Lanterns, stars light up festival

THOMAS CHANG Thousands of people gathered at Fanling Recreation Playground to celebrate Chinese Valentine's Day.

There were similar events on Cheung Chau and Tuen Mun, aimed at promoting traditional entertainment, including opera and lanterns.

About 300 lanterns made by craftsmen from Hong Kong, Foshan and Suzhou were displayed.

Games stalls, fortune-telling and demonstrations of traditional Chinese arts and crafts entertained the crowds.

Acrobatics, a Chinese orchestra and Cantonese and Beijing operas added to the traditional feel.

Canto-pop presented by RTHK provided contrast. Artists included Edmond Leung, Dry, Leo Ku, and Kelly Chen.