EVENT VILLAGE, AFTER PARTY & Hangover day
Let’s make a weekend of it
For 2026, we’re bringing you something new and something really special... This year, we’ve taken over the beautiful Newark Town Hall for our after-party and prize giving, so once you cross that finish line, it’s time to relax, celebrate, and soak up the #R2TC vibes. You’ll paddle into our chilled event village at Riverside Park, take a breather, grab some food, maybe a massage and enjoy the music. Then just a short stroll away… the celebrations will continue into the evening, inside Newark Town Hall with music, food, drinks and great company. A chance to reflect, reconnect, and party in style.
Event Village
Location: The Finish Line, Riverside Park, Newark Castle 12pm - 5pm
Spectators: The place to cheer your paddlers in, you can relax and soak up the famous #R2TC atmosphere. There will be food vendors, drinks, retail, demo, music and wellbeing zones for you to explore and rela.
Paddlers: Welcome! you have made it to the Castle. Celebrate with drinks, grab some food, start the celebrations with the party vibe and get yourself a well earned massage.
After Party
Location: Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark 5:30pm - 11pm
Dress Code: What ever you like. Official R2TC Merch encouraged, but if you want to go black tie and ball gown please do. Remember to pick up your party crown from the bar :)
Music: DJ ready to play all your favourite dance floor classics.
Awards: 730pm - Top 3 from all categories awarded Kings and Queens of the River and Recognition Award for paddlers, volunteers and supporters.
SUNDAY FUNDAY. The Hangover Day
And Sunday is our Sunday Funday! Stick around for:
• SUP demos
• Family races
• Yoga in the park
• A full day of easygoing fun for all ages
Race to the Castle isn’t just a race, it’s a full weekend experience, on the water, in the park, at the party. It's about community, a chance to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and trade paddling and life stories. We don’t want the fun to end. Everyone is Welcome.
