Canary Wharf will be teeming with dragon boats this July — as teams compete in a series of races on the water.
On Thursday 10 July 2025, the WaterAid Dragon Boat Race takes over South Dock (located to the immediate south of Canary Wharf Tube station), with teams of paddlers arriving at the dock from 10.30am, and racing taking place from 11.30am till around 5pm. Dragon boating — characterised by dragon-headed/tailed boats, and a drummer keeping the paddlers in rhythm — is not an unusual sight on London's waterways, thanks to groups like the Windy Pandas. But the WaterAid Dragon Boat Race — which raises money for the charity — sees a particularly impressive coming together of vessels.
Anyone is welcome to come along and cheer the rowers, but if watching isn't enough, and you'd rather compete (and you're able to assemble a crew of 11-17 rowers), visit the WaterAid website to sign up by the deadline of Friday 20 June. You don't need to be an expert paddler (in fact experts will be there on the day to give full training and top tips to your team), and if you aren't the fastest team, you can still be in with a chance to win the 'best fancy dress' prize.
WaterAid Dragon Boat Race, Canary Wharf, Thursday 10 July 2025, approx. 11.30am-5pm, free to watch
