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See pictures from annual Needham Market raft race
The winning Buildbase team - Alex Saul, James Tarrant, Matt Tickner & Rob Sibthorp - who won two trophies at the Needham Raft Race. Picture: IAN BELL - Credit: Archant
It was flower power at Needham Lake this weekend as rafters took to the water for the 16th annual race.
Ipswich Mencap team in action in 1960s costumes. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: 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 - Credit: 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 - Credit: 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 - Credit: Archant
The Encore Wellness team on their pink raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
Rafters from the Timberwolf take a break. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The St Elizabeth Hospice raft during the annual Needham Market race. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The St Elizabeth Hospice team going for gold. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The Britcar raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The Bodjit and Scarper raft at Needham Lake. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The Britcar raft chased by Bodjit and Scarper. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The Four Apollo's raft take to the water. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
One Small Raft for Mankind and the Four Non Bonds rafts compete. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
A picture of pink at the Needham Market raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
One Small Raft for Mankind and the Four Non Bonds rafts battle it out. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The Four Apollo's making a splash. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
Thousands of people attended the event. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The Four Non Bonds in action. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
One Small Raft for Mankind team enjoying the day. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
Flower power on The TSB raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The Leading Lives team celebrate. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
All smiles with The Leading Lives raft. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
Competition heating up at the annual race. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
The annual raft race at Needham Lake. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
Cattermoles' Greased Lightning team. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
