The 12th UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival took place on June 13 in Salford, Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom, drawing over 50 teams and thousands of spectators from across the country.

Among the standout participants were two dragon boat teams from Tianhe district of Guangzhou in South China's Guangdong province, with the Liede Dragon Boat Team clinching the championship and the Yangji Dragon Boat Team securing third place.

The Guangzhou Liede Dragon Boat Team claims the championship title. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

The event featured a diverse array of participants, including athletes from the UK's National Health Service, renowned companies, universities, and local community organizations, highlighting the unique ability of dragon boat races to connect cultures, languages, and ethnicities.

Li Chiying, chairman of Liede Economic Development, expressed his pride in the Guangzhou teams' performance despite challenges such as jet lag, emphasizing the event's role as a platform for showcasing Chinese culture.

The festival included traditional Chinese activities such as dragon and lion dances, folk crafts, and performances by the Hangzhou Song and Dance Ensemble, offering a rich cultural experience for attendees.

Sophie, a member of a British dragon boat team who was participating for the second year, described the sense of team spirit and cultural connection as particularly rewarding. Since being introduced by the UK Chinese Association in 2012, the festival has grown into one of Europe's most influential Chinese cultural events.

Athletes of Guangzhou Yangji Dragon Boat Team power through the waves. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]