Wells’ soggiest showdown is back – and the City of Wells Lions want you and your mates to take the plunge.

The annual Moat Boat Races return this August Bank Holiday Monday (26 August), and local legends, office warriors and fearless youth groups are all being urged to grab their barrels and paddles for a chaotic day of raft-building, racing and very public sinking.

The challenge? Build your own boat, race it round The Bishop’s Palace moat, and try not to fall in. Easier said than done.

Never built a raft before? No problem. The Lions say it’s not as tricky as it sounds – and if you're still worried, the Mendip Activity Centre offers a two-hour crash course in raft-wrangling.

Online registration is now live at www.wellsmoatboatrace.com, and organisers are especially keen to see more young crews enter the fray. Scouts, youth clubs, schoolmates – if you’ve got a team, you’re in. Not in a club? No bother. Get an adult to register your gang and get ready to paddle.

This year’s watery antics will include junior and adult races, plus fun runs and prizes for best-dressed crews (so get that fancy dress ready). And it’s all for a good cause – every penny raised goes to local charities.

Raft packs, rules and specs are all online or available by emailing the Lions at [email protected].

Here’s what you need to know:

• Crews of up to six paddlers (teams of eight max)
• Racers must be 13+ on race day
• Places are limited – first come, first splashed

And if you don’t fancy getting soaked? Volunteers are needed too. Email the Lions or ring 0345 833 6736 to get involved.

Race you to the moat.