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Thousands of people enjoyed the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2016 in London's Docklands on June 26 (London time) and helped raise money for Chinese charities in London.
The festival was once again sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), and organised by London Chinatown Lions Club, London Chinatown Chinese Association, London Chinese Community Centre and the Hong Kong Executives Club.
More than 40 dragon boat teams took part in a full day of racing. The teams were drawn from all walks of life, from the local community, from businesses, public organisations and charities, and also included British Dragon Boat Association teams.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Priscilla To, said that dragon boat racing dated back more than two thousand years, and this traditional festival had become part of Hong Kong's lifestyle.
"Hong Kong held the first international dragon boat festival three decades ago, and since then it has developed into a truly global event, with festivals happening all around the world. Hong Kong's own Dragon Boat Carnival took place just a couple of weeks ago, and attracted thousands of visitors. Here in London this festival has become a key event in the city's cultural calendar," Ms To said.
Apart from racing, the festival also featured cultural performances organised by Beat Nations, City Showcase, Chinese Youth Radio and Spectrum Radio. These included: lion dance; live music from local and UK pop music acts; martial arts demonstrations; and traditional dancing. There was also a food festival allowing people to try traditional food from Asia and all over the world.
More information about the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2016 is available at www.dragonboatfestival.co.uk .
Ends/Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Issued at HKT 01:50
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