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British Street Food Awards And Dragon Boat Race Return To Leeds Dock

Plans for Leeds Waterfront Festival 2023 have been revealed, ahead of the annual summer event in July.

The British Street Food Awards will return to Leeds for the festival on 1-2 July after a three-year hiatus, inviting 12 Northern traders to battle it out for the top prize.

Leeds favourites Little Red Eats will take on the likes of Oi Dumplings from Manchester and Acropolis from Newcastle to compete for the title, which will be judged by the Michelin-starred Will Lockwood, Head Chef from Roots York. There will also be a People’s Choice winner, chosen by those attending the event. Both winners will go the British Street Food Awards finals in London this August.

The notorious Leeds Dock Dragon Boat Race sponsored by The Canary Bar is set to be another highlight, sailing back into town with smaller boats this time for extra speed. Registrations are now open for up to 24 teams of 7-11 people per boat to take on the challenge to win the highly coveted trophy.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leeds-dock-dragon-boat-race-2023-tickets-523764783567

Leeds Dock’s event director, Alex Webb, said:
“The smaller dragon boats this year mean more people can get involved. Groups of mates can take on the challenge, or if you’re planning a hen or stag do, or big birthday celebration, this would be ideal. It’s something fun and different to do, and you get to flex your sporting prowess at the same time!”

In preparation for the event, one of the iconic Leeds Dock water taxis (Twee) will be transformed into a dragon boat, to give passengers a taste of what’s to come this summer. And members of the public are being asked to enter a competition to temporarily rename the water taxi, to reflect its new dragon identity.

The free, family-friendly Leeds Waterfront Festival has become a mainstay of the city’s summer calendar, and this year, it’s bigger and better than ever with a whole range of on and off water activities and live entertainment, including open water swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking. Local neighbourhood hangout, The Canary, will also be hosting live musicians and DJs throughout the festival, as well as serving cocktails, locally brewed beers and great offers on loaded burgers and sharing plates, perfect for sunshine catch-ups with friends. With a sun terrace, plus additional outdoor seating dotted along The Dock, the bar and kitchen has space for everyone.

The north’s largest waterfront festival showcases the best of the city’s waterways. The annual celebration is organised by Canal & River Trust alongside Leeds City Council, Leeds Dock, The Tetley, Citu, The Royal Armouries, and Granary Wharf.

More information can be found at www.leedswf.co.uk.