Raft racing on The Bishop's Palace moat is set to make a big splash this August Bank Holiday – and Wells Lions want you on board.

The much-loved event will return on Monday 25 August, with races for juniors and adults, prizes for the best dressed crews, and trophies for the finest homemade floats. If you remember last year's Thomas the Tank Engine raft, you'll know anything goes.

As ever, it's all about fun and fundraising. Organised by the City of Wells Lions and made possible by local sponsors and volunteers, the event raises money for community causes – and brings the town together in suitably soggy style.

Teams of up to six paddlers (with up to eight members total) can now sign up. Entry forms, race rules and raft specs are available at wellsmoatboatrace.com or by emailing [email protected].

The minimum age to take part is 13 on race day, and entries are limited – so it's first come, first served.

Need help building a raft? You're in luck – the Mendip Activity Centre offers guidance and group sessions at mendip.me/book/raft_building, while The Scouts have shared their own tips online. Even Monmouth Raft Race has advice and supplier contacts for sourcing barrels and float-friendly materials.

For those not racing, there's plenty of entertainment on the day and all the fun of watching homemade vessels attempt to stay afloat.

Volunteers are also needed to help the event run smoothly. If you'd like to get involved behind the scenes, email [email protected] or call 0345 833 6736.

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