Burnt fingers: National Day fireworks sponsor for Hong Kong drops sirens and bombs soundtrack after public outcry
The sponsor of the National Day fireworks display has bowed to public pressure and dropped a controversial soundtrack for a scene marking the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in the second world war.
Guangdong-based CT Environmental Group had planned to evoke sirens and bombs in the 36-second reminder of Japanese air raids on the city. It is one of nine scenes in the HK$8 million, 23-minute firework show over Victoria Harbour on October 1.
The fireworks designer said it would be a good opportunity for those who had not experienced the war to feel the atmosphere.
But the plan immediately drew criticism from members of the public, who complained that it was disrespectful to those who died in the conflict.
The sponsor apologised yesterday and announced that a song themed on peace by former Canto-pop singer Michael Kwan Ching-kit would replace the sirens and bombs.
And the original proposal to show a rain of bullets will be replaced by a patterns of hearts.
CT Environmental Group said both its original and revised plans were meant to convey messages of peace.
It is the first time the group has sponsored the National Day fireworks, which is organised by the Home Affairs Department.
The display will begin at 9pm. A total of 23,888 fireworks, requiring about 4.5 tonnes of gunpowder, will be set off.
The event was cancelled last year during the Occupy movement.
