Hundreds of rowing racers battled it out to be crowned the winner of the annual Chinese Dragon Boat Race in Salford Quays.
As temperatures soared to as high as 26 degrees on Saturday 4 June 30 teams thrashed their way through the course.
A team of plucky officers from Greater Manchester Police calling themselves the ‘Rowbocops’ crossed the tape first, completing the 200 metre course in just 49 seconds.
The crew of coppers managed to raise over £2,000 for Ronald Mcdonald House in the process.
Organiser Hong Ye Zheng from the Xinhua Chinese Association said: “It was a fantastic event with a record turnout.
“The boats were dressed in beautiful colours and really lit up the water.
“We had great weather on the day too and the feedback we have had from everyone who attended has been really positive.
“Next year, we hope to have even more teams from the Manchester and Salford community and businesses in the area taking part.”
Salford Mayor Paul Dennett added: “It’s great to see the Chinese community and the people of Manchester coming together to celebrate culture but also in a way where we engage in sporting activities.”
As well as the boat racing, spectators watched music and dance performances and enormous Chinese Dragons and Lions leapt around the Piazza at MediaCityUK.
Visitors were able to sample traditional Chinese food like dumplings, zongzi, steamed cake and eggs boiled with tea leaves and Chinese tea at a range of food stalls.
The festival was set up five years ago to celebrate Chinese culture.
It’s expected to return to Salford Quays in June 2017.
