THE fourth Welsh Dragonboat Championship roars into life in Pembrokeshire this weekend.

With a forecast for good weather, the Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland, is hoping that large crowds will flock to the event which they are organising in aid of mental health charities and other Rotary good causes.

Llysyfran Country Park and Reservoir is the venue for the championship on Sunday, which has attracted 210 competitors in teams to contest the title.

For those who wish to arrive early, there is overnight camping on Saturday, with racing registration at 9am on Sunday, with the first races scheduled for 9am.

Last year, thousands of onlookers gathered to enjoy the colourful, noisy and action-packed spectacle of the dragon boats racing along the water.

There is plenty of free parking on site, together with catering, a beer tent, and free activities and entertainment for children. These include face-painting, a bouncy castle and tea-cup rides, giant skittles using a mini-digger, a magician and a mini-disco.

The event’s main sponsors are Hywel Griffiths and Sons Ltd., and support is also being shown by Major James John of 157 Welsh Regiment who will be bringing along some of his troops and Army trucks to help with the organisation.

The day concludes with a brief medal ceremony late in the afternoon.