Fabulous photos as dragon boat race returns to the River Tyne

Newcastle’s Quayside was transformed into a vibrant festival of colour, culture and competition, drawing thousands of spectators to enjoy one of the most exhilarating spectacles in NE1’s annual events calendar.

The action took place on the River Tyne between the Tyne and Millennium Bridges, with more than 450 competitors taking to the water for a series of fiercely contested heats, with the fastest teams meeting in the finals later in the afternoon.

Teams of between 11-16 racers helmed the long, narrow dragon canoes, paddling in pairs to the beat of a drum positioned at the boat’s helm, which set the rhythm for the races.

Crewed by fundraising adventure-seekers, the dragon boat teams were raising money for this year’s chosen charity, the Great North Children’s Hospital at the RVI.