Wine street to pep up proceedings
Allan Zeman, chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Association and Lan Kwai Fong Holdings, offers his personal take on what you can look forward to at this year's carnival:
What new things can people expect to see this year? New exuberant decorations such as a giant Lan Kwai Fong [LKF] Carnival mascot and masks that add to the exotic Mardi Gras atmosphere. There is also a dedicated wine street with wine and food pairing.
The streets of Lan Kwai Fong will be filled with more than 80 booths and stalls offering not only delicious food [starting from HK$20] and selections of the finest beers, cocktails and wines from around the world, but also interactive games, arts and crafts, and much more.
Aids Concern will co-operate with one of the sponsors, Okamoto, to create the world's largest condom mosaic sculpture. It will be displayed at the entrance of 1 Lan Kwai Fong during the carnival to increase public awareness of Aids.
What is the aim of the carnival? To promote Lan Kwai Fong as a fun and entertaining district for everyone, and to provide a weekend of excitement and fantasy to visitors, families and adults. Showing support to our chosen charity organisation - Aids Concern - is also important to us.
What atmosphere can the public expect? A relaxed, fun and full-of-surprises place where you can spend all day and night with your friends, families, children, grandmother and grandfather.
There will be non-stop excitement on the four stages, with over 100 interactive games and shows daily. Event highlights include live performances of singers, bands and dancers, as well as pantomimes, magic shows, juggling, and face-morphing.
The biggest-ever line-up of parades twice a day will be the highlight of the event. As live music floods the air, the rhythm of the striking Brazilian dancers will fascinate you.
How has the carnival changed over the years? The carnival has become the event on the Hong Kong social calendar. We had 50 booths during the first year of the event, and we now have more than 80. These booths filled up very quickly and we still have a long waiting list for those wanting to rent one to do their business in LKF. We also have more indoor restaurants with children's activities.
The carnival will feature European games booths this year - what is that all about? There will be four traditional European carnival games including duck fishing, lucky wheel, can throwing and hoopla. This is the first time we have set up these games.
