Bangkok--2 Feb--Francom Asia
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently announced details of the 2007 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade, which will take place on the first evening of Chinese New Year, 18 February 2007 in Tsim Sha Tsui. The HKTB also stated that tickets for spectator seating at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza have been sold out. The HKTB is extremely thrilled with the enthusiastic response from visitors and local residents. Those who are unable to purchase tickets will still be able to join this mega street party, as they can view the procession free of charge along the parade route.
Mrs Selina Chow said that the Parade has become a highlight of Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year celebrations since its inception in 1996. “Through the years, our colourful and vibrant festivities have gained huge popularity and reputation internationally, with our city’s celebrations ranked as the ‘Best Value Entertainment Around the World’ in Lonely Planet’s Bluelist 2007,” she remarked. “In particular, our Chinese New Year Parade not only creates a carnival atmosphere, but also offers travel trade partners an effective marketing platform, turning the traditionally low-traffic season into a peak period for visiting Hong Kong.”
Cathay Pacific Airways is the Parade’s title sponsor for the ninth consecutive year. The airline’s Chief Executive Mr Philip Chen said, “Cathay Pacific has been a title sponsor of the International Chinese New Year Parade for many years and we are delighted that it has become an event that is eagerly anticipated by the local community and tourists alike. As the home carrier, Cathay Pacific is committed to building Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub, using our extensive international network to bring in more overseas visitors to experience the delights of this great city.”
International Street Party in Tsim Sha Tsui
To celebrate the 12th staging of the Parade, the HKTB will introduce even more international and interactive elements, transforming the event into a multi-cultural street party for local residents and visitors. Following the Parade in 2004, the pageant will again return to Tsim Sha Tsui. Starting at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, it will then proceed along Canton Road and Kowloon Park Drive before ending at Salisbury Road.
This year, the HKTB will set up more performing zones along the Parade route. With the exception of Canton Road (outside Silvercord), an additional performing zone will be set up on Kowloon Park Drive (at the junction of Kowloon Park Drive and Peking Road).
As well as enhancing the sound and lighting effects along Canton Road, the HKTB will arrange for more than 100 motivators to help stimulate the festive atmosphere and distribute inflatable cheering sticks to spectators. In addition, several large screens will be installed, so that spectators can enjoy the performances in different locations.
The HKTB has chosen the theme “Celebrate World Party” for this year’s Parade. Altogether 40 groups, including 13 international and local floats, and 15 overseas and 12 local performing troupes will participate in the event. To make this year’s Parade extra special, there will be a crossover of overseas and local performing groups. Together they will present a series of special programmes. And for the first time ever, the groups will join hands to orchestrate a multi-drum show during the opening.
The HKTB is once again bringing in prestigious groups from five continents, emphasising Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class international city. Among the 15 troupes, 11 are making their first appearance in Hong Kong. These include The Arabians from Spain, which performed at the 5th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris; the Fralinger String Band from the United States, which won the first prize of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade six times in a row; the Empress Stiltdance from New Zealand, an all-female group in bright and colourful costumes; and La Pena del Sol from Spain, renowned for its superb dancing skills and elaborate costumes.
The Parade will be televised live in Hong Kong on Television Broadcasts Limited’s (TVB) Jade Channel between 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm. Audience will have the opportunity to win two business-class air tickets between Hong Kong and Seoul on Cathay Pacific Airways by voting for their favourite floats in a “phone-in” game.
Internet users worldwide can also enjoy the show via simultaneous transmission on the HKTB’s DiscoverHongKong.com website. As in past years, the HKTB has invited media representatives from different source markets overseas to visit Hong Kong and cover the spectacle, taking it to audience around the world.
Following the Parade, visitors and local residents can take a closer look at the elaborately decorated floats, which will remain on public display at New World Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui on 19-20 February, during which selected overseas performing groups will also stage their performances again. To further enhance the festivities, special pyrotechnic effects will be added to the multimedia show “A Symphony of Lights” on 20-21 February.
To keep visitors abreast of the activities in town, the HKTB will enhance its meet-and-greet services at entry points, and distribute the Chinese New Year Celebrations Activities Guide, Hong Kong Shopping and Dining Tips & Hints and Quality Tourism Services scheme promotional leaflets during the Lunar New Year peak travel days. Meanwhile, local travel agents will introduce special tours packaging the Parade and other related celebratory programmes.
Starting from 1 February, visitors and residents can have a sneak preview of the Parade, as the HKTB will stage an exhibition on the event, which includes visuals of the float design and information on the performing groups, at ifc Mall in Central and Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui on 1-4 February and 1-17 February respectively.
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