Portrush Raft Race 2020 will go ahead

That was the message at the official launch of the charity event which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the RNLI over the years.

At the official launch in Portrush Yacht Club, a capacity crowd heard DJ and Compere Brian Moore make the following statement: “There’s much speculation as to whether we’ll have many or even any events this summer with the Coronavirus outbreak. Portrush has had more than its fair share of disappointments in the last few weeks but please be assured of this - as far as this committee is concerned, unless we are instructed otherwise by the Chief Medical Officer, the 2020 Portrush Raft Race weekend will proceed as planned on the weekend of May 23 and 24.”

Thr announcement was greeted with applause and Brian then revealed that Porter & Co are the new main sponsors of the event for both this year and next year’s 40th anniversary event.

Committee Chairperson Stephen McConnell then outlined the programme of events which will include the Wild Geese Parachute Display Team and a Tug of War Contest before the Raft Race begins on Saturday whilst Sunday features an all-new dog show as well as all the old favourites such as Welly Wanging, Zumba, the Babushka Big Dip, Beach Volleyball and the Ik Portrush Yacht Club Sea Swim.

Further details of the Dog Show were given by Ian Eccles whilst John Lynn reminded all that the very popular Junior Raft Race would happen as usual on the Saturday morning and that entries were now open.

The importance of the Lifeboat to Portrush was outlined by Second Coxswain Mark Mitchell who also spoke of the new D-Class boat and the final speaker on the night was special guest John McNally who co-founded the event in 1981 along with the late John Scott.

For all the details, check out www.portrushraftrace.co.uk