London-Macao Dragon Boat Festival 2026
From London Waters to Macao Wonders.
Sunday, 21 June 2026
· London Regatta Centre
The inaugural edition is in the books. Thank you, London.
From London Waters to Macao Wonders.
It was not just a race. It was a 200 metre sprint powered by adrenaline, teamwork, and the relentless rhythm of the dragon drum.
On Sunday 21 June 2026, the first London-Macao Dragon Boat Festival brought dragon boat racing to the London Regatta Centre in the Royal Docks.
15 crews and more than 200 paddlers raced a 200 metre course in front of an estimated 2,500 visitors, with more than 20 vendors and cultural stalls lining the dockside. Every crew raced with a professional steerer on a day that passed with zero reportable incidents.
We were honoured to welcome Her Excellency Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg, and Miss Mei Sim Lai OBE DL, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Brent, alongside Lion Harvinder S Virdee, District Governor of Lions District 105A.
2026 PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
15 crews raced heats, semi-finals and finals across the day. One crew held their nerve when it mattered most.
Winners of the inaugural London-Macao Dragon Boat Festival and the first champions in its history.
OSIM presented prizes worth £1,000 in total to the first and second placed crews.
The highlight film from the inaugural edition.
Thank you to the 15 crews who raced the inaugural edition. For 2027 we are open to teams, sponsors, vendors, and collaborations. Email us to register your interest and we will be in touch as arrangements are confirmed.
By winning the inaugural festival, Chadwell Heath Dragons have earned the opportunity to represent the United Kingdom at the prestigious Macao International Invitation Standard Dragon Boat Race.
Held annually at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, the Macao races are among the most respected dragon boat competitions in the world. Winning London was only the beginning.
The road to Nam Van Lake starts in London. The Macao International Invitation Standard Dragon Boat Race welcomes self-sponsored non-local teams and charges no registration fee, and arrangements for 2027 are being confirmed with the organisers.
The Macao International Dragon Boat Races combine spectacular cultural heritage with elite international competition. Winning the London festival opens the road to racing there, and arrangements for 2027 are being confirmed with the organisers.
The schedule as it happened on 21 June 2026.
Captains reported to the desk and waivers were verified.
Mandatory for every paddler. Buoyancy aids were issued.
Rounds 1 & 2 ran on the Royal Docks.
Food stalls, music, and the dragon dance took over the village.
The fastest crews battled through the knockout rounds.
Trophies were presented and Chadwell Heath Dragons were crowned champions.
The festival was entirely free to enter for spectators, with a vibrant village to explore all day long.
More than 20 vendors and cultural stalls lined the festival village, serving bold flavours from Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond, alongside drink stands pouring craft beers, cocktails, bubble tea, and more.
Our dedicated Macao Pavilion brought a piece of Macao to the banks of the Royal Docks, sharing the culture, heritage, and flavours of this unique waterfront city. A mini journey to Macao without leaving London.
The celebrations kicked off with a spectacular Lion Dance to open the day, followed by a full programme of live cultural shows on the main stage: from traditional Chinese dance and drumming to vibrant performances representing communities from across the globe. There was something on stage all day long.
Young festival-goers had their very own space, with a Children's Dragon Boat Race designed just for kids. The corner also featured face painting, arts & crafts, interactive booths, and plenty of grassy space to cheer on the boats.
The festival took place at the London Regatta Centre in the Royal Docks, easily reached by public transport.
Royal Albert (DLR) is only a 5-minute walk away. Connect via Canning Town (Jubilee), Bank, or Tower Gateway.
Travel to Custom House and transfer one stop on the DLR to Royal Albert for the fastest route from central London.
Several routes serve the area including 143, 217, 246, 289, and 473. Typical journey from central London is 25 mins.
One of London's fastest-growing waterfront districts with plenty to see and do nearby.
A major international exhibition centre within walking distance, featuring numerous cafés, restaurants, and world-class events.
Take a ride across the Thames for panoramic views of London. A unique way to see the city from above, just a short walk away.
Just across the river via the IFS Cloud Cable Car is The O2 in North Greenwich, home to the ICON Outlet, London's only designer outlet shopping district inside a major entertainment venue.
Major shopping and dining districts just a short DLR ride away for those wanting more urban exploration.
Scenic walking routes and marina views right on the festival's doorstep. Perfect for a relaxing waterside stroll.
Around a 12 to 15 minute walk away, this award-winning riverside park features landscaped gardens, lawns, and views toward the Thames Barrier.
Whether you came to cheer on a crew, catch the performances, or simply relax by the water, thank you for making the first edition such a lively summer's day.
Meet Azule, one of the standout acts that brought our main stage to life on 21 June.
Dragon boat racing is one of the world's oldest and most exhilarating team sports, with roots stretching back over two thousand years to the rivers of southern China. Today it is practised by millions of paddlers across more than 90 countries, and for good reason.
Each boat carries up to 22 paddlers, a drummer setting the rhythm, and a steersperson at the helm, demanding that every member move as one. The result is a sport that builds genuine cohesion in ways that few corporate away-days or gym sessions can replicate: communication sharpens under pressure, trust is forged stroke by stroke, and the satisfaction of a synchronised, powerful drive is immediately felt by the whole crew.
Physically, dragon boating is a formidable full-body aerobic workout requiring the engagement of the core, back, shoulders, and arms through a continuous pulling motion, yet remains accessible to beginners and adaptive paddlers alike, with no prior experience required to compete. Corporate teams, university clubs, and paddlers stepping into a boat for the very first time all found a place at the inaugural festival.
The London-Macao Dragon Boat Festival is proudly hosted by the London Metropolitan Lions Club and the Lions Club of London Covent Garden, both part of Lions Clubs International.
Founded in 1917 under the motto "We Serve", Lions clubs take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social, and moral welfare of their communities. We belong to District 105A, covering London and surrounding counties, with over 1,200 volunteers working to make a difference.
The festival runs on a 100% charity model and is delivered
on the day by an all-volunteer team. Sponsorship and entry income fund the event itself, and everything
left after costs goes to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Core costs are largely
fixed, so each additional sponsor increases the amount that reaches the hospital.
Beyond the
festival, the London Metropolitan Lions Club continues to support local food banks, youth programmes,
and international disaster relief initiatives.
A few things people have asked since the festival.
2026 PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
