It’s the largest event of its kind in Europe
Racers faced windy conditions(Image: Jake Lindley / Manchester Evening News)
Chinese dragon boat racers battled against the wind in Salford Quays as crowds watched the largest event of its kind in Europe.
Now in its 11th year, the UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival took place on Sunday (May 25) with racers rowing up and down the Huron Basin while cultural performances took place at plaza outside the Lowry arts centre. More than 40 teams entered the race this year.
Among the teams competing were NHS staff from Manchester, the Bank of China and both of the city’s Premier League football clubs.
Also competing in the annual event were teams from Adidas, Cambridge University and HSBC UK as well as a number of Asian firms.
For the first time this year, the festival also included a dedicated youth race event with the Agecroft team crowned the winners.
The day kicked off with the youth races(Image: Jake Lindley / Manchester Evening News)
Chinese ambassador Zheng Zeguang attended the event alongside Salford’s mayor, the local MP and other civic dignitaries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the ambassador talked about the importance cultural exchanges between China and the UK.
He said: “I’m pleased to note that the relationship between Greater Manchester and China is deepening and expanding.
“There’s a lot more we can do together in terms of trade, investment, education, culture and sports.”
Salford’s mayor Paul Dennett described the festival as ‘one of the most exhilarating and joyful events in the city of Salford’s calendar’.
Performances took place at the Lowry plaza(Image: Jake Lindley / Manchester Evening News)
He said the event, which is now in its 11th year, is now the largest Chinese Dragon Boat Race to take place in the whole of Europe.
Organised by the Xinhua Chinese Association the festival includes performances such as dragon dances as well as food and music.
Dragon boat racing first originated in China, 2,300 years ago. The water sports event see teams compete in dragon boats, which are canoe-like vessels fitted with ornately carved dragon’s heads and tails, with a drummer leading the paddlers through a rhythmic beat.
Spectators lined the Huron Basin at Salford Quays to watch the teams race from the Detroit Bridge to the Quays, by the Lowry.
Stalls were set up outside the arts centre with a stage stationed in the centre of the plaza for performances to take place.