Spalding Raft Race set to return in 2026 after a long break

Rafts will once again be racing down the River Welland as another much loved event which was thought to be sunk will be returning.

Spalding Raft Race will be sailing once more in 2026 after town councillor Mark Le Sage worked to restore the event in order to bring the community together.

The event has not been held for many years but in its hey day it was well-known for bring large crowds into the town and its return comes hot on the heels of the resurrection of Spalding Flower Parade.

Coun Le Sage, who announced the return of the raft race at June’s Spalding Town Forum, said that the event will be held in 2026 to ensure that the levels of the River Welland are back to normal, along with meeting the requirements of legislation.

Speaking after the meeting Coun Le Sage said: “I am very proud that we are moving forward and doing it

“I think it is great and important to have another event to bring the community together and that we are working together for the enjoyment of families and do a bit more to bring people into town.”

Coun Le Sage had first raised the idea of bringing back the raft race a few years ago but said he had ‘hit a brick wall’ but has been able to move forward with the project.

He said: “We had the raft race many years ago and I feel that I am now in a slightly different position and a better platform to do more for the community.

“It would be something that we could do and get another event in the town to bring the community together.

“I have spoken to several different people and they are happy to support it and it is a really matter of making sure that we dot the is and cross the ts and that will take 12 months.”

Rafts will be racing from The Moorings side of the river, near Twin Bridges, to the former Lincolnshire Poacher in Double Street.

Coun Le Sage said: “There will be some temporary road closures in place.

He said the Deeping Raft Race organisers had been helpful in getting this proposal off the ground and that there were several different partners who were hoping to be involved.

Raft races are popular fixtures across the area — with one planned for Stamford at the end of June.

- Coun James Le Sage had previously mooted the idea of punting and opening up the River Welland for more people to use.

He updated Spalding Town Forum meeting on his progress with the plans.

Speaking at the meeting, on June 11, he said: “As most of you will be aware that the water taxi cannot run this year because of the very large hole in the banks of the River Welland which is still to be repaired

“I have approached Anthony Grunwell and asked for his help in trying to get action to open up the river. I am having a meeting next week to discuss who we need to contact and we need to bring on board.

“Also been in contact with the town board as they are also very keen to be something happening with the river.”

- Coun Mark Le Sage is running for the election to be the next South Holland and the Deepings MP. Other candidates are: Rhys Baker (Green), Jack Braginton (Lib Dem), Sir John Hayes (Con), Paul Hilliar (Lab) and Matthew Swainson (Reform).