August 11 2011 


This Sunday, August 14th, sees the return of the annual Lewes to Newhaven Raft Race, splashing into its 36th year with a 'Children's Toys' theme.

The event, organised by the Lewes and District Round Table, has traditionally been held in July or August in aid of local charities, raising over half a million pounds since it began.

As in previous years, a range of innovative home-made vessels will take to the River Ouse to compete on the gruelling six mile stretch from the Riverbank in Lewes to the Newhaven Swing Bridge.

Not only do participants have the course to contend with but, as has become tradition, they will be pelted with anything from eggs to flour bombs by spectators at Southease and Newhaven. However, beware, competitors are known for giving as good as they get, soaking guilty onlookers with on-board water cannons.

To admire this year's creations and witness the mayhem of the race, get on down to the Riverbank at South Street in Lewes for the start at 1.30pm, or watch as the rafts cross the finishing line at Newhaven Bridge from around three o'clock.

Haven News will be there to report on all the action, armed with our own missiles and perhaps some waterproof clothing, just in case!

For more information visit http://www.lewesroundtable.co.uk/