Get your paddles ready—it’s that time of year once again! The beloved raft race on the moat of Bishop’s Palace has been a staple of Wells’ Bank Holiday festivities since 1963. Whether you remember last year’s Thomas the Tank Engine themed rafts or are excited to see which teams will compete this year, the event promises plenty of watery fun for all ages.
As Ratty famously told Mole in Kenneth Grahame’s classic ‘The Wind in the Willows,’ “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” This spirit perfectly captures the joy and community enthusiasm behind the Bishop’s Palace raft race.
The idea for racing on the moat originated from a conversation between Simon and Peter Wright—sons of John Wright, vicar of St Thomas’ Church—and Bishop ‘Jock’ Henderson. Both Simon and Peter were members of the St Thomas Youth Fellowship, founded a few years earlier by the late Arthur Rice to create a welcoming space for young people to gather and serve the community.
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With the fellowship’s enthusiastic support, the first raft race took place on the Spring Bank Holiday in 1963. Now, 62 years later, the event continues to thrive thanks to the ongoing support of Bishop Michael, the Bishop’s Palace Trust, and local Wells businesses.
Join in the excitement this Bank Holiday Monday as rafts once again take to the moat starting at 11:30 a.m. Come cheer on your favorite teams and enjoy a time-honored Wells tradition!