Days Gone By - Having a splashing time at Suffolk raft races through the years

Thorpeness Raft Race in 1977 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

It’s plain to see just how much fun has been had by crews and onlookers alike at raft races around Suffolk and north Essex over the decades.

Raft Race from Woodbridge to Felixstowe September 1981 Picture: ARCHANT

Our photos include rafts of all kinds of designs, shapes and sizes taking to the water.

Intense action from the Thorpeness Raft Race as teams raced in homemade rafts on the waters in 1980 Picture: JOHN KERR (Image: JOHN KERR)

Thorpeness Meare was one of the most iconic locations, with an annual raft race which attracted teams from many local pubs.

Southwold Raft Race in September 1986 Picture: ARCHANT

The event was held for several years in the 1970s and 80s, with teams taking along their homemade craft.

Competitors at the Stowmarket ICI raft race in April 1981. Picture: ARCHANT

As the 64-acre lake is shallow, it was no problem if anyone ended up in the water during the event.

Eyke Raft Race in September 1986 Picture: ARCHANT

Felixstowe’s raft race, between the pier and the Spa Pavilion, was also a very popular events, with large crowds turning out to line the shore.

An Essex team taking part in the raft race from Woodbridge to Felixstowe in September 1981 Picture: ARCHANT

After our previous nostalgia gallery featuring Felixstowe raft race, reader Jane Kirk wrote in to say: “Quite by chance I had dug out some old family photos the day before.

Messing about on the river at the Bures raft race in 1984 Picture: ARCHANT

“The photo I am sending you is of my daughter Clare Carver sitting on the raft of the British Telecom team from the Felixstowe Telephone Exchange (in the Buzby days) and was taken in 1981 when she was two years old.”

Harwich raft race in July 1979 Picture: ARCHANT

The Felixstowe Round Table event ended because of the high cost of insurance, but was later revived by the Lions Club.

Getting ready for the start of Southwold Raft Race in August 1977 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

READ MORE - Memories of Broomhill Pool in IpswichToday we are also featuring photos from other events including the Southwold, Butley, Eyke, Harwich and Bures raft races.

Butley Raft Race in 1991 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Needham Lake’s raft race is still going strong and is normally held each year.

Butley Raft Race in 1991 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

As well as awards for the winners, there is a “tickle factor” prize for the team providing the most entertainment. Apparently, the entertainment generally involves falling in!

RTJ Trailers of Felixstowe staff aboard their ten man raft before the start of the Felixstowe Raft Race in August 2002 Picture: ARCHANT

Sadly, this year’s race, which had been due to be held on June 28, had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, along with so many other events. It had been due to take the theme “Back to the 80s” - and our gallery includes a photo of the Needham race back in 1983, with large numbers of children taking part.

Did you take part in this raft race at Harwich in July 1979? Picture: ARCHANT

Do these photos bring back memories? Did you join in raft races in years gone by? Email us here To order copies of photos, visit myphotos, or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Needham Market raft race in April 1983 Picture: ARCHANT

Clare Carver, aged two, sitting on the British Telecom team's raft for Felixstowe Raft Race in 1981 Picture: JANE KIRK (Image: Jane Kirk)