The Macmillan Coracle World Championships return to the River Severn in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK, this Friday (8 September 2023) with at least 38 teams taking part.

The event has competitors racing across the breadth of the river between The Pengwern Boat Club and Quarry Park in small, round-shaped coracles, once traditionally used for fishing in Wales and other parts of the UK, as well as India, Vietnam and Tibet.

Supported by Invertek Drives Ltd, last year’s championships raised a staggering £35,470 for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity. Since it was established by the late Richard Bayliss in 2007, the event has raised more than £355,400.

Last year a total of 160 competitors from local businesses and organisations. The winning team was Bevan Bodgers while the Tara Group were the highest fundraisers.

Adrian Ellam, CEO of Invertek Drives Ltd, urged people to go along to spectate and support competitors. The company has entered five teams.

“Having taken part in last year’s event I know what a great event this is for both competitors and spectators. You’ll see some skill and maybe a little more splashing as they race between the two river banks.

“Above all, this is a great fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Support and we’re pleased to be supporting it for a second year to raise as much money and awareness as possible for such a worthy charity.”

Practice sessions begin at 12noon with racing starting at 2pm and continuing until all heats are completed at around 5.30pm. Spectators can view the event from The Quarry or at The Pengwern Boat Club.

Event chairperson, Jayney Davies, said she hoped as many people as possible would go along to watch the event. “Spectators won’t be disappointed. There’s always a great deal to see and plenty of entertainment. You’re bound to see some competitors getting wetter than they’d hoped.”

Kate Thomas, Macmillan Relationship Fundraising Manager for the West Midlands, said: “The weather is set to be warm and dry which will make a great day for both competitors and spectators. This is a major fundraising event for us and we’re grateful for all the hard work that the organising committee puts into arranging it, as well as the teams taking part.”

“Events such as this help raise awareness of Macmillan and raise vital money in a fun way so that we can continue to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.”

The event is supported by Invertek Drives Ltd, a global innovator and manufacturer of variable frequency drives, based at nearby Welshpool, Powys, where more than 360 people are employed in a range of manufacturing, innovation and technical roles.

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