Salford Quays will shake to the sound of Chinese culture when the annual Dragon Boat Festival returns to the waterfront on 5 June.
Teams from an array of backgrounds including university students, local businesses and police officers will battle it out on the water.
All are vying to be crowned Dragon Boat Champions 2016.
In the five years since its launch, the number of brightly coloured boats taking part has doubled from 15 to 30 with teams competing from across the North West.
It’s now one of the fastest growing team sports in the world, second only to football, claim the organisers.
“The Dragon Boat Festival is about celebrating Chinese culture,” explained organiser David Zheng, of the Xinhua Chinese Association.
“Its origins date back more than 2,000 years and as well as watching the races, visitors can sample traditional Chinese recipes that are really special to this festival too.”
Alongside the day’s racing there’ll be exhibitions of traditional Chinese culture including dragon and lion dances, martial arts displays and stalls crammed with Chinese speciality food like zongzi, steamed cake and eggs boiled with tea leaves.
“Salford is such an important city for the Chinese community and we really want people of all backgrounds to come along, learn a little about our heritage and ultimately, enjoy themselves,” Mr Zheng added.
The opening of the event will see speeches from representatives of Salford and Manchester City Council and dignitaries from the Chinese community.
City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Salford is very privileged to be one of the few places in Britain you can see dragon boats racing – and it’s particularly exciting set against the dramatic modern landscape of Salford Quays.
“It’s an exciting day out for all the family. I wish everyone safe sailing and may the best boat win!”
The free festival is being held from 10.45am to 5pm on Sunday 5 June at Huron Basin, MediaCityUK, Salford.
