Hong Kong’s National Day fireworks set for October 1 comeback after 5-year hiatus, as John Lee demands plans to light up nightlife
- Pyrotechnics, the first in five years after annual display was from 2019 cancelled, to be part of other celebratory and promotional events
- City leader also points to plans to revive and boost night economy to make it ‘lively and vibrant’ again after pandemic pall
The National Day fireworks will return to Hong Kong on October 1 after a five-year hiatus, according to the city’s leader who also ordered that new plans be implemented to boost a flagging night economy.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday said the government would announce details on a series of night activities aimed at “reviving and boosting” evenings in Hong Kong next week.
The business and tourism sector welcomed the return of the fireworks, saying they would create a festive vibe in the city which could spur spending and attract tourists.
Hong Kong to host night bazaars, organise conferences to spur economy: Paul Chan
Addressing the press before the first meeting with his advisers in the Executive Council after a summer recess, Lee said the National Day fireworks would make a comeback on October 1.
“The colourful fireworks will once again light up Victoria Harbour to mark the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China,” Lee said. “This will be the first fireworks in Hong Kong after five years.”
The pyrotechnics would be part of a series of celebrations and promotional events under the government’s bid to make the city’s nights “vibrant and lively” again, he added.
‘Create a mood’: Hong Kong hopes to turn night markets into magnets with bazaars
“Different sectors have responded positively to the government’s plan to push the night economy, with many saying they will actively join the drive,” the chief executive said, citing decisions by some shopping centres to organise events, offer discounts and extend operating hours.
Busking blues: Hong Kong performers say rules out of tune with nightlife aims
Lee added that various activities would also be held at the community level.
“I have demanded that the plans be implemented as soon as possible and hope details will be released to the public next week,” he said.
Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said past records suggested the fireworks display could draw 400,000 to 500,000 people to harbourfronts along Central, Admiralty and Tsim Sha Tsui.
“Such a large number of people means business opportunities for food and drink venues as well as retailers,” he said.
Hong Kong’s empty retail space falls to 3-year low as mainland shoppers return
Wong added that eateries in the areas enjoyed a 20 to 30 per cent jump in business every time the annual event took place.
Timothy Chui Ting-pong, director of the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council, said a “festive” vibe was needed to boost tourism in the city.
“The fireworks display, together with the celebratory events, will definitely create that festive atmosphere, which is helpful in attracting tourists,” he said.
Chui predicted that many mainland Chinese tourists would visit the city under the “individual visit scheme” during the coming National Day break, as it was the last long holiday this year across the border.
Coupled with the Mid-Autumn Festival, mainlanders will have eight days off for the National Day holiday this year.
Hong Kong stops free shuttle buses as part of extra services at cruise terminal
Last month, financial chief Chan floated the idea of launching more night bazaars to spur spending, pointing to private consumption and the tourism industry as the main drivers of growth in the second half of the year.
The new year countdown fireworks were suspended for four consecutive years since 2020 because of the months-long anti-government protests that began the previous year and three years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A multimedia lights show featuring laser beams and pyrotechnics on buildings along Victoria Park was featured instead as the city ushered in 2023.
Fireworks to celebrate the Lunar New Year between 2020 and 2023 were all cancelled.
