Canary Wharf will be teeming with dragon boats again this July — as teams compete in a series of races on the water.
On Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July 2026, the WaterAid Dragon Boat Race takes over South Dock (located to the immediate south of Canary Wharf Tube station), with teams of paddlers racing between 12pm-5pm both days.
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. You needn’t be pro paddlers (in fact experts will be there on the day to give full training and tips to your team), and if you aren’t the fastest, you can still be in with a chance to win the ‘best fancy dress’ prize.
WaterAid Dragon Boat Race, Canary Wharf, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July 2026, 12pm-5pm, free to watch.
