Please read all the information below and then … ENTER HERE, and MAKE YOUR PAYMENT HERE.
About this event
Previously part of the Edinburgh Canal Festival, new to 2025, Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust have decided to organize the Raft Race as a separate event. The Raft Race has been run for at least 15 years, with the support of various water activity providers, who have appropriate skills, knowledge, staff and insurance to provide fun and safe activities on the water.
In 2025, we are working with Driftwood Adventure who will run the on-water activities. They operate regularly on the Union Canal and other locations in Edinburgh, and hold the relevant qualifications to make this is fun and safe event. https://www.driftwoodadventure.org/
TO KEEP THE EVENT SAFE, PARTICIPANTS MUST LISTEN TO DRIFTWOOD’S INSTRUCTIONS AT ALL TIMES.
Location
The Raft Race will take place near the Leamington Liftbridge. The course will be one way from the Liftbridge to the finish line.
When is the event?
Saturday 23 August 2025, 12pm-5pm
- 12-4pm – 8 heats (1 heat every half an hour) of 2 rafts in each heat
- 4.00-4.30pm – semifinals
- 4.30pm – final
Shortly before the event in August, we will allocate slots in the heats, and you will be asked to arrive approximately 15 before you heat time. Since there is not much space on the pontoon, if you arrive earlier, you will need to stay with your raft slightly away from the racing area before you can enter the pontoon.
Does it cost to enter?
As we have a limited number of slots we can book to take rafts and we want to maximise the number of people taking part, take part, we have made the decision to charge £12 per raft. Unfortunately, in the past there have been a number of people who have booked to take part and simply not turned up, which results in gaps in the races and not so much fun for everyone. No-one wants this so we hope this small financial commitment will make sure people who enter are fully committed to attend. Click here to make the payment.
How many people can there be in a team?
We welcome rafts which carry single participants up to a maximum of 6 people. You need to make one entry per team. Unfortunately, we cannot match up people who want to join a team – you must find your own. We would recommend a team of 2-4 people. NOTE: If you are using one of our ‘build on the day’ slots, you need to have 4 people in your team.
What are the rules about building rafts and racing?
- Buoyancy aids and helmets must be worn and will be provided.
- All rafts must be deemed canal-worthy by the assessment of Raft Race Instructors prior to launch.
- Raft materials must not contaminate the canal in any way.
- Rafts must not be more than 6 feet or 1.8m wide.
- Rafts must be powered by human power only.
- No marine parts may be included e.g. canoes, paddles etc. (you can make your own paddles – just not use a bought one)
- All participants are responsible for the removal and disposal of their raft following the event (this includes all bits from land or water!!!)
- Any number of people can be on each raft but all must pass the finish line.
- All teams must be able to carry their rafts overland from finish to start line, if they are fortunate enough to gain a place in the semi-finals/final.
- The judges’ word is final!
PRIOR TO RACING, DRIFTWOOD INSTRUCTORS WILL INSPECT THE RAFT AND IF IT IS DEEMED TO BE A HAZARD TO THE YOURSELVES OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RACE (unless it can be fixed in line with any instructions given).
Can I build a raft on the day?
Yes – this year we will have 4 slots available for those who want to come and build a raft on the day and race. The equipment provided will be: 4 large plastic drums, wood spurs and rope. You will have half an hour to build a raft, then enter the race. If you secure a place in the semi-finals, you will need to rebuild your raft (again given half an hour). We would also encourage you to bring decorations and costumes to make the raft individual!
Can anyone help us with tools or tips?
We have some great voluntary organisations in Edinburgh who lend tools and organise maker space. They aren’t specifically set up for you to build and store a raft, but they are great people to get involved with!
Edinburgh Tool Library: https://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk/
Edinburgh Forge: https://edinburghforge.com/
Prizes
We are looking to secure great prizes for our racers from local businesses. In the past, prizes have included: Escape Room, Bowling, Dishoom goodies, Nuffield Health (gym passes) and even an MOT!
This year we will have 4 prizes:
- Fastest Raft
- Most Unique Raft Design
- Best Dressed Raft or Best Racer Costumes
- Wooden Spoon Award
Attendees
The Raft Race aims to attract local people and visitors, providing fun and connection in the local community, as well as raising awareness of the fantastic green and blue spaces available in Edinburgh. We expect the majority of people to come from the local area, and so travel to the festival by foot, bike or bus. There is limited car parking, but this has not been an issue in past years. There are no tickets to attend the event – it is free of charge.
Facilities
For spectators, the organisers are arranging for 2 x portaloos at the Leamington Liftbridge with accessible toilets available at Edinburgh Printmakers (less than 5 minutes walk from each area).
Raft Race participants will be able to use the Scottish Canals Facilities Block, which is next to the Liftbridge – this has 3 large cubicles with toilets and showers. We would advise bringing a towel and change of clothes, as if you fall into the canal, we would advise a hot shower.
Music and Compere
FCCT plan to have a family DJ from 12-3pm, and Andy Chung (who you may remember from the past few years) with music and commentary on the semi-finals and final, from 3-5pm.
Marshals and First Aid
FCCT will provide appropriate volunteer marshal cover for the event – to keep the spectators safe, and to direct Raft Race participants to be in the right place at the right time. They will all have bright blue Canal Festival t-shirts and/or High Viz. FCCT and Driftwood Adventure have qualified First Aiders on their teams.
Video and Photography
This is a very public event, and there are quite often press and amateur photographers and videographers in attendance. If you would prefer not to be photographed, you can let us know and we can cover your face in our coverage. However we will not be able to stop others from taking their own footage and photos, so if you are sensitive to this, we would suggest this may not be the best event for you.
ARE YOU READY? … CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE RAFT RACE!
Entries close on Sunday 17 August
Please get in touch if you have any questions: canalfest@fcct.scot