Carnivals and Entertainment Programmes

In celebration of traditional festivals and major festive days, eight large-scale carnivals were organised during the year. The New Year's Eve Countdown Carnival 2006 held in Sha Tin Park and Sha Tin Town Hall attracted 97 000 visitors. The big crowd was entertained by a diverse programme that consisted of physical theatre by the visiting Italian group Kataklo Athletic Dance Theatre, an acrobatics and clown show by the visiting Russian group Toys Theatre, band performances, a magic show, flamenco and tap dancing, and stilt walkers in masquerade who mingled with the audience. The climax came with the countdown, which was followed by a spectacular show that combined artistic performances and lighting and theatrical effects around a European-style castle.

A fabulous athletic dance performed by the Kataklo Athletic Dance Theatre from Italy at the New Year's Eve Countdown Carnival 2006.

Toys Theatre, a deaf theatre group from Russia, presents silly stories in colourful and comical costumes at the New Year's Eve Countdown Carnival 2006.

Large-scale thematic lantern displays at Kowloon Park during the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival and a spectacular lantern display held for the first time at West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade during the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival were festival highlights that captivated locals and tourists alike. The Youth Band Marathon was another new initiative featuring a series of local youth bands that represented various music styles. The summer highlight, O2 Recharge Station, which included a variety of music and dance performances and yoga demonstrations, was staged in Stanley and Sai Kung.

The Spectacular Lantern Display 'Radiant Romance' at Kowloon Park during the 2006 Lunar New Year festivities.

Lantern displays of 'The Four Great Poets' at the Hong Kong Island 2006 Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival.

An energetic performance by young dancers at the Youth Band Marathon.

To foster community involvement in entertainment programmes, 617 performances were presented to audiences of all ages, usually at weekends and during holidays, throughout Hong Kong. They comprised traditional Chinese performing arts, music, dance and family entertainment. The Asian Ethnic Cultural Programme series and Concert in the Park programme were presented in collaboration with the consulates-general of Korea and the Philippines respectively. These activities enhanced cultural exchanges between the Hong Kong community and the Korean and Filipino communities in Hong Kong.

In 2006, the carnivals, special events and regular free entertainment that were organised by the Department attracted a total attendance of over one million.