The AIA Great European Carnival earlier this February is set to return in December. Photo: Felix Wong
Source:
https://scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/1875722/aia-great-european-carnival-set-return-hong-kongs Education
AIA Great European Carnival set for return to Hong Kong's Central waterfront
Michael Denmark (centre left), chief executive of the carnival, with some of the event's colourful street performers. Photo: SCMP Pictures
The AIA Great European Carnival, Hong Kong's biggest annual winter funfair, is set to return to the Central waterfront from December 17 to February 21.
The carnival reappeared last year after an eight-year hiatus and attracted more than 830,000 visitors to its rides, shows, games, food stalls and outdoor ice-skating rink.
Traditional handcrafted lights from Italy will illuminate the skyline alongside replicas of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
"We were so pleased with the success of the carnival last year and the joy it brought to the people of Hong Kong, and this year we are committed to taking the event to the next level," said Michael Denmark, carnival chief executive.
The carnival has invited British-based pop-up theatre Udderbelly to make its international debut with a line-up of performers who have toured some of the biggest festivals in Edinburgh and London.
The Udderbelly Festival stage will be easily spotted - it takes the form of an inflatable, upside-down, purple cow named Violet - and its mix of circus, music, comedy and family shows will feature talent such as Canto-pop singer Eman Lam and musician Hanjin Tan.
The carnival was once known as the World Carnival and ran on four occasions between 2001 and 2007 at Kai Tak, Hung Hom and Tamar Park.
Opening hours will be 11am to 11pm daily, with tickets costing HK$125 for adults and HK$90 for children aged three to 11.