Cheung Chau Bun Festival gets in the mood for good food
Cheung Chau's floating parade this year breaks tradition to include 'Jamie Oliver' to promote healthy eating and the reduction of food waste
An unusual twist is in store at this year's Cheung Chau Bun Festival parade, with a little Jamie Oliver taking part in the festivities.
The Piu Sik, or floating parade, usually includes only local-themed floats, but this Friday's festival embraces Oliver to share the message of healthy eating and reducing food waste, as part of the Cheung Chau Women's Association's float.
This is the first time that children not fully Chinese have been invited to take part, with the British celebrity chef being played by six-year-old Jamie Newell, and his brother Ellis, five, taking on the role of the humble farmer.
"We need to cherish our food resources," said Beatrice Chan, the Hong Kong ambassador for Oliver's Food Revolution, who sold the idea to the association. "Beatrice approached us … and it really aligned with what we're trying to do," said association member Mealoha Kwok Wai-man, 40.
Kwok said more than 600 families on the island had been bringing their food waste to the association, which turns the leftovers into fertiliser.
"Because of the seafood, it makes great compost," said Chan.