The waterfront has played host to a number of vessels and ships over the years, but here we look back to 1982 when makeshift rafts were put to the test and raced around the docks.

Ipswich Star: One of the more impressive rafts to take to the docksOne of the more impressive rafts to take to the docks

Rafts in all shapes and sizes took to the water made by an array of community groups and teams from across Ipswich and Suffolk, all of whom wanted to have built the best raft.

Ipswich Star: One of the more impressive rafts to take to the docksOne of the more impressive rafts to take to the docks

Some of the rafts stuck to the more basic design of barrels and canoes to keep the team afloat, while others had a little more creative flair including vessels designed to look like sail boats and another to look like a dragon surfing the water.

Ipswich Star: One of the more impressive rafts to take to the docksOne of the more impressive rafts to take to the docks

With a spectacle such as this taking place on the waterfront, plenty of Ipswich residents stood in anticipation at the dock’s edge to see who would be victorious in the race.

Ipswich Star: One of the more impressive rafts to take to the docksOne of the more impressive rafts to take to the docks

Do you remember this makeshift raft race taking place at the docks? Email our picture desk.

Ipswich Star: One of the more impressive rafts to take to the docksOne of the more impressive rafts to take to the docks

Ipswich Star: One of the more impressive rafts to take to the docksOne of the more impressive rafts to take to the docks

Ipswich Star: One of the more impressive rafts to take to the docksOne of the more impressive rafts to take to the docks