Hong Kong to stage to Mega Events in October

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is staging the “2006 Mid-Autumn Lantern Celebration” and “2006 Hong Kong Culinary Delights” in October. Running between 30 September and 15 October, these two Mega Events have been specially devised to showcase Hong Kong’s local culture, heritage and festive ambience, and enhance in-town visitors’ experiences during the peak travel season, especially when large number of business travellers are expected for the many large-scale conventions and exhibitions taking place in the city.

Mr Lambert Chan, General Manager, Destination Marketing of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said that there is a growing trend towards experiential travel, as travellers are becoming more and more interested in experiencing the destination’s lifestyles. “This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on October, which ties in with the National Day Golden Week and the high season for conventions and exhibitions,” he explained. “Each Mega Event showcases Hong Kong’s distinctive culture. Visitors will not only be able to rub shoulders with local residents and have a taste of the colourful festivities, but also acquire greater appreciation of the city’s local culture and deep-rooted traditions.”

Gala of Lanterns to Create Festive Ambience

From 30 September to 8 October, a Lantern Wonderland, which occupies an area the size of one football pitch, will be set up in Victoria Park. Based on the winning design in a competition co-organised by the HKTB and Hong Kong Designers Association with the support of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, the Wonderland comprises a set of eight “water-themed” giant mechanical lanterns with synchronised audio, lighting and visual effects. Featuring traditional and modern design concepts with colourful lighting, the Wonderland captures the essence of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary themes, and epitomises Hong Kong’s cultural fusion.

The legendary Fire Dragon Parade is an indispensable element in the Mid-Autumn Festival. This year, the century-old event will take place on the three consecutive nights of 5-7 October. Besides adding traditional flag dances and drum performances during the procession, the parade route will be extended to the section of Tung Lo Wan Road between Wun Sha Street and Warren Street.

To showcase the iconic attractions of Hong Kong’s 18 districts, a Lantern Gala featuring 18 specially designed lanterns, each measuring 3.5 metres in height, will be set up along Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard in Tsim Sha Tsui. Complementing the glittering spectacle will be Wishing Lantern Trails in Victoria Park, and at Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard and the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, where visitors and local residents can hang their wishing tags for good fortune.

Dining Promotions to Highlight Local Culinary Culture

To further enhance visitors’ experiences and highlight the city’s many seasonal gastronomic promotions, the HKTB will organise the “Hong Kong Culinary Delights”. Featuring a series of themed activities, this Mega Event aims to encourage visitors to explore Hong Kong’s dining culture and savour the rich local flavours. Highlights will include the Seafood Festival, which for the first time will bring together the four popular seafood locations of Sai Kung and Lei Yue Mun, and Cheung Chau and Lamma islands. During the promotional period, diners can enjoy a complimentary dish at participating restaurants in the respective seafood districts.

The Mega Event will also feature dining district highlights in such food districts as Stanley, Hillwood Road and Knutsford Terrace, where patrons can enjoy a special drink or dish free-of-charge at participating restaurants. Visitors can also hunt for local delicacies through the Discover Local Food Streets brochure. For the cookery fans, they can take their hobby on vacation, as the HKTB will organise a series of Culinary Master classes, in which renowned visiting international celebrity gourmets and the 2006 Best of the Best Culinary Award-winning chefs will share cooking tips with the participants.

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