Portrush Raft Race 2020 offically launched

By Q Radio news

Portrush Raft Race 2020 has been officially launched.

The race will take place on Saturday, 23rd - 24th May 2020 at the West Strand in Portrush.

It's part of a jam-packed bank holiday weekend of harbour-side family mayhem and fun in association with a brand new headline sponsor - Porter and Co.

#Portrush Raft Race was officially launched this evening. The event will take place on Saturday, 23rd - 24th May 2020 at the West Strand. This year’s new headline sponsor is Porter and Co. @portrushraft @PortrushRNLI pic.twitter.com/QkcIOhBuHN

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 12, 2020

Chair of the Raft Race committee, Stephen McConnell said, “This is a very exciting year for the Raft Race as we make preparations for next

year in which is our 40th anniversary. To be partnering with Porter & Co for the first time, a prominent family-owned business with an

enviable reputation in the construction industry.  Bill Porter is an enthusiastic local boat owner. The committee is working hard to make the Raft Race Weekend a fun-filled and safe event for the whole family

“When you consider each rescue launch of our lifeboat costs £6,000, entirely funded by donations, this craic-filled weekend

makes it possible to provide the entire North Coast with a year-round invaluable rescue service”.

The full programme will be revealed next week on the Portrush Raft Race website and social media pages, with the lineup including live

music, on-board tours of the lifeboat, a fun dog show and much more.

The Sunday programme features all the old favourites such as Beach Zumba, Welly Wanging and the Yacht Club Open Sea challenge as well as the all-new Dog Show which is already attracting an incredible amount of interest.

"It's already attracting a lot of paws for thought and there'll be a few shaggy dog stories to tell after this one," a spokesperson said.

North Coast entertainer Brian Moore will compere the event for the second year running.

Commenting at the launch event he said “I had a great time hosting last year’s event and I’m honoured to have been asked back not only

for this year but for the 40th celebration of this iconic event in 2021.

All the brilliant people who make this event what it deserve a massive celebration and it’s going to be an absolute honour to be a part of

it”.