IF LAST SUNDAY was for mothers, this one is definitely for children.
Probably the biggest show ever staged for children in Hong Kong is happening this weekend. 'Kids Beat 2002: A Festival of Children's Music' kicked off yesterday with four performances at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, and today there are another three shows.
The festival premiered last year and is aimed at under-12s. If last year's show is anything to go by, it will be almost impossible to sit still. Seven local and international children's acts have been lined up for a 90-minute show packed with music, dance and comedy.
'It's all about getting kids to participate in the performance. They are as much a part of the show as us,' said Scott Ligertwood, co-founder of Asian Vibration Entertainment which is hosting the show. Ligertwood is also part of the act Scotty and Lulu.
First up is Canadian singer-songwriter Rick Scott who made a name for himself with his award-winning family music albums, and has been touring with his act for the last 10 years.
Next, it's Hong Kong's very own Rice Girls, who will be singing and shaking it all about with children from their dance workshops. Other Hong Kong acts are The Happy Crew and the Hong Kong Dance Troupe, students who will be joining the professionals on stage with their songs and comedy sketches.
The Hooly Dooleys have their own TV show which airs in Australia and Britain, where they have a huge cult following among pre-schoolers.