The Manchester event is the largest Dragon Boat festival in the UK

Hainan Airlines and Manchester Airport are set to join forces to sponsor the UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place on Sunday, June 5th in Salford Quays.

Organised by the Xinhua Chinese Association, the Dragon Boat Festival is a key highlight in the lunar calendar for the Chinese community and is perfectly timed for the start of Hainan Airlines’ new direct service to Manchester from Beijing, which launches on June 10th.

Established in 2012 the UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival sees over 30 teams battle it out to a 10,000 strong audience over a 200 metre course.

Each boat is decorated as a Chinese Dragon with teams of 12 crew – ten paddlers, one drummer and one steersman.

Alongside the racing action is a showcase of authentic Chinese cultural attractions including traditional Lion Dance, Chinese Shaolin Kungfu and Chinese folk dancing.

Also on site will be a range of traditional food stalls allowing participants and guests the chance to sample a range of Chinese delicacies.

Stephen Turner, commercial director at Manchester Airport, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the UK Chinese Dragon Boat festival alongside one of our newest airlines – Hainan Airlines.

“The festival is set to be a massive crowd pleaser and is the ideal place to showcase our new connectivity to Beijing with a five star airline.

“We hope the event is a success and enjoyed by those taking part, and watching alike.”
Hainan Airlines will become the only airline with a direct scheduled service to Manchester to China.

It makes Manchester the only airport in the UK outside of London to have a direct year-round service to Mainland China.

Operated by an A330-300 the aircraft has 292 seats – with 32 in business class and 260 in economy.