Racing on the river this weekend

People can watch the action from the historic waterfront of King’s Lynn for the Hanseatic Festival of Watersports 2023.

The free event will see the return of Formula 1, 2 and 3 water-ski racing, along with jet skiers and OCRDA on the water, on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May 2023.

The Hanseatic Races have evolved over the past seven years and are firmly established. Now in its eighth year it matches the famous Diamond Race which takes place in the Hanseatic town of Antwerp in Belgium. 

The event is organised by the Hanseatic Festival of Watersports committee which comprises of Jason Russell, Tom and Michelle Lumley, Andrew Hornigold, Richard Stannard and Dan Roberts with support from the borough council.  Tom Lumley said:

“Since its concept we have invested a lot of time and effort into this event and it has truly paid off. I would like to thank all the sponsors, especially the borough council and Peter Carter Haulage for their support. We also appreciate the Belgian teams coming over to the UK to support this event." 

The Hanseatic Festival of Watersports is supported by Adrian Flux, Barrus, Bartram Manufacturing, Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Carter Haulage, Listers BMW, Minuteman Press, Rollins Electrical and Studio 20a. Tom Lumley said:

"If any individuals or companies are interested in being part of this event and would like to be a sponsor , we would welcome you with open arms."

There will also be fun family activities happening on the quayside across both days. The races start at 10:30am each day through until 3:30pm with live music straight after the prize giving on Saturday and a firework display at 10pm. There will be a spitfire flypast at 1:15pm on Saturday and a hurricane flypast on Sunday at 1:15pm. Full details of the schedule will be published at facebook.com/hanseaticskirace.

For more information about events in King’s Lynn visit west-norfolk.gov.uk/events