Boxing Day Raft Rally, Matlock, Derbyshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
This is a hugely popular event, with literally thousands of people attending.  This year was the 49th year, and it was particularly popular as last year it had to be cancelled because of the icy conditions and a number of whole trees blocking the river.

It was incredible how enterprising folk had been with their design - from a little car, to a train and a garden shed!  I was particularly taken with this boat, complete with parasol!

It is organised by the Derbyshire Association of Sub-Aqua Clubs and raises considerable amounts of money for the RNLI, whilst at the same time giving people a huge amount of enjoyment!

The course covers 4 miles and goes from Matlock to Cromford Meadow.  The most exciting part is when the flimsy rafts go over the weir just above Masson Mill. It looked incredibly dangerous, but was very heavily stewarded, and apart from being very bruised I would have thought, everyone seemed absolutely fine, and were having a great time!