Revellers erupted in cheers in tandem with the thunderous beat of drums and rhythmic slap of paddles across the city's waterways as dragon boat races ushered in early Tuen Ng Festival celebrations on Saturday with the traditional air of energy and excitement.

The Observatory forecasted mainly overcast skies and one or two showers but that didn't dampen the paddlers’ passion one drop.

“Are we confident about winning? Yes!," said a race participant in Stanley.

"I am not worried about the rain," he said.

"That’s usual at Tuen Ng Festivals.

"It’s good for us to experience the ‘Dragon Boat Water'.”

Another group of paddlers said they had been practicing twice or thrice a week since December in the hope of winning their event.

A woman brought her daughter back from the United States specially to watch the races.

“We are so excited because this is our first time, the first time seeing so many boats and so many people,” she said.

Crowds also flocked to Tai O and Sha Tin for races, with Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho spotted among the throngs inundating the banks of Shing Mun River.

In a Facebook post, Chief Executive John Lee sent his wishes for safety, health and good fortune to people in inviting everyone to watch the dragon boat races to experience the festive Tuen Ng atmosphere.

More dragon boat racing action is coming next week, with the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races set to be held at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.