Three years after attending a packed performance of Circus Incognitus in Hong Kong, I can still recall the delight on people's faces as they took in Jamie Adkins' one-man show that mixed juggling, balancing and comedy to yield all manner of fun stunts. And judging from the laughter from both adults and children, I would say pre-teens were not the only ones enjoying that International Arts Carnival attraction.
The carnival is Asia's largest family-oriented arts festival, and the latest edition, which runs to August 19, promises bumper treats for the young and young at heart. It has got off to a lively start this weekend with the Estonian National Ballet's production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
This summer cultural extravaganza encompasses activities to keep youngsters entertained over the school holidays. They include various workshops, talks and tours of museums and cultural venues besides stage performances and movie screenings. This year's associated International Children's Film Carnival, for example, features cinematic gems such as the 1931 Charlie Chaplin classic City Lights and KJ: Music and Life, Cheung King-wai's 2009 documentary about a local piano prodigy.
But if experience is any indicator, standouts in this carnival - presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department - will be found among the wide-ranging performing arts offerings.
The carnival has its roots in a children's arts carnival set up by the former Urban Council in 1990. The performing arts programme is geared specifically for children. Most presentations - including Splendid, a 13-act acrobatic spectacle staged by the China National Acrobatic Troupe (next Sunday, Tuen Mun Town Hall; July 17, 18, Sha Tin Town Hall) - are described as 'best for ages three and above'.
Only one production - entitled White - is described as being 'best for ages two to four'. It's a playful drama inspired by a photo of a house made of white muslin that Andy Manley, its Edinburgh-based creator, spotted in an interior design magazine.