Pageant attendees embracing the spirit of the day Picture: Christchurch Rotary

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PICTURES: Sun shines as Christchurch River Pageant makes its debut

Tait ap EllisAugust 22, 20251 Comment0

THE inaugural Christchurch River Pageant was declared a roaring success by organisers as 45 watercrafts floated down the River Stour in Christchurch.

The popular event saw more than £2,500 raised, which will be split between the Hengistbury Head Outdoor Centre, Bourne Water Dragons and Pink Champagne Cancer survivor charities.

Watercrafts took to the River Stour on Saturday (August 16) with people lining the riverbank to see the procession float by.

The event highlighted the history of Christchurch and its people through the ages, as pirates, smugglers, seagoing personalities, naval captains and singing troubadours delighted the vast crowds with popular sea shanties and flag waving.

Picture: Christchurch Rotary

The pageant parade featured a fleet of 45 watercraft made up of boats, rafts, SUP’s, canoes, kayaks, gigs and assorted floating platforms, including brightly coloured ducks and animated ducking stools, entertaining the crowds along both sides of the river from Tuckton Bridge to Christchurch town quay.

Picture: Christchurch Rotary

Amongst the assembled watercraft, two local Dragon Boat teams demonstrated their paddling skills after the boats had been blessed by a Chinese dragon at the start of the parade.

Picture: Christchurch Rotary

The flotilla, which gently travelled down the river, was led by the Sailing Club’s historic gentlemen’s yacht, Ianthe, and was kept under constant safety watch by the Marine Volunteer Service with help from the local Sea Cadets and Sea Scouts.

Picture: Christchurch Rotary

Rotarians from Christchurch and Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary clubs came together, with support from the Christchurch Chamber of Trade, Town Council, BID team and many local traders, to hold the charity event.