DECORATED floats, boats and team dragon boats will drift down the River Stour in Christchurch this weekend as part of a special charity event.

Organisers, the Rotary Clubs of Christchurch and Boscombe & Southbourne, are anticipating big crowds for the Christchurch River Pageant due to the ongoing heatwave.

The event is taking place this Saturday (August 16) at 12pm.

The parade will start at Tuckton Tea Gardens before going down the river to Christchurch Quay passing by Willow Way Marina, Captains Club Hotel, Wick Ferry pontoon, Christchurch Rowing Club, Mayors Mead public slipway, the children’s splashzone and the Quomps riverbank.

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A map of the event Picture: Christchurch River Pageant

Organisers said: “If you own a boat, canoe, kayak, SUP or just fancy building a fun float, come and join us.”

The best places for onlookers to see the parade go by are along the Tuckton riverbank, with parking at Riverlands car park, and on the Quomps, with parking at Mayors Mead car park.

The inaugural event is raising money for Hengistbury Head Outdoors, Bourne Water Dragons and Pink Champagne charities.

For more details, to register and to donate, visit christchurchrotary.org.uk/christchurch-river-pageant/, call 07710 611123 or email riverpageant25@gmail.com.