Europe’s premier dragon boat festival features an extensive programme of racing, entertainment and a vast array of street food, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy Chinese culture in the capital.
The free event is organised by London Chinatown Lions Club with support from Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, The Hong Kong Executives Club, London Chinatown Chinese Association and The London Chinatown Chinese Community Centre and this year is expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors from across the UK and overseas.
Firmly established as one of the capital’s most exciting cross-cultural sporting festivals and summer waterside events, the dragon boat racing itself promises to be as spectacular as ever with over 40 club, corporate and amateur teams battling it out for 4 cups and top honours. Everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned paddlers are encouraged to enter the competition and recruit teams of 16-20, to take part in a minimum of three races. Dragon boats and drums are provided.
Europe’s most spectacular Dragon Boat Festival will include the following attractions:
7.5 hours of dragon boat races with trophies presented at 5.30pm
Food festival offering the flavours of Eastern Asia, and this year an all-day breakfast serving from 08:30
Live music on the East West Festival stage showcasing new music and entertainment from East and the West
Martial arts and Tai Chi displays
Traditional Chinese lion dancing
Appearing live on the East West Festival stage, presented by DJ Alice from Spectrum radio, will be new and breaking musical talent and entertainers from both corners of the globe including alternative rock band Canvas Wall showcasing their newly released EP, 17 year old Brit School student DJ Goofy, hotly tipped urban pop group Pryme Kingz as well as Martial Arts and Tai Chi demonstrations and the traditional and inconic Lion Dance.
The event also features a food festival offering the tastes of South East Asia, which this year includes Ayam Happy – Indonesian satays and nasi goreng, The Banh Mi Boss – Bite Mi, Ca Phe Vn’s Saigon Street – delicious Vietnamese tea and coffee, crispy duck wraps from Khay’s Kitchen, Newdlez Pad Thai – freshly fried Thai cuisine at its best, Canaan Chinese, sweet and savoury Bao from Kao-Pao, Taste of Vietnam, Malaysian Kitchen: Enak Enak, Churros London, delicious Goi Cuon or summer rolls from Roll n Rock, wood fired pizzas from Arancina and handmade Italian ice creams from Surrey Ices. A new innovation this year is an all-day breakfast from Le Swine (the best bacon and duck egg rolls in London!) serving from 08:30. Something for all tastes and all ages.
Also, this year The Caravan Bar Company with be opening their unique retro caravan bar serving Pimms, Prosecco, wine, beer and soft drinks for all the family.
London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is organised as a fund-raiser with proceeds donated to nominated charities supported by London Chinatown Lions Club. There is also a raffle draw with fantastic prizes including a pair of return flights to Hong Kong and dinner for two at Hutong at The Shard.
Race registration and Information on team sponsorship packages can be found via: www.dragonboatfestival.co.uk
Schedule for the day:
8.30am Team Boat Registration
10am Racing Competition Starts
12pm Entertainment Commences
12.30pm pm Dragon Eye-Dotting Ceremony
12.45pm Opening Speeches
5.30pm Dragon Boat Racing Finals
5.45pm Trophies Presentation
5.55pm Raffle Draw
6.00pm Close (time to get drunk)
London Regatta Centre, Dockside Road, London E16 2QT, Sunday 26th June 2016.
