring staff and all the facilities provided.
The annual raft race has entertained visitors over the last 38 years while raising many thousands of pounds for charity.
Last year’s event had to be postponed to September due to the heavy rainfall and swollen river conditions at the time.
Rafts are on the water from soon after 10am and the best viewing is from the Meadows as they prepare for the race, then along the footpath to the Suspension Bridge and through the Groves.
Parking is available on the Meadows with a donation to the appeal and is accessed through Lower Park Road, Queens Park.
The start of the traditional 400-metre course is by the rowing clubs then downriver and finishing just over the weir.
The race theme this year is Rule Britannia.
Prizes are awarded not only for the fastest raft but best interpretation of the theme as well as best ladies and hostelry entries.
Spectators are invited to support the Chester Childbirth Appeal through a collection on the day for a programme of entrants and also car parking on the Meadows.
