Hundreds of people braved the drizzle yesterday morning to watch Hong Kong and mainland police bands playing side-by-side for the first time at a flag-raising ceremony in Wan Chai.
The China Armed Police Band joined their SAR counterparts at the Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Convention and Exhibition Centre and played the national anthem as the national and SAR flags were raised. The mainland band also played marching music for 20 minutes.
Tourists and residents who watched the ceremony, which is performed three times a month, were impressed. 'It was very interesting because this was the first time I have seen such a format,' one said, describing the performances as majestic.
The mainland band, set up in 1987, has made many overseas visits and taken part in numerous events, including the grand parade in Tiananmen Square in 1999 for the 50th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
It will also perform tonight at the Chief Executive Night at the Police Training School in Wong Chuk Hang.
