London Dragon Boat Festival 2026 | 21 June

The Event

London's Largest
Dragon Boat Competition

The London Dragon Boat Competition is one of the United Kingdom's most exciting cultural sporting events.

Held at the spectacular Royal Docks, the festival brings together corporate teams, universities, and community groups for an unforgettable day of racing, music, food, and celebration.

Teams race traditional dragon boats across a thrilling 200-metre course in a vibrant summer festival atmosphere.

Date21 June 2026 LocationLondon Regatta Centre, Royal Albert Docks Participants20+ Teams | 200+ Paddlers

Get On The Water

How It Works

1. Form A Team

Gather up to 16 members (10 paddlers and 1 drummer). No experience necessary.

2. Register

Secure your boat before spots fill up. Limited lanes available.

3. Train

Attend pre-event training sessions and get your crew race-ready.

4. Race

Compete on 21 June for the ultimate prize — a trip to Macao.

Get On The Water

Enter a Team

Choose your tier, grab your colleagues or friends, and fill out the registration forms below.

Front angle of a mixed crew racing intensely

Corporate

Corporate Team

£1,200 / team

Registration for up to 16 members (10 paddlers, 1 drummer)
Boat, paddles, buoyancy aids & professional steerer included
Minimum of 3 races guaranteed
Dedicated pitch space in the team village
Company logo on race schedules and website

Register Team Form →

University

University Crew

Discount available, DM us!

Highly discounted rate for student societies & clubs
Registration for up to 16 student members
Boat, paddles, safety gear & steerer provided
Minimum of 3 races guaranteed
University cup eligibility

Register Crew Form →

Individual

Solo / Composite

£120 / person

Don't have a team? No problem.
We'll group you into a composite squad with other individuals.
Equipment and safety briefing included
Great way to network and meet new friends

Individual Waiver Form →

Lions Club Member

Lions Member Boat

£1,000 / boat

Exclusive rate for verified Lions Club members
Registration for up to 16 members (10 paddlers, 1 drummer)
Boat, paddles, buoyancy aids & professional steerer included
Minimum of 3 races guaranteed
Race for your organisation & a great cause

Enquire to Register →

Crucial Step: Every individual participant MUST fill out the Individual Waiver Form before stepping foot in a boat. No waiver, no racing.

Global Competition

Nam Van Lake.
International Prestige.

The Macao International Dragon Boat Races combine spectacular cultural heritage with elite international competition. The winners of London 2026 will receive flights, accommodation, and entry to represent the UK against the best teams in the world in 2027.

Register a Team — Win the Trip

Competitor Info

Race Day Guide

Everything from timelines to safety guidelines — all you need to know after signing up.

Drummer shouting with Big Ben and Parliament in the background

1

08:30 AM

Arrival & Check-In

Captains report to the desk. Waivers verified.

2

09:15 AM

Safety Briefing

Mandatory for all. Buoyancy aids issued.

3

10:00 AM

Heats Begin

Round 1 & 2 heats on the Royal Docks.

4

12:30 PM

Lunch & Culture

Enjoy food stalls, music, and the dragon dance.

5

14:00 PM

Semi-Finals & Finals

Fastest crews battle in knockout rounds.

6

16:30 PM

Awards Ceremony

Trophies presented, charity total announced.

Rules & Safety

No Experience Needed: However, all paddlers must be able to swim at least 50 metres in light clothing.
Mandatory Briefing: You cannot race if you miss the morning captain's/safety briefing.
Buoyancy Aids: Must be worn securely at all times while on the water or pontoons.
Listen to the Helm: The professional steerer (helm) is in absolute command. Follow their instructions instantly.
Footwear: Wear closed-toe water shoes or old trainers. No flip-flops or bare feet allowed.
Alcohol Policy: Strictly no alcohol for participants until your team has finished racing for the day.

Join The Crowd

For Our Spectators

The festival is entirely free to enter for spectators, with a vibrant village waiting to be explored.

Festival Village with tents and DLR train passing over

Spectators watching dragon boats race on the River Thames

Food & Drink

Feast your way around the world! Dozens of international food trucks line the festival village serving up bold flavours from Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond, paired with a fantastic selection of drink stands offering craft beers, cocktails, bubble tea, and more.

Stage Entertainment

The celebrations kick 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's something on stage all day long.

Children's Corner

Young festival-goers have their very own space! Watch — or even join — the Children's Dragon Boat Race, designed just for kids. The corner also features face painting, arts & crafts, interactive booths, and plenty of grassy space to cheer on the boats.

Macao Pavilion

Step into a piece of Macao right here on the banks of the Thames. Our dedicated Macao Pavilion invites you to explore the culture, heritage, and flavours of this unique waterfront city — a mini journey to Macao without leaving London.

Plan Your Visit

Getting Here

The festival takes place at the London Regatta Centre in the Royal Docks, easily accessible by public transport.

DLR & Tube

Royal Albert (DLR) is only a 5-minute walk away. Connect via Canning Town (Jubilee), Bank, or Tower Gateway.

Elizabeth Line

Travel to Custom House and transfer one stop on the DLR to Royal Albert for the fastest route from central London.

Bus Routes

Several routes serve the area including 143, 217, 246, 289, and 473. Typical journey from central London is 25 mins.

Make A Day Of It

Explore the Royal Docks

One of London's fastest-growing waterfront districts with plenty to see and do nearby.

ExCeL London›

A major international exhibition centre within walking distance, featuring numerous cafés, restaurants, and world-class events. What will be on: Cleopatra: The Experience.

IFS Cloud Cable Car›

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.

Outlet Shopping at The O2›

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.

Canary Wharf & Stratford›

Major shopping and dining districts just a short DLR ride away for those wanting more urban exploration.

Royal Docks Waterfront›

Scenic walking routes and marina views right on our doorstep. Perfect for a relaxing stroll between races.

Thames Barrier Park›

Around a 12–15 minute walk away, this award-winning riverside park features landscaped gardens, lawns, and views toward the Thames Barrier.

Whether you're cheering for a team, enjoying the cultural performances, or simply relaxing by the water, the Dragon Boat Festival offers a lively summer atmosphere for everyone.

Why Dragon Boat Racing?

Ancient Tradition,
Modern Sport

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 10 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. Whether you join us as a corporate team looking to deepen your bonds, a university club bringing serious competitive ambition, or an individual stepping into a boat for the very first time, the festival has a place for all of you.

London Metropolitan Lions Club District 105A · Lions Clubs International

Who Is Organising This?

Our Mission

The London 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.

Where the Surplus Goes

We are proud to operate on a 100% charity model. Every pound raised from team entries, sponsorships, and public donations is directed towards charitable causes. For the 2026 festival, net proceeds will support Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) — helping to fund vital care, research, and life-saving treatment for children and young people.

All funds are administered through the London Metropolitan Lions Charity Fund, ensuring full transparency and maximum impact. Administrative costs are covered independently by our members, allowing your team's contribution to go directly to those who need it most. Beyond the festival, the London Metropolitan Lions Club continues to support local food banks, youth programmes, and international disaster relief initiatives.

Macao-London Dragon Boat Festival Race 2026

Hearts Racing.Drums Pounding.The River Is Calling.

London's LargestDragon Boat Competition