Brindleyplace Dragonboat Race
A Dragonboat race is a fun annual event. It took place on 16th of June for the 19th time now in Birmingham.
The day for my family began by splitting into two groups: father-son group and me joining the photographers' meetup group.
Here, 18 teams1 have been sharing four longboats, wearing the fancy dress outfits. The aim of the event was to raise money for the Cure Leukemia. Activities, such as dancing and face paint, for the named charity, have been in full swing at the Central Square in Brindleyplace. But we were there for the fun boat race.
The heats were taking place between the Broad Street and the National SEA LIFE centre with SEA LIFE centre being the finish.
Two path bridges across the canal, as well as all around the canal, were spectators zones. It did not seem to be packed and one could easily find a spot. Even the restaurants and cafes seemed to have plenty of free places most of the time.
Waiting time was used by the teams to practice/learn paddling techniques. Loud counts of “one, two, one, two…” were heard at times with plenty of laughter. The competitive spirit was taking over the event!
The dragon boats were not the only ones in the water. Usual canal boats were passing by and a group of ladies canoeing were sharing the space. The latter turned out to be having a hen do. Greeted by the event’s narrator with congratulation message attracting attention, they disappeared from our sight.
The absolute highlight of the event and the most awaited situation was the capsized boat. One team, dressed as Bavarians, had an epic fall into the canal water after losing the control of the boat halfway into the race. After being given a second chance and taking it slow and steady, the team had yet another swim at the finish with boat turning over again.
Spending something like five hours at the event, we had a meal at Wagamama and headed home. It was definitely an exciting time spent differently than usual. Attending it for the first time, we did not know what to expect so we were open to anything and everything to happen. However, according to those at the last year’s dragon boat race, it had less action.
It is definitely a fun event worth your attendance and cheering. And if the boat race is not your thing, just have a stroll around the Brindley Place and the canal. It is a lovely area with many cafes and restaurants.
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!steemitworldmap 52.479046 lat -1.913323 long Brindleyplace Dragonboat Race d3scr
© Rimicane
- Time is ticking to sign up to the 2018 Dragonboat Race! Accessed 23 June 2018. ↩
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I lived in Birmingham for three years when I was a student and I never knew about this event! That's a lovely set of photos of the event.
I'm a fan of Rodizio Rico in that area :)
Hahahah, thank you! I have been living in Bhum for 10 years and this was my first attendance. It was interesting but very repetitive. It was great for the public to see a bit more than just paddling.
Rodizio Rico? Never been to... but then again, there are so many cool places.
its just outside the back of the mailbox - its a Churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ) - I'd recommend it if you've never tried it :)
Its pretty close in quality to the places I've tried in Brazil
That looks like a really fun day @rimicane.
We went to a dragon boat race a couple of years ago with John's work. It was a chaotic as that one looks but a great day out. 😊
It was a brilliant day out! Even my little one enjoyed it and he is usually bored! So that says a lot! 😃
Looks like a really fun day. I like all the costumes. I hope you were in on of the boats that stayed dry :)
It was! I only ever got splashed from standing to close to the boat. I was trying to catch the action.