WITH a heatwave on the cards this weekend the annual Chester Raft Race will be the perfect chance to enjoy the sunshine.

Organised by Chester Rotary and Round Table and now in its 44th year, the popular event takes place at the Groves on Sunday morning (June 30) beginning with a flyboarding display by Jay St John at 10am.

The rafts start their race alongside the meadows from 10.30am before heading downriver, under the suspension bridge and finishing just above the weir.

More than 30 rafts have been entered this year.

Awards are also up for grabs for fastest Ladies and Hostelry rafts as well as best interpretation of the raft theme.

Many will be decorated to this year’s theme ‘Chester Heritage and Transport Through the Ages’.

The event is in aid of Claire House Children’s Hospice and other local charities. All donations are welcome.

The event is sponsored by SP Energy Networks and supported by Ash Skips, Harkers and Urenco.

Limited car parking is available on the meadows, accessed through Lower Park Road, Queens Park where food and drink will be available together with Children’s Bouncy Castle and Slides as well as

Harkers licensed ‘Bar on the Meadows’ will be open into the afternoon.