London gets behind dragon boat racing

Scores of paddlers took to the water at the Royal Docks in London on Sunday for the 22nd annual London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.

Many competitors welcomed the return of cooler weather, after Britain experience its hottest June day since 1976 last week when the mercury hit 34 degrees in some parts of the capital during a heat wave that lasted several days.

Spectators lined the docks to cheer on the 40-plus teams taking part in races on the River Thames to the beat of each boat's drummer as crews competed for a place in the finals.

Leah Zhang, captain of the Alibaba team, said: "There is a lot of energy, we're very excited. It is our second year in the London dragon boat festival, so we have a lot of paddlers who have done this once or twice before. We're not professional, but we do have experience under our belt and we will try our best." Around 10,000 visitors and participants soaked up the lively festive atmosphere that included Asian food stalls offering delicacies.

Musical talents and shows from all over the world entertained the crowds on the East West Festival stage, and people also got to enjoy traditional Chinese lion dancing.

First-time spectator Natalie Tucker said: "It's really interesting and a lot of fun. My partner is in the race and it just seems fun to get a group of friends together to do it."

Also watching the race from the docks was Jan Button. She said some competitors take the race very seriously, but the team she was supporting was there for fun and "it's the taking part that counts".

Vanessa Do, who was a drummer for the Windy Pandas last year, said the racing was "exciting, and when the boats come side-to-side, it's very intense".

This year's festival celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Andy Leung, the event producer, said: "The festival is really special because everyone comes from completely different backgrounds, so there are beginners, right to amateurs, and right to ex-professionals. It's a great day out for the family, with a great atmosphere."

The first London Hong Kong Dragon Boat race was held 22 years ago. It was organized by the London Chinatown Lions Club, as a fundraising event for Chinese schools located around the M25, which is the ring road around the capital. The event has grown into a major cultural happening in London, attracting thousands of spectators and participants each year.

The traditional time for dragon boat racing is the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, a day that features races as well as the eating of rice dumplings in memory of the ancient poet Qu Yuan.