Dragon boat race ahoy!

CEREMONIAL Chinese lion dance will mark a dramatic opening to the Dragon Boat Race as it returns to the Tyne today.

- BARBARA HODGSON Reporter [e-mail]

Newcastle Kung Fu Club will be performing on the quayside ahead of the event, which builds upon the success of previous years with its ‘biggest and best’ plans yet.

The NE1 Dragon Boat Race always draws crowds of spectators and once again they will be able to enjoy a full day of family entertainment, which also includes roaming performers, face-painting and live music, adding to a festival-style atmosphere. But the action on the river is the highlight.

Dragon Boat racing is a Chinese tradition that sees rival teams paddle long, narrow wooden canoes - featuring decorative dragon heads and tails - to the rhythmic beat of a drum, said to be the dragon’s heartbeat.

The drummer sits at the helm, at the head of the dragon - facing the paddlers who work in pairs - and sets the rowing beat for the race, which is all about synchronised movement.