Teams are needed to take part in a town’s annual raft race.

The event is a key part of the Maidstone River Festival, which will take place this year on Saturday, July 27.

Teams are invited to design and build their own raft and then race the 650m course between Maidstone’s High Level Rail Bridge and the finishing line at the Archbishop’s Palace.

There are prizes not just for the winners, but also for the best-dressed entry and for the team that raises the most sponsorship money for their good cause.

Last year’s race was won by the the Young Lives Foundation (aka the Bacon Butty Brigade) on their craft shaped to look like a giant bacon butty complete with an HP sauce flag.

But the prize for best-dressed craft went to Niblett and Suzanne Therapies’ Peppermint Paddlers with their giant version of their therapy dog Peppermint, though sadly they capsized halfway through the race!

Entrants should be warned - they can expect both sides of the river to be lined with spectators who will not only cheer on the teams but are also likely to throw water bombs at them.

The Young Lives Foundation is entering again this year and determined to make it three in a row after also winning in 2022.

The chairman of the River Festival, Cllr David Naghi, said “In previous years, entries have come from businesses, sports clubs, groups of friends, young farmers, estate agents, councils, the army and even competitive families.

“Most rafts make it over the start line, not all of them reach the finish line, but everyone has a lovely time.”

Teams must be of no more than six people per raft, and parental permission is required for under-18s.

There is an entry fee of £50 per raft, with the money going to the Heart of Kent Hospice.

For information on how to enter, email Sammy Suzanne-White on raftrace@maidstoneriverfestival.com

Completed application forms must be received by June 30.

The race begins at 2.30pm, but rafters will have access to the launch site from 1pm to do any last-minute assembly.