Paddlers ready for Dragon Boat Festival

Around 10,000 spectators are expected to make their way to the Royal Docks in East London on Sunday for the 22nd annual London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.

Around 40 teams are set to compete in the 22nd annual London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday.

Some 40 teams - from corporations, universities, public organizations, and beyond - will compete for trophies in several categories.

Paddlers will race down the Thames River in iconic dragon boats, accompanied by the beat of drums.

Spectators and teams waiting for their turn to race can enjoy a range of activities on dry land, including live music, lion dancing, and Asian food.

One of the teams competing at this year's festival goes by the name Hong Kong Family. Team member Jackie Lam said taking part in dragon boat racing is a way for him to connect with his Hong Kong roots.

"Hong Kong dragon boat racing has always been a traditional Hong Kong cultural sport," Lam said. "I love the energy and the teamwork. We always have to get the timing right, we have to make sure that we paddle at the same pace because you can feel the energy of the boat moving very quickly."

Reigning champions in the "charity" category, the CCC Turtles, are hoping to retain their title.

Co-captain Pang Mai-li said: "Four years ago, the focus would have been on the participation and enjoying the race with friends, but our priorities have changed now. Being the winners last year and also securing the fastest boat time, we hope to retain the championship this year and keep the fastest time."

This year's festival also marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Priscilla To, director-general of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, said: "The festival is very important because it is organized by some key Hong Kong and Chinese community groups here in London and we work together with them, unifying in togetherness and we celebrate together."

The origin of dragon boat racing dates back more than 2,000 years and races are most often held on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The day commemorates the death of ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan.

Qu drowned himself in a river in despair following the defeat of his homeland's capital, which is now part of modern Hubei. To keep the fish away from his body, villagers took to their boats, beat their drums, and splashed their paddles.