Christchurch, Events & Entertainment | Posted on May 21st, 2026 | return to news

Call for captains for the Christchurch River Pageant 2026

A pirate-themed river pageant in Christchurch on Saturday 25 July will see dozens of watercraft parade along the River Stour.

The Rotary Clubs of Christchurch and Boscombe & Southbourne have issued a call for captains to take part in the upcoming Christchurch River Pageant.

After its successful debut last summer, the pageant will once again see dozens of watercraft parade along the River Stour.

The pageant will take place on Saturday 25 July. There will be stalls and activities from 10.30am, and the parade will start at 12noon.

The event aims to raise funds for local causes and provide free entertainment to residents with a vibrant display of community spirit, historical fancy dress, and friendly competition.

Participants are invited to wear fancy dress focused on Christchurch’s rich and colourful past — think smugglers, pirates, and maritime pioneers. Whether you want to paddle a decorated SUP, captain a motorboat, or construct a homemade raft with your corporate colleagues, all safe watercraft are welcome.

Registration is now open for local boat owners, paddleboarders, clubs, and businesses to enter their watercraft.

The pageant in 2025 was a major success, with 45 vessels taking to the water and raising more than £2,500 for local causes. The day concluded with an exhilarating demonstration of dragon boat racing and sea shanties.

All funds raised from this year’s entry fees and donations will be split equally between: Hengistbury Head Outdoors, which provides outdoor recreation and water sports training facilities for all ages; Bourne Water Dragons, which supports individuals affected by cancer; and Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Survivors’ Dragon Boat Team, which supports the physical and mental wellbeing of breast cancer survivors across Dorset.

Chris Knight, chair of the Pageant Organising Committee, said: “We were absolutely blown away by the community’s response to our very first pageant last year. Seeing the riverbanks packed with thousands of smiling faces and watching everything from paddleboards to elaborate homemade rafts navigate the Stour was unforgettable.

“This year, our two clubs are joining forces to make it even bigger. We want to see more creative designs, more pirates, and help raise even more vital funds for our incredible local charities. It’s entirely free to watch, so we encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the stalls, and cheer on the watercraft!”

To take part, fill in the registration form near the bottom of the Rotary website: https://christchurchrotary.org.uk/christchurch-river-pageant/.