HUNDREDS of spectators turned out to watch rafts of all shapes and sizes take part in the 51st Monmouth Raft Race last weekend.

The annual event saw 84 rafts participate in the ever-popular 6.5-mile event, with crowds enjoying the spectacle from the riverbanks and bridges along the route.

With the River Wye at its optimum height, conditions were perfect for an easy voyage downriver for the 84 rafts that took part. The weather was perfect, with warm overcast skies.

Starting at 12pm from Monmouth Rowing Club, rafts negotiated swirling rapids and dealt with onlookers throwing eggs and flour.

Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) provided cover on the river, while numerous volunteers from Monmouth Rotary Club helped to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The course took the crews down river to the finish at Whitebrook, where the Cullimore family had again kindly given permission to use their fields. The winning crews took a little over an hour to cover the distance, whilst others took a more leisurely approach and needed almost three hours. Nevertheless, most rafters had a good time and thoroughly enjoyed the event.

A festival was set up at the finish including traditional stalls, fairground rides, burgers, a hog roast, Kingstone brewery beer, and live music provided by Wyld Bird Seed to entertain the rafters and spectators, whilst results were calculated. Over 2,000 people attended and enjoyed the festival, surrounded by the wonderful scenery of the Wye Valley.

The leading mens and womens prizes were won by ‘Lucky Severn 1’ from Siemens Severn Power Station and ‘Carry on Carers’ from Lougher Care Home. First mixed crew was won by ‘Auf Wiedersehen Pet’ from DHL (Knowhow Contract).Private entry Hensons’ Héros not only won the award for the most creatively themed raft, but also were the entry handing in the most sponsorship on the day with £1,848.

All sponsorship monies received by Monmouth Rotary Club from the raft race will be donated to St David’s Hospice Care and other charities supported by Monmouth Rotary Club. Jim Thompson, on behalf of Emma Saysell, CEO St David’s Hospice Care, presented the category winning rafts with their awards and thanked them, and all other participants for their tremendous efforts and support. He also thanked Monmouth Rotary Club for organising this major fund raising event.

A total of just over £2,000 was handed in as sponsorship on the day.

Full results are available online at www.monmouthraftrace.com