Spalding Raft Race to return?

The return of the Spalding Raft Race along the River Welland in the town is being pencilled in among ideas for events in the town.

It follows a bid by members of the Spalding Town Forum to make more use of the waterside.
Coun Mark Le Sage told this week’s meeting of the forum that after three years in planning the return of the raft race ‘it looks like we could be putting something on’.
“I know summer 2026 seems like a long way away, but there’s already a lot planned,” he said. “We have had support from those who run the Deepings Raft Race and they’re more than happy to help us put it together.
“There’s a raft of paperwork to do and it’s not set in stone, but hopefully come summer 2026 we will be able to have the Spalding Raft Race back.”
Coun James Le Sage said he’d had positive talks with the Spalding Water Taxi manager Anthony Grunwell about opening up the river to more regular users.
“He’s keen to see kayaks, paddle boarders, canoes etc.
“I’ve also been in contact with the town board as I know they’re very keen to see something happen with the river.”
l Updates were also given on town forum-led events including a free family summer music-based event in Ayscoughfee Gardens.
That’s set to take place on Saturday, July 27 from 12pm to 8pm.
Organiser Mark Le Sage said the event could look to raise money for events put on for local veterans by Coun Jan Whitbourn.
l The Spalding Town Forum, along with South Holland District Council, is also looking to put on two Christmas events.
The first on Friday, December 6 would be a late night shopping event centred around The Crescent with businesses to be encouraged to open up late and Santa in attendance.
It’s also looking to run an event called Ayscoughfreeze in Spalding on Saturday, December 21.

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