Matlock Raft Event - Dasac

19/10/2025

📣 Call for Marshals for Matlock Raft Event 2025

Could your club help marshal the Matlock Raft Event this Boxing Day?

For the past few years, our marshalling has been expertly handled by Derbyshire 4x4 Response. Unfortunately, due to other commitments this year, they’re unable to support the event — so we’re now looking for a club, group or organisation who could help us marshal the event and keep everything running smoothly.

Our safety marshals are there to help monitor spectators and participants, ensure safety guidelines are followed, and direct people along the route where needed.

Around 20–25 marshals are needed to cover key points along the route.
• Managing the arrival of rafts at Cawdor Quarry & Cromford Meadows at 9:00am
• All other marshals should be in place by 10:30am
• The event runs ~11:00am–1:00pm, followed by a 2:00pm presentation at the Fishpond.

✅ All marshals are paid for their time, and the role offers a brilliant opportunity to be part of a lively local event that gets fantastic media coverage each year.

If your group or organisation might be interested in helping out — or if you know someone who could — please get in touch with us here on Facebook!

Let’s keep our brilliant Boxing Day tradition afloat! 🌊

27/12/2024

What an Incredible Day! 🌊

WOW! We are absolutely blown away by the support this year🎉

👉 21 rafts, 117 brave rafters, thousands of cheering spectators, and over £3,300 raised for the RNLI!

But it’s not over yet! 💙 There’s still time to donate to our online fundraiser and help us raise even more. Whether you missed out on the day or just want to continue supporting the RNLI, you can donate here:
🔗 https://gofund.me/25c8ba90

We’ll reveal the final donation total next week once the fundraiser closes—stay tuned!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who made this incredible day possible:
✨ Our brilliant event committee for all their hard work and dedication.
✨ Our amazing sponsors, who the event could not go ahead without!
✨ The incredible marshalls and bucket collectors, keeping everything running smoothly.
✨ And, of course, each and every one of you amazing people who cheered, laughed, donated spare change and most importantly: braved the cold Derwent waters on Boxing Day!

26/12/2024

Time to announce the worthy winners of the 2024 Matlock Raft Event!!!

1st Place: The Destroyer/Submarine
2nd Place: The Grinch
3rd Place: Santa's Naughty Elves

A Special Commendation Award also goes to the Coca-Cola Truck, for an incredibly valiant effort.

Congratulations to everyone that took part. Thank you to everyone who participated, spectated or donated! What an amazing turnout and what a fantastic event!

It's not too late to donate to support the amazing RNLI. We can still hit our donation goal!
Donate here: https://gofund.me/25c8ba90

25/12/2024

Don't forget to donate to our online fundraiser! 🌊🎉

This year's GoFundMe campaign is live, and we’re inviting YOU to dive in and show your support! 💙

For friends who can’t join us tomorrow, or for anyone eager to help out, here’s your chance! You can make a difference today by donating online to support the incredible work of the RNLI.

Head over to our GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/25c8ba90 – it’s quick, easy, and every donation counts!

We're looking forward to seeing everyone at tomorrow's event!

What began as a group of enthusiastic divers seeking winter exc… The Matlock Raft Event needs your support for The Matlock Raft Event 2024 Fundraiser for RNLI

25/12/2024

Important Reminders for Spectators! 🎄

🕚 Start Time: The rafts will launch from Cawdor Quarry in Matlock at 11AM this year. One hour later than previous years. Enjoy the extra hour in bed, and then make sure you’re in place to cheer on the rafts!

✅ Willersley Access: Spectators are welcome to view the rafts at Willersley, but please stay close to the river and avoid straying into the grounds. Let’s respect the space and keep it clean—no littering!

🚫 Safety First: A friendly reminder—no throwing eggs or flour bombs. These can cause harm to people, the environment, and the fun of the event. Let’s keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone!

Thanks for your cooperation — together, we’ll make this year’s event one to remember! 🎉

25/12/2024

Important Reminders for Rafters! 🚣

⏰ 8:30 AM: Rafters, please arrive at Cawdor Quarry to register for the event and make your final preparations. Don’t be late—this helps us stay on schedule!

💷 Entry Fee: Don’t forget your £15 per participant entry fee. This goes towards the event’s running costs and keeps the tradition alive. CASH ONLY, as we don’t have card reader facilities.

🏆 2:00 PM: Join us at The Fishpond in Matlock Bath for the ceremony to announce this year’s winner! It’s a great chance to celebrate and wrap up the event in style.

Thank you all for your support—this event wouldn’t be possible without our amazing community. We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! 🎉

25/12/2024

Time to get prepared!

Here's a reminder of the Raft Event route for those of you who are coming down for the first time, or maybe just for those who are worried that after one too many mulled wines tonight, you might forget!

Timings always vary, but the rafts will be leaving Cawdor Quarry in Matlock at around 11am, with rough estimates for the rafts passing some key points would be:
- Hall Leys Park in Matlock approx 11:15am - 11:45am
- Matlock Bath Centre approx 12pm-12:30pm
- Cromford Meadows approx 1:00pm - 1:30pm

The timings always vary based on how fast the river is flowing, if there’s any obstacles along the route etc, so we’d recommend getting there slightly earlier just in case, it’s always worth the wait!

Then from 2pm, the ceremony takes place at The Fishpond in Matlock Bath to announce the winner of this years raft event!

Have you donated to our online fundraiser yet? What are you waiting for? Help us to raise more money than ever for the amazing RNLI!
https://gofund.me/0444e009

Learn more at matlockraftevent.com

23/12/2024

Another Big Thank You! 🌊

A huge shout-out to Derbyshire Dales District Council for their fantastic work clearing Matlock Bath Bridge of debris and fallen trees! This essential task ensures a safe and smooth journey for our rafts and helps make the Matlock Raft Event the success we all know and love.

Your efforts are truly appreciated by the committee and the entire community—thank you for helping us get ready for Boxing Day! 🙌

Together with the Environment Agency, it’s incredible to see the teamwork and dedication that makes this event possible.

23/12/2024

Cars at Cromford Meadows – Important Info 🚗

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone this week! To help things run smoothly, here’s some quick info for parking and raft recovery at Cromford Meadows:

✅ Raft Collection Area: Raft recovery vehicles will be filtered through the gates to the meadow (circled on the image). Normal cars should use the alternative parking area and NOT park here as this may cause issues when recovering the rafts.

✅ General Parking: Please use the designated parking area (circled in the image).

Thank you for your cooperation—your support helps make this event a success! If you have any questions, our volunteers will be on hand to assist.

We can’t wait to see you all on Boxing Day!🎄

17/12/2024

🎉🚂 TRAVEL IN STYLE! 🚂🎉
We’re just 9 days away from The Matlock Raft Event, and there’s still time to plan your journey!

Avoid the parking rush and ride in style with Peak Rail’s park-and-ride service:
• Trains Depart Rowsley South at 09:30 & 10:15.
• Free parking at Rowsley South Station.
• A scenic train ride straight into Matlock.
• 🎟️ Just £10 per adult, with kids traveling free!
• Return trains 11:40, 13:40 & 15:40 from Matlock Platform 2
• Plus, enjoy a complimentary mince pie on board. 🥧

Let’s make your day stress-free and fun from the moment it begins. Don’t miss this chance to travel in comfort and support a fantastic event!

Secure your space here: https://peakrail.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/62763?catID=55275

See you soon! 🚂🌊

16/12/2024

We just wanted to extend a huge thank-you to the Environment Agency for their incredible efforts in clearing debris and fallen trees from around the bridges between Matlock and Cromford. This essential work ensures a safe and smooth route for our rafts and helps make the Matlock Raft Event possible!

Their dedication and willingness to prioritise our event is truly appreciated. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for supporting our community!

We can’t wait to see everyone on Boxing Day! 🎄🚣