More than 380,000 spectators put aside their worries about the economy and global problems for 23 minutes last night when they turned out to watch the National Day firework display. Revellers who gathered on both sides of Victoria Harbour had a second reason to celebrate, with the Mid-Autumn Festival falling on the same day this year. The show kicked off at 10pm, with the National Anthem accompanied by red and purple fireworks shooting into the clear sky from seven barges in the harbour. Beijing's successful bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games was the second theme of the $3.5 million spectacle. Crowds cheered as the five Olympic rings were lit up with fireworks. The show closed with another colourful display and robust music to wish a 'happy birthday' to China. Rosalind Lun, a marketing manager for an electrical appliance manufacturer, said she had enjoyed the show from her home, which has a sea view. 'The show was nice, but the Government should do more to stimulate the economy instead of just putting on shows,' she said. Joseph Lau, who watched the display from the Wan Chai waterfront, said: 'The show is good and it's free. I used to go out for karaoke or movies or for long weekends, but I'd better save some money because of the bad economy.' The fireworks caused a traffic jam in Lung Cheung Road, Beacon Hill, as dozens of vehicles stopped at the roadside to watch the extravaganza. A total of 15,000 firework shells were used in the display, which was sponsored by Tak Sing Alliance Holdings and the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations. Last year, about 420,000 people turned out to see the National Day show, which also cost $3.5 million.
