Tens of thousands gather in Hong Kong to ring in 2022, with revellers hoping for end to Covid-19 pandemic and a return to normality in new year
- New Covid-19 scare involving two community infections carrying the highly transmissive Omicron variant does not dampen mood of revellers
- Many of those waiting to ring in new year hope for end to pandemic and return to normality in the coming 12 months
Tens of thousands of revellers gathered on both sides of Hong Kong’s famed Victoria Harbour to ring in the new year, with many hoping for an end to the coronavirus pandemic and a return to normality in 2022.
A new Covid-19 scare involving two community infections carrying the highly transmissive Omicron variant did not dampen the mood, with residents eager to join large-scale year-end celebrations in West Kowloon and Central after two years of cancellations.
Despite health minister Sophia Chan Siu-chee urging the public to avoid crowded places hours before the countdown, Hongkongers who flocked outdoors to celebrate the new year said they were not too worried, with many arriving in the early evening.
One major countdown event gave about 3,000 lucky residents free tickets to a concert in the West Kowloon Cultural District’s Art Park.
The Tourism Board event, headlined by Canto-pop sensation Mirror, started at 10pm. The boy band was joined by singer-songwriter AGA, Malaysian-Chinese artist Gin Lee and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
Although she did not have a ticket, cosmetics industry worker Peach, who is in her 30s, said she still went early to try to get a glimpse of her idols.
“I’ve come to West Kowloon to see Mirror … because I want to experience the live concert atmosphere and get close to my idols,” she said.