Matlock Raft Event - Dasac

10/12/2025

🌊 Important Reminder! 🕚

Following the success of last year, this year’s event will again start at 11:00 AM.

Once the rafts have set off, the timings always vary based on how fast the river is flowing, if there’s any obstacles along the route etc, so we’d recommend getting there slightly earlier just in case, it’s always worth the wait!

Approximate timings:
8am: Rafters arrive at Cawdor Quarry, register for the event and make final preparations.
11am: The rafts set off on their journey down the Derwent.
~11:30am: The rafts arrive at Hall Leys Park in Matlock.
~12:30am: The rafts arrive at Derwent Gardens in Matlock Bath.
~1pm: The rafts arrive at the finish line at Cromford Meadows in Cromford.
3pm: The ceremony takes place at The Fishpond in Matlock Bath to announce the winner of this years raft event!

Learn more at www.matlockraftevent.com
We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

06/12/2025

🌲 Darwin Forest Returns as a Sponsor!

We’re thrilled to share that Darwin Forest is once again supporting the Matlock Raft Event for 2025!

Darwin Forest is an award-winning lodge holiday park located just outside Matlock, with luxury woodland lodges — many featuring their own hot tub — plus fantastic onsite facilities including a swimming pool, play centre, restaurant, and miles of beautiful walking and cycling trails. It’s an incredible place for a relaxing break in the heart of the Peak District.

Take a look at what they offer: https://www.darwinforest.co.uk

A big thank you to the whole Darwin Forest team for their continued support. Their generosity helps keep this much-loved event going year after year ❤️

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Get in touch for more details!

04/12/2025

🚡 Heights of Abraham Returns as a Sponsor!

We’re delighted to announce that Heights of Abraham is once again supporting the Matlock Raft Event as a sponsor!

Take a breathtaking cable car journey to this historic hilltop park — a Derbyshire icon since 1787. With its show caverns, exhibitions, stunning viewpoints, gardens, sculptures, historic buildings and adventure play, the Heights continues to be one of the region’s most loved attractions.

Discover more about them at: https://www.heightsofabraham.com

A huge thank you to the team at Heights of Abraham for their continued support. Their contribution plays a key role in helping make our event a success year after year! 🌟

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Get in touch for more details!

02/12/2025

🌿 The Garden Room Returns as a Sponsor!

We’re delighted to share that The Garden Room, Matlock’s much-loved gift shop and café, is once again supporting the Matlock Raft Event as a sponsor!

Nestled in the heart of Matlock with a cosy café overlooking Hall Leys Park, The Garden Room is a wonderful spot to browse unique gifts or enjoy a relaxing break!

Take a look at what they offer: http://thegardenroom.online/

A huge thank you to team at The Garden Room for their continued support. Their generosity plays an important part in helping bring this event to life each year! 🌟

Interested in becoming a sponsor too? Get in touch for more details!

30/11/2025

🚗 Ron Brooks Motor Group is on board as a sponsor for our 2025 event!

We’re excited to welcome Ron Brooks Motor Group as a brand-new sponsor this year. As a long-established, family-run dealership known for quality vehicles and great customer service, they’re a fantastic addition to the Matlock Raft Event community.

Check them out here: https://www.ronbrookes.co.uk

A big shoutout to the Ron Brooks team for their brilliant support — it’s great to have them involved for the first time! ❤️

Want to be a sponsor too? Drop us a message for more details!

26/11/2025

Started building your raft yet? 🚣‍♂️
ONLY 30 DAYS TO GO UNTIL THE MATLOCK RAFT EVENT 2025!!! 🌊

The countdown is on! Get ready for an unforgettable day on the water — grab your paddles, rally your crew, and let’s make some waves this Boxing Day! 🌊

Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an unforgettable day! 🎉
Learn more at www.matlockraftevent.co.uk

20/11/2025

🎉🚂 Travel in style to The Matlock Raft Event!

Avoid the parking rush and ride in style with Peak Rail’s park-and-ride service:
• Trains Depart Rowsley South at 09:30 & 10:15.
• Free parking at Rowsley South Station.
• A scenic train ride straight into Matlock.
• 🎟️ Just £10 per adult, with kids traveling free!
• Return trains 11:40, 13:40 & 15:40 from Matlock Platform 2
• Plus, enjoy a complimentary mince pie on board. 🥧

Let’s make your day stress-free and fun from the moment it begins. Don’t miss this chance to travel in comfort and support a fantastic event!

Secure your space here: https://peakrail.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/62763?catID=55275

See you soon! 🚂🌊

19/11/2025

Could you help marshal the Matlock Raft Event this Boxing Day?

We need some more individuals to help us cover key points along the route this Boxing Day!

Our safety marshals are there to monitor spectators and participants, ensure safety guidelines are followed, and direct people along the route where needed.
• Managing the arrival of rafts at Cawdor Quarry & Cromford Meadows at 9:00am
• All other marshals should be in place by 10:30am
• The event runs ~11:00am–1:00pm

✅ All marshals are paid for their time, and the role offers a brilliant opportunity to be part of a lively local event that gets fantastic media coverage each year.

If you might be interested in helping out — or if you know someone who could — please get in touch with us here on Facebook!

Let’s keep our brilliant Boxing Day tradition afloat!

19/10/2025

📣 Call for Marshals for Matlock Raft Event 2025

Could your club help marshal the Matlock Raft Event this Boxing Day?

For the past few years, our marshalling has been expertly handled by Derbyshire 4x4 Response. Unfortunately, due to other commitments this year, they’re unable to support the event — so we’re now looking for a club, group or organisation who could help us marshal the event and keep everything running smoothly.

Our safety marshals are there to help monitor spectators and participants, ensure safety guidelines are followed, and direct people along the route where needed.

Around 20–25 marshals are needed to cover key points along the route.
• Managing the arrival of rafts at Cawdor Quarry & Cromford Meadows at 9:00am
• All other marshals should be in place by 10:30am
• The event runs ~11:00am–1:00pm, followed by a 2:00pm presentation at the Fishpond.

✅ All marshals are paid for their time, and the role offers a brilliant opportunity to be part of a lively local event that gets fantastic media coverage each year.

If your group or organisation might be interested in helping out — or if you know someone who could — please get in touch with us here on Facebook!

Let’s keep our brilliant Boxing Day tradition afloat! 🌊

27/12/2024

What an Incredible Day! 🌊

WOW! We are absolutely blown away by the support this year🎉

👉 21 rafts, 117 brave rafters, thousands of cheering spectators, and over £3,300 raised for the RNLI!

But it’s not over yet! 💙 There’s still time to donate to our online fundraiser and help us raise even more. Whether you missed out on the day or just want to continue supporting the RNLI, you can donate here:
🔗 https://gofund.me/25c8ba90

We’ll reveal the final donation total next week once the fundraiser closes—stay tuned!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who made this incredible day possible:
✨ Our brilliant event committee for all their hard work and dedication.
✨ Our amazing sponsors, who the event could not go ahead without!
✨ The incredible marshalls and bucket collectors, keeping everything running smoothly.
✨ And, of course, each and every one of you amazing people who cheered, laughed, donated spare change and most importantly: braved the cold Derwent waters on Boxing Day!

26/12/2024

Time to announce the worthy winners of the 2024 Matlock Raft Event!!!

1st Place: The Destroyer/Submarine
2nd Place: The Grinch
3rd Place: Santa's Naughty Elves

A Special Commendation Award also goes to the Coca-Cola Truck, for an incredibly valiant effort.

Congratulations to everyone that took part. Thank you to everyone who participated, spectated or donated! What an amazing turnout and what a fantastic event!

It's not too late to donate to support the amazing RNLI. We can still hit our donation goal!
Donate here: https://gofund.me/25c8ba90

25/12/2024

Don't forget to donate to our online fundraiser! 🌊🎉

This year's GoFundMe campaign is live, and we’re inviting YOU to dive in and show your support! 💙

For friends who can’t join us tomorrow, or for anyone eager to help out, here’s your chance! You can make a difference today by donating online to support the incredible work of the RNLI.

Head over to our GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/25c8ba90 – it’s quick, easy, and every donation counts!

We're looking forward to seeing everyone at tomorrow's event!

What began as a group of enthusiastic divers seeking winter exc… The Matlock Raft Event needs your support for The Matlock Raft Event 2024 Fundraiser for RNLI