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LONDON HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF HONG KONG’S HANDOVER
* RACE REGISTRATION CLOSES 5TH JUNE *
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SUNDAY 25TH JUNE 2017
LONDON REGATTA CENTRE
DOCKSIDE ROAD, LONDON E16 2QT
10AM – 6PM
London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the creation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at London’s Regatta Centre on Sunday 25th June 2017.
Commemorating 20 years since the handover, London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival forms parts of a series of events organised or supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in London during 2017. First organised in 1985, Europe’s most prestigious dragon boat racing event is internationally renowned as one of the UK’s most exciting cross-cultural sporting occasions, and the free, family-friendly day out welcomes up to 10,000 visitors each year.
The 22nd edition of London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival will see 40 competing club, corporate and amateur teams battle it on the water throughout the day for 6 cups. On land, the event’s accompanying food festival will represent the culinary tastes of South East Asia, with entertainment including live music on the East West Festival stage (showcasing new artists from the East and West), martial arts displays, and traditional Chinese lion dancing.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (HKETO, London) is the official representation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in nine countries, namely Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Russia and the United Kingdom. Its mission is to promote and strengthen Hong Kong's economic, trade and cultural links with these countries.
Priscilla To, Director General of the HKETO said:
"Hong Kong held the first international dragon boat festival three decades ago, and since then it has developed into a truly global event. We at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London are delighted to be supporting the 2017 London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, especially as this year is the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”.
“Celebrating this traditional festival is part of Hong Kong’s lifestyle, and in taking part in this festival we join with many other dragon boat festivals taking place around the world, wherever there is a Hong Kong community”.
London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival provides an excellent opportunity to experience Chinese culture in the British capital. Organised by London Chinatown Lions Club, the fund-raising event donates proceeds to the club’s nominated charities, and is supported by Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, The Hong Kong Executives Club and The 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: . Enquiries to .
SPONSORS & STALLHOLDER APPLICATIONS:
Interested sponsors and stallholders have until 5th June to apply via:
NOTES TO EDITORS:
ABOUT THE 22ND 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 two 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 Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office www.hketolondon.gov.hk, the festival is co-promoted by The 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:
London Regatta Centre: Dockside Road, London E16 2QT
London Regatta Centre 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).
The car park located directly outside the London Regatta Centre is reserved for VIP guests and voucher holders ONLY. Car parking for participants is located to the left of Building 1000 (this will be clearly signposted on the day).
Car parking vouchers will be available at the entrance to these car parks in exchange for a £3 charity donation to London Chinatown Lions Club.
For further information please contact:
07966781138 07515709916