LONDON HONG KONG
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 2019

SUNDAY 30TH JUNE 2019
ROYAL DOCKS ADVENTURE
DOCKSIDE ROAD, LONDON E16 2QT
10AM – 6PM

London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, one of the UK’s most exciting cross-cultural sporting occasions, returns to London’s Regatta Centre/Royal Docks Adventure on Sunday 30th June 2019.

The 24th edition of the free, family-friendly, annual dragon boat racing event welcomes 10,000 visitors from all over the UK and overseas and provides an excellent opportunity to experience Chinese culture in the British capital.

Throughout the day, the spectacular action out on the water at the most prestigious event of its kind outside of Asia will be provided by more than 40 competing club, corporate and amateur teams taking part. Drama unfolds as novices do battle with some of the UK’s greatest paddlers, as well as the elements, to take home 5 cups, which are presented to the winning teams in a quayside awards ceremony on the cultural stage at 5.30pm.

On land, the event’s food festival will represent the culinary tastes of South East Asia with vendors representing each country, meanwhile entertainment including DJs and live music will be provided on the East West Festival stage (showcasing new artists from the East and West), together with martial arts displays and traditional Chinese lion dancing.

This year’s food festival will include Bite Mi, Newdlez Pad Thai, Pochi, Wok n Roll, EatFan, Enak Enak, Wheelcake, Yun as well as the wonderful Vietnamese Coffee of Ca Phe Vn and the ever-popular Pimms bar. Traditional Chinese lion dancing will proceed the ‘dotting of the eyes ceremony’ at 12-30pm with Priscilla To, Director General of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office to launch the event.

Appearing live on the East West Festival stage from midday onwards, presented by DJ Alice from Spectrum radio will be new and breaking musical talent.

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

2019 marks the 24th London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 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, The Hong Kong Executives Club and The London Chinatown Chinese Community Centre.

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: http://www.dragonboatfestival.co.uk

Enquiries to office@cityshowcase.co.uk

SPONSORS & STALLHOLDER APPLICATIONS:

Interested sponsors and stallholders please apply via: office@cityshowcase.co.uk

ABOUT THE 24TH 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 four 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 the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the festival is co-promoted by the London Chinese Community Centre and the Hong Kong Executives Club. 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:

Royal Docks Adventure: 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

RDA 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).

QUOTES:

Vincent Tong, President of the London Chinatown Lions Club, the event hosts said:
“I am delighted to preside over the 24th London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, following highly successful events in 2018 and 2017 when we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with its official representatives”.

“The dragon boat racing is always impressive with race heats running all day from 10am until the start of the finals in late afternoon involving amateur teams with absolute beginners to professional, national, corporate, community and charity-based teams doing battle on the water in a sport in which anyone can take part and we’re always looking for interested parties”.

“Last year’s winners were Typhoon DBA, who won the professional ABP Cup and The China Taiping Cup for the fastest time of the day at 45.44 seconds, The Lions Cup and BDA Challenge Trophy for the fastest charity team of the day were presented to C.A.T.H (Chinese Association of Tower Hamlets), the HKETO Cup in the open competition was presented to Purple Warriors - impaired military service personnel – with runners up Windy Pandas and ABP in third place”.

“For anyone looking to enjoy the culinary delights the region has to offer, our South East Asian Food Festival has become a highlight for many visitors with some of London’s renowned street food vendors taking part. We also offer music and cultural entertainment on the East West live stage with performances from new and breaking artists happening throughout the day as well as martial arts demonstrations. We also offer traditional Chinese lion dancing after the opening ceremony. LHKDBF provides an opportunity to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of Hong Kong, China and the greater South East Asian continent in the capital.”

Priscilla To, Director General of the HKETO said:
"As always The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London is delighted to support the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Dragon boat racing has been enjoyed for over 2,000 years in China, and since Hong Kong launched the first international dragon boat festival, it has been embraced globally as a competitive sport by professionals, amateurs and charity teams looking to raise money for good causes while having fun, in the spirit of this event.’

“For the residents of Hong Kong, the Dragon Boat Festival is an important social occasion and wherever there is a Hong Kong community around the world, you will find a dragon boat festival, which is why we’re pleased that with our support, the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival has become one of the major highlights in London’s events calendar”

For further information please contact:
matt@alchemylifestyle.co.uk 07966781138 james@alchemylifestyle.co.uk 07515709916