UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey MP and Ashford MP Sojan Joseph will be among the distinguished guests at the UUKMA–IZA London Keralapooram Vallamkali 2026, taking place at Manvers Lake, Rotherham, on Saturday, 15 August.
Chancellor Healey will officially inaugurate the eighth edition of Keralapooram by hoisting the flag at 9.15am and then flagging off the traditional Kerala boat race.
Sojan Joseph MP, who has maintained a close association with the Keralapooram boat race over the years, will also attend the event. Having previously taken part in the competition as a team captain, he will this year perform a symbolic role by handing the first paddle to Raju Chacko, captain of the first team competing in the opening heat.
The participation of both parliamentarians is being welcomed as a significant and proud moment for the UK Malayali community. Mr Healey is the Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough in South Yorkshire and was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in July 2026.
Sojan Joseph, who was elected Labour MP for Ashford in 2024, has been actively involved in the UK Malayali community and has a particular connection with Vallamkali. His role in handing the first paddle to a new team captain symbolises the continuation of the tradition from one generation and team to another.
The opening heat will feature SKCA Boat Club Sheffield’s Puthukkari, captained by Raju Chacko, along with Champakulam Chundan of VAM Boat Club Wensfield, captained by Finu Paulson, and Pulinkunnu of Manchester Challengers Boat Club, captained by Mathew Chacko.
A total of 27 teams from across the UK will compete in this year’s Keralapooram, bringing the excitement of Kerala’s traditional boat race to Manvers Lake.
Alongside Vallamkali, the event will feature a range of cultural and artistic programmes celebrating Kerala’s rich heritage and the contribution of the UK Malayali community.
Venue: Manvers Lake, Rotherham, S63 7DG
Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026
Flag hoisting: 9.15am
The organisers warmly invite Malayali families, Vallamkali enthusiasts and friends of Kerala from across the UK to attend and be part of this special celebration.
