Manchester was buzzing with excitement on June 8 and 9 as the 10th UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival splashed onto the scene in Salford! 🐉🎉 Over 80 teams, both amateur and professional, paddled fiercely in one of Britain\'s biggest dragon boat races, making waves not just locally, but across Europe! 🌍🚣♀️
But it wasn\'t just about the races! The festival was a vibrant showcase of Chinese culture, featuring awe-inspiring martial arts displays, energetic lion dances, and mesmerizing dragon dances. 🥋🦁💃 \"We want to make the event more than a dragon boat race,\" said Li Xuebing, vice president of Xinhua Chinese Association in Britain. \"We want to make it a platform to promote Chinese culture.\" 🏮🌟
Local talents got in on the action, too! \"I\'m happy to help represent the performances here in the UK,\" shared one enthusiastic performer. \"Hopefully, more Western people come to understand the fun you can have in the dragon boat race.\" 🎭🤩
And here\'s a twist for all you sports fans! ⚽🏉 The festival saw representatives from Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City, along with rugby club Salford Red Devils, joining the festivities for a new kind of \"Manchester Derby\"! 🤝🔥 Talk about team spirit!
The UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival started in 2012 and has grown into a cultural extravaganza that bridges communities and celebrates diversity. Whether you\'re into intense racing action or cultural performances, this festival had something for everyone! See you next year? 😉🌊
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
