Dixons makes a splash at the Bradford Dragon Boat Festival
Posted 6th July 2026
Less than 24 hours after the excitement of the Dixons Athletics Championships, students and staff from across our trust were back in action once again – this time swapping the track for the water at the Bradford Dragon Boat Festival in Roberts Park, Saltaire.
While the racing on the River Aire was fiercely competitive, the real highlight was seeing students and colleagues come together to enjoy an unforgettable day of teamwork, community and fun.
Adding to the atmosphere, Dixons Allerton Academy students delivered an outstanding two-and-a-half-hour musical showcase. Soloists, the samba band, rock band and choir kept crowds entertained throughout the afternoon, demonstrating the exceptional talent that exists across our trust.
Above all, students represented their academies with pride. Throughout the day they demonstrated the teamwork, respect, resilience and character that define our trust.
Students from 15 Dixons academies took to the water to compete over a demanding 200-metre course in traditional dragon boats. Success depended on teamwork, communication and rhythm, with student drummers setting the pace at the front of each boat while staff steered crews from the rear.
Every academy competed in two qualifying races, with the fastest crews progressing to the finals. Competition was incredibly close throughout the day. Dixons Brooklands Academy and Dixons Newall Green were separated by just 0.06 seconds, while several teams made remarkable improvements between races as they found their rhythm. Dixons Music Primary reduced their time by more than 25 seconds, while Dixons Allerton Primary, Dixons Kings Academy and Dixons City Academy all showed impressive progress.
One of the standout stories belonged to Dixons Cottingley Academy, who recorded the fastest qualifying time of the day with an impressive 1:15.060. Heading into the final as favourites, they produced another excellent performance but were narrowly edged out by Dixons Unity Academy, whose winning time of 1:16.660 secured victory by just 0.07 seconds.
Congratulations to our champions
Primary competition
Champions: Dixons Music Primary
Runners-up: Dixons Trinity Chapeltown Academy
Third place: Dixons Allerton Academy
Secondary competition
Champions: Dixons Unity Academy
Runners-up: Dixons Cottingley Academy
Third place: Dixons Middleton Academy
Coming so soon after our Athletics Championships, the Dragon Boat Festival was another fantastic opportunity for students and staff to challenge themselves, support one another and create lasting memories together.
The festival also played a major role in this year's Dixons Cup competition, with the event carrying triple-weighted points. Every participating academy earned valuable points, while podium finishes secured significant rewards that could prove crucial in the race for the overall Dixons Cup title.
Whether performing on stage, paddling in perfect sync, cheering teammates from the riverbank or simply enjoying the festival atmosphere, the day showcased everything that makes Dixons special. The teamwork, resilience and sense of belonging on display were every bit as impressive as the race results themselves.
A huge thank you to the staff who organised the event, supported students and steered crews throughout the day, and congratulations to every student who took part.
The trophies may belong to the winners, but the spirit of the day belonged to everyone.