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Victoria Harbour will be lit up by 23 minutes of fireworks on Wednesday, October 1 starting at 9 pm, as the 15-minute National Day Fireworks Display is followed by an eight-minute preview of the Hong Kong International Musical Fireworks Competition. There will be a one-minute intermission between the two shows.

To celebrate the 54th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce Ltd. and Tak Sing Alliance Holdings Limited will jointly sponsor the National Day Fireworks Display. The display is co-ordinated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Eleven spectacular scenes make up the display, during which 19,800 shells will be fired from two large barges accompanied by eight pontoons.

The National Day Fireworks Display will kick off with "Big Fish Net", featuring huge fish nets being spread over Victoria Harbour. The second, third, fourth and fifth scenes are highlights from the award winning "Postcard from Hong Kong" display at the La Mondiale Montreal International Fireworks Competition. Scene four is playful and mysterious, with special Green Spiral Ring fireworks creating an imaginary time tunnel. Scene nine, "Flight of the Bumble Bee", is just as dazzling, depicting the busy street life of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong International Musical Fireworks Display which follows features four teams -from Italy, Japan, the United States and Hong Kong - each staging a two-minute preview of their entries in the International Musical Fireworks Competition scheduled for October 5 and 12.

The spectacular displays can be seen from vantage points on both sides of the harbour, including Mid-levels, Central District, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, Tsimshatsui and Hung Hom Bypass. Parts of Tsimshatsui East will be closed due to construction work.

The fireworks will be synchronised with music on Radio Television Hong Kong Radio Four (FM 97.6-98.9). Audiences should listen to the radio to enjoy the full impact of a light and sound spectacular.

End/Monday, September 29, 2003

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