Matlock Raft Event - Dasac

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! 🎄🚣

08/12/2024

07/12/2024

🎉🌊 OUR ONLINE FUNDRAISER IS LIVE! 🌊🎉

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 on the big day, or for anyone eager to start making an impact now, 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!

Let’s spread the word and get as many people as possible riding this wave. Together, we can hit this year's goal and help to make a difference.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey! 🌟

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

04/12/2024

🎉🚂 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! 🚂🎉
We’ve teamed up with Peak Rail to make your Boxing Day even more stress-free and enjoyable!

Skip the parking hassle and hop aboard their heritage DMU park-and-ride service! 🚆
• Park for free at Rowsley South Station.
• Ride in style straight to Matlock.
• Enjoy the scenic route while avoiding the crowds!

🎟️ Fares are just £10 per adult – and kids travel free! Plus, every ticket includes a complimentary mince pie to sweeten the journey. 🥧

If this sounds like the perfect way to kick off your Boxing Day, get your tickets here: https://peakrail.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/62763?catID=55275

Thanks to Peak Rail for providing this service! 🚂💙

01/12/2024

Are you excited for our 2024 event? We certainly are!

As we get ready to make a splash in 2024, here are some of the highlights from last year. Can you picture yourself as a part of the action this time? Why not come join us for an unforgettable day of fun, and giving back to charity. 🌊🤝 All you need to do is build yourself a raft, and you're ready to help us make a difference by supporting the RNLI.

Don't miss out – be part of the action this year!

We have some exciting news heading your way very soon, so stay tuned for more updates!
Learn more at www.matlockraftevent.com

01/12/2024

🌊 Important Announcement, Please Share! 🕚

This year’s event will start at 11:00 AM, one hour later than usual.

Once the rafts have set off, 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!

Approximate timings:

8am: Rafters arrive at Cawdor Quarry, register for the event and make final preparations.
11am: The rafts set off on their journey down the Derwent.
~11:30am: The rafts arrive at Hall Leys Park in Matlock.
~12:30am: The rafts arrive at Derwent Gardens in Matlock Bath.
~1pm: The rafts arrive at the finish line at Cromford Meadows in Cromford.
3pm: The ceremony takes place at The Fishpond in Matlock Bath to announce the winner of this years raft event!

Learn more at www.matlockraftevent.com

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

03/10/2024

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Stephen Eyre, who has been a central figure and chairman of the Matlock Raft Event Committee for many years. This year will be the first Raft Event in a long time without his involvement.

Stephen’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the event and raising significant funds for the RNLI. Earlier this year, the RNLI presented Stephen with a certificate to honour his tireless efforts and longstanding contributions.

Thank you, Stephen, for your many years of service and for helping to make the Raft Event what it is today. Your impact will continue to be felt for years to come, and we are grateful for everything you’ve done for the event and the community.

25/12/2023

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

24/12/2023

🚨 Event Cancellation Announcement: 2023 Raft Event 🚨

Dear Participants, Supporters, and Sponsors,

It's with a heavy heart that we must announce the cancellation of the 2023 Raft Event. This decision, though difficult, is made with the safety and well-being of everyone involved as our foremost concern.

🌊 River Conditions Update: The river is forecasted to reach critical levels, peaking at around 2.3m by 10.00 AM on Boxing Day. This significantly exceeds our safety threshold of 1.8m, making it unsafe to proceed with the event. Your safety is our priority, and under these conditions, we cannot responsibly host the event.

🛟 Supporting the RNLI: While we cannot gather for the event, our commitment to supporting the RNLI remains strong. You can still make a difference by donating through our GoFundMe page. Every contribution helps us support this vital cause, ensuring that our efforts to aid the RNLI continue despite the event's cancellation. Donate Here: https://gofund.me/fafc19b2

🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsors: We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors for your unwavering support. Your contributions, especially in times like these, are greatly appreciated.

🎉 Looking Forward to 2024: We are already planning for the 2024 Raft Event, aiming to make it an even more impactful and memorable experience. We eagerly anticipate your participation in what promises to be a fantastic event next Boxing Day.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and patience. Your commitment to our cause and community is deeply appreciated.

A Merry Christmas to all, and a happy new year.

Warm regards,

The Matlock Raft Event Committee