Anyone who feels like livening up their weekend with an unusual challenge still has time to sign up for the NE1 Dragon Boat Race which is making a comeback on the River Tyne this weekend.
Saturday's colourful all-action event, which is open to all, will see teams of rowers compete in ornamental canoes paddling to the beat of an on-board drummer. And the racing, which celebrates a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition, is set to draw big crowds of spectators too.
Dragon boat racing historically played a part in ancient rituals to ward off misfortune and seek prosperity, with a mystical dragon being at its heart. And on Newcastle Quayside this year the North East Chinese Association will be performing its own Chinese dragon dance to add to the occasion.
