Wind and rain could not dampen spirits at the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival last Sunday, where a record 44 vessels fought it out for four top prizes.
Now in its 20th year, the festival at London Regatta Centre drew uproarious crowds to cheer on oarsmen in the ancient sport of dragon boat racing.
The open competition saw Mushroom Fish Ball Brand scoop gold in a zippy 55.25 seconds, while Wraysbury Dragons roared ahead in the professional competition, beating Odd Socks by more than a second.
Meanwhile event organisers, London Chinatown Lions Club, rowed victorious in the charity category.
But it wasn’t all about the racing, with martial arts, music, colourful lion dancing providing also on offer.
“The 2015 London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was the most exciting event London Chinatown’s Lion Club has staged,” said club president Paul Thornhill.
“The 20th anniversary year also attracted great crowds in spite of the challenging weather earlier in the day.
“The food festival, a host of delicious street food from countries across Eastern Asia, also proved a major success, as well as the Hackney Brewery bar.
“We also had a fabulous line up of new music and entertainment on both the East West and Cultural stages.”
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