LONDON HONG KONG

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 2018

SUNDAY 3RD JUNE 2018
LONDON REGATTA CENTRE
DOCKSIDE ROAD, LONDON E16 2QT
10AM – 6PM
www.dragonboatfestival.co.uk
http://www.lhkdbf.co.uk/

The 23rd edition of the annual London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival will be held at London’s Regatta Centre on the slightly earlier date of Sunday 3rd June 2018.

The free, family-friendly, dragon boat racing event welcomes 10,000 visitors from all over the UK and overseas to enjoy and take part in one of the UK’s most exciting cross-cultural sporting occasions

London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival provides an excellent opportunity to experience Chinese culture in the British capital and is the biggest event of its kind in Europe. Throughout the day, the spectacular action out on the water will be provided by more than 40 competing club, corporate and amateur teams. Drama unfolds as novices do battle with some of the UK’s greatest paddlers, as well as the elements, to take home 6 cups.

On land, the event’s South East Asian food festival will represent the culinary tastes of each country in the region including Mei Mei’s Street Cart, Bite Mi, Newdlez Pad Thai, Hanoi Kitchen, Pochi, Wok n Roll, EatFan, Enak Enak as well as the wonderful Vietnamese Coffee of Ca Phe Vn and sensational cocktails and Tiger Beer from Quirky Bars while entertainment including live music and martial arts displays will be provided on the East West Festival stage, showcasing new artists from the East and West, with traditional Chinese lion dancing proceeding the ‘dotting of the eyes ceremony’ to launch the event.

Appearing live on the East West Festival stage, presented by DJ Alice from Spectrum radio, are DJ Chris Gadd and new and breaking musical talent including BBC Introducing acts FØNX, and The Collier, and jazz/blues band Potluck are playing on the main stage – they played Chinese New Year 2018.

Also appearing will be YouTube sensation Master Wong, who with 1,758,000 Youtube subscribers, and over 250 million views on his channel, is one of the most recognised martial artists specialising in Wing Chun, Tai Chi and TKD. Master Wong is known for being brutally honest and funny during some inspiring tutorials and demonstrations.

As an added attraction Typhoon Tigers' new dragon boat purchase will be having its eye dotting ceremony at LHKDBF.

There is also a raffle draw with fantastic prizes donated by sponsors Cathay Pacific and Hutong at The Shard.

London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is organised by London Chinatown Lions Club, the fund-raising event donates proceeds to the club’s nominated charities, and is supported by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, London (HKETO), The Hong Kong Executives Club and The London Chinatown Chinese Community Centre.

QUOTES:

Priscilla To, Director General of the HKETO said:
"The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London is delighted to be supporting the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival once again. Dragon boat racing dates back more than 2,000 years, and since Hong Kong held the first international dragon boat festival three decades ago, it has developed into a truly global sport. Celebrating this traditional festival is part of Hong Kong’s lifestyle, and in taking part in this festival we join with many other dragon boat festivals taking place around the world, wherever there is a Hong Kong community. We are pleased that it has now become one of the major highlights in London’s cultural calendar”

Andrew Ip, President of the London Chinatown Lions Club, the event hosts said:
“Last year’s London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was one of our most successful, with the BBC filming the occasion adding to the overall festive atmosphere. Not least because we were able to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with its official representatives, of which the resulting publicity gave the landmark year the extra kudos and attendance we were hoping for”.

“The dragon boat racing proved to be a spectacular sight with gripping heats and finals. Purple Warriors - impaired military service personnel – won the charity cup and The Chinese Association of Tower Hamlets won the cup for the fastest charity team. Windy Pandas Cubs won the open cup and Admiral ISA won the fastest time in the Open Cup, with GB Warriors winning the Professional Cup. Once again we would like to invite amateur teams including absolute beginners to join us out on the water, be they corporate, community or charity-based teams, it is a sport in which anyone can take part”.

“The South East Asian food festival has also become a major talking point, with many well-known street food vendors in the capital taking part. For some of the younger crowd, the music and cultural entertainment on the East West live stage became a focus with live performances from breaking artists
We also have martial artist and youtube sensation Master Wong, who has 1,749,989 subscribers on the channel, performing on the day, as well as Ma Dong Lei Wing Chun Association.and YouTube martial arts sensation Master Wong. The whole event proves a great way to soak up the culture of Hong Kong, China and the greater South East Asian continent happening in one of the most important cities on earth”.

REGISTER FOR THE DRAGON BOAT RACE:
Everyone is encouraged to participate - seasoned rowers to beginners alike. Teams from companies, organisations, and community groups, all take part in a fantastic showcase for what is one of Britain’s fastest growing water sports. Race registration and information on team sponsorship packages can be found via: www.dragonboatfestival.co.uk. Enquiries to uklclc@gmail.com.

SPONSORS & STALLHOLDER APPLICATIONS:
Interested sponsors and stallholders to apply via: Office@cityshowcase.co.uk

ABOUT THE 23RD LONDON HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL:
Dragon boat festivals originated in ancient southern central China some 2,500 years ago along the banks of Yangtze River, around the same era the Olympic Games began in Greece. Today dragon boat racing is one of the most popular water sports both in China and internationally.

Twenty three years ago, London Chinatown Lions Club organised the first Dragon Boat Festival in London Docklands as a fundraiser for Chinese schools around the M25 area. With the support of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the festival is co-promoted by the London Chinese Community Centre and the Hong Kong Executives. The principal sponsor is Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London. This event has developed into a major cultural event in the capital, attracting up to 10,000 attendees each year.

THE VENUE:
London Regatta Centre: Dockside Road, London E16 2QT
https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ll=51.507726,0.041333&z=15&t=m&hl=en-US&gl=US&mapclient=embed&q=London+E16+2QT+UK

London Regatta Centre is situated opposite London City Airport, on the opposite side of the docks and next to Connaught Bridge.

All Dragon Boat team members, visitors, guests and sponsors are encouraged to use public transport where possible.

The nearest train station is Royal Albert using Docklands Light Railway (DLR).

The car park located directly outside the London Regatta Centre is reserved for VIP guests and voucher holders ONLY.

A £3 charity donation to London Chinatown Lions Club is requested for parking.