See pictures from annual Needham Market raft race

Ipswich Mencap team in action in 1960s costumes. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Thousands of visitors descended on the banks in Needham Market this afternoon to watch fourteen teams battle it out in colourful, homemade floats.

This year there was a ‘rockin’ 60s’ theme, with competitors donning Afro wigs, flowery attire and circle sunglasses.

Speaking during the event, Dan Last, one of the volunteer organisers, said: “It’s gone fantastic so far. We have got a couple of thousand people here to say the least.

“The weather is not great but people have still come out to support the teams.

The annual Needham Market raft race on Sunday. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“Everything is going really well. We have a lot of charities stalls raising their money, as well as food outlets.

“We are all volunteers and we all take six months of the year getting it all moving. There’s a team of about nine of us and we all love doing it.”

The Nauti Boys and Encore Wellness during the Needham Market raft race. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The winning Buildbase team - Alex Saul, James Tarrant, Matt Tickner & Rob Sibthorp - who won two trophies at the Needham Raft Race. Picture: IAN BELL (Image: Archant)

The Encore Wellness team on their pink raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Rafters from the Timberwolf take a break. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The St Elizabeth Hospice raft during the annual Needham Market race. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The St Elizabeth Hospice team going for gold. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Britcar raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Bodjit and Scarper raft at Needham Lake. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Britcar raft chased by Bodjit and Scarper. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Four Apollo's raft take to the water. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

One Small Raft for Mankind and the Four Non Bonds rafts compete. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

A picture of pink at the Needham Market raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

One Small Raft for Mankind and the Four Non Bonds rafts battle it out. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Four Apollo's making a splash. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Thousands of people attended the event. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Four Non Bonds in action. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

One Small Raft for Mankind team enjoying the day. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Flower power on The TSB raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Leading Lives team celebrate. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

All smiles with The Leading Lives raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Competition heating up at the annual race. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The annual raft race at Needham Lake. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Cattermoles' Greased Lightning team. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)