About Atlantic Dream Newcastle's Boat Race
Newcastle’s Boat Race is an annual charity event that brings the community together for a fun-filled day on the River Tyne, while raising vital funds for good causes.
First introduced to Newcastle in 2019 by Atlantic Dream, the race was created to support the incredible challenge undertaken by Paul and Phil, who rowed the Atlantic The charity challenge sees teams of enthusiastic paddlers take to the Tyne in vibrant, dragon-themed boats, competing head-to-head for the top spot. It’s a test of teamwork, determination, and spirit — with plenty of excitement along the way.
Alongside the racing, the Quayside comes alive with a host of activities for families, supporters, and spectators staying dry on land. From entertainment and food to community attractions, the day offers something for everyone.
At its heart, Newcastle’s Boat Race is about community, challenge, and charity — uniting businesses, friends, families, and organisations to support meaningful causes, honour its Atlantic Dream origins, and create an unforgettable day on the river.
Where does the race take place?
The race takes place on the River Tyne, along Newcastle's Quayside, on the stretch of water between the iconic Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge (alongside the Newcastle City Marina, in front of the Law Courts).
Support Us
Making a Difference in Disabled Children’s Lives
Pathways 4 All is a parent-led charity, providing play and leisure services for disabled children and young people, situated at the Tim Lamb Children’s Centre. We support thousands of disabled children/ young people and their families from across Tyne & Wear, Northumberland and Country Durham. As knowledge of our charity has increased, so has our reach, with families from both Cumbria and Teesside accessing our services.
Although we largely support families, we also work with a number of special schools in the area, in addition to a range of other local charities and community organisations that work with disabled children too.
Pathways 4 All offer a range of services including family-focused events and seasonal parties; supervised youth activities for children, teens and young adults, plus very popular Easter and Summer holiday playschemes and Christmas events.
Pathways 4 All also work with wider family members too, providing family carers with the opportunity to come together for parent-to-parent support at our regular term-time coffee mornings.
The majority of our services operated from our specialist play and leisure provision, the Tim Lamb Children’s Centre.
Learn More about Pathways 4 All
Other Ways to Get Involved
Not racing? No problem at all! There are plenty of exciting ways to be part of the action and support this fantastic event.
Dragon Boat Race Raffle
We We'll be running a charity raffle packed with brilliant prizes, giving everyone the chance to win while supporting an incredible cause. Tickets will be available on the day, and all proceeds go directly to this year’s nominat noted charity. If you’re a business and would like to donate a prize, we’d love to hear from you. It’s a great way to showcase your brand while making a real difference.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We offer a range of sponsorship packages designed to suit businesses of all sizes, providing excellent brand exposure across the event. With thousands of spectators attending across the the day in previous years, this is a fantastic opportunity to align your brand with a high-profile, feel-good community event supporting charity.
Come Along & Spectate
Spectating is completely free, so bring your friends, family, and colleagues along to soak up the festival atmosphere. Enjoy the activities, cheer on the teams, and help support the designated rity charity through donation points located around the venue. Whether you’re on the water or on the sidelines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
There's loads of fun activities taking place
Register Your Team?
Complete the form to register your team for the next boat race on the 11th July 2026.
Race Day Entry Package - £825
- Includes boat and at least 3 races across the day
- Secure space for the team to chill throughout the day
- Discount on teas and coffees at Urban Gardens
- Access to picture gallery from the days event
Race Day VIP Package - £1,110
- Includes boat and at least 3 races across the day
- Secure space for the team to chill throughout the day
- Discount on teas and coffees at Urban Gardens
- Access to picture gallery from the days event
- A choice of Pizza or Pasta for the team on the day