Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year celebrations will include a performance from K-pop girl band Kep1er. Photo: HandoutOn the first day of Lunar New Year, about 100,000 spectators are expected to line Hong Kong’s streets for an expanded float parade. This is part of the city’s festive celebrations that also feature performances by K-pop and Thai bands.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board said on Tuesday that the night parade would be held on January 29, the first day of the Year of the Snake. It will showcase 55 performance groups from 14 countries and regions, including K-pop girl band Kep1er.
“The line-up is larger than last year. The floats and global performing groups as well as a pre-parade street performance will bring spectators rich and diverse experiences,” board chairman Pang Yiu-kai said.
The board said the parade was expected to attract 100,000 spectators, similar to last year’s event, half of whom were likely to be visitors.
The parade will start at 8pm, with floats leaving from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui. They will then proceed along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road before ending at the Sheraton Hong Kong hotel.
The board said tickets for 70 per cent of the 2,500 seats at different locations in Tsim Sha Tsui would be available for sale starting on Saturday, with prices ranging from HK$300 to HK$480.
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This year’s parade will showcase nine floats displaying the city’s charms, such as giant pandas with Hong Kong-style milk tea.
For the first time, Line Friends’ float will feature a sailing boat theme symbolising new adventures. It will combine traditional Lunar New Year decorations with cute Line Friends elements and futuristic touches.
The Tourism Board said it would provide a travel guide for visitors by launching a one-stop celebration webpage putting together details of events across the city, including the fireworks display and Chinese New Year Raceday on the second and third days of Lunar New Year, respectively.
“We will also include other Lunar New Year activities at popular attractions. It aims to attract travellers to stay longer for an entertaining New Year celebration in Hong Kong,” Pang said.
The parade, in its 23rd edition, will once again partner with Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways, which said the event played a pivotal role in promoting the local economy and serving as an excellent platform for cultural exchange between the East and the West.
“We have now restored passenger flights to 100 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, and later this year, we will exceed a record of over 100 global destinations. This will make it easier for Hong Kong residents and relatives and friends from around the world to reunite,” Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por said.