Hundreds of people headed to Ipswich Waterfront on Saturday for a day of Dragon Boat racing to raise funds for a major local charity.

The event  has become a summer highlight in the town - and over the years has now raised more than £100,000 for the Brave Futures charity.

This year 34 teams took part on a blustery day at the Wet Dock in front of the University of Suffolk's James Hehir building.

Ipswich Star: The Dragon Boats brought colour to the Waterfront.The Dragon Boats brought colour to the Waterfront. (Image: Paul Geater)

Although many people said taking part in the event was more important than winning, teams were very competitive throughout the whole day.

The weather was kind - it was a bit blustery on the side of the Wet Dock but the water itself was reasonably calm.

The event was started by Ipswich mayor Elango Elavalakan and Suffolk High Sherriff Yvonne Gilchrist-Mason.

As well as the boats, visitors were also entertained by the Suffolk School of Samba and there was a selection of food stalls and other entertainments.

This was the fifth Dragon Boat event at the Waterfront and over those years the number of entries has gone up from 10 to 34.

Ipswich Star: The FTC Gym retained their trophy from last year.The FTC Gym retained their trophy from last year. (Image: Brave Futures)

This year FTC Gym retained the trophy that they had won in 2023.

Sandra Lucas from Brave Futures organised the event and said: "The entire day was amazing from beginning to end!

"We deeply appreciate everyone who participated and those who made the event possible. This is our largest fundraiser of the year, which allows us to provide life-changing sessions.

"Additionally, events like this significantly raise public awareness about child sexual abuse. It was heartening to see such strong support from the public; watching the Quayside come to life was truly magical."

Ipswich Star: Dragon Boats in IpswichDragon Boats in Ipswich (Image: Clarissa Place)

Ipswich Star: Dragon Boats in IpswichDragon Boats in Ipswich (Image: Clarissa Place)

Ipswich Star: Dragon Boats in IpswichDragon Boats in Ipswich (Image: Clarissa Place)

Ipswich Star: Dragon Boats in IpswichDragon Boats in Ipswich (Image: Clarissa Place)

Ipswich Star: Dragon Boats in IpswichDragon Boats in Ipswich (Image: Clarissa Place)