Colourful dragon boats and classic Minis set to dazzle crowds at Ipswich Waterfront on Saturday

Classic minis at the Ipswich and Suffolk Mini Owners Club Picture: IPSWICH AND SUFFOLK MINI OWNERS CLUB / FRESH START. Archant

Ipswich Waterfront will be a hive of activity on Saturday as it hosts the town’s first Dragon Boat Festival and the ‘Classics on the Quay’ Mini car rally.

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Organised to raise thousands of pounds for Ipswich charity Fresh Start - new beginnings (FSNB), a host of brightly coloured dragon boats are set to race down the River Orwell.

Meanwhile, around 100 classic Mini cars from the Ipswich and Suffolk Mini Owners Club (ISMOC) will part in a charity rally through the county, culminating in a display of the iconic vehicles at the Waterfront.

Patsy Johnson, fundraising manager at FSNB, a charity that provides support and services for children who have reported being sexually abused, said; “We are thrilled to haver the support of ISMOC and of all the companies and organisations involved in the Dragon Boat Race.

“It costs around £2,500 to support each child, so we are grateful to everyone for all their help with our fundraising. “Saturday promises to be a really great, fun-filled day for all the family, so we hope lots of people will come along and support us.”

Carl George, founder of ISMOC, said; “We are delighted to being ‘Classics on the Quay’ back to the Waterfront for a second year in support of our adopted charity Fresh Start - new beginnings.

“It’s a great chance for us to share of all things Mini in Ipswich, as well as raising funds for the great work they do with children and young adults who have been sexually abused.