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Hong Kong brings Lam Tsuen "Wishing Tree" to London for 2010 Lord Mayor's Show (with photos)
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     Hong Kong once again enchanted the crowds at the City of London Lord Mayor's Show, with its most colourful and engaging display at the event today (November 13, London Time). This is the sixth time that Hong Kong has been represented at the Lord Mayor's Show, which has been held in the city every year since 1215.

     The theme of this year's entry was health, wealth and happiness and featured a replica of the famous Lam Tsuen "Wishing Tree". People along the route of the two-mile long parade took part by throwing specially-made "wishes" at the tree, in the hope that they would stay in the branches so that the wishes will come true. The float was preceded by the three Gods of Good Fortune, Money and Long Life, and accompanied by drummers, a dragon dance team, colourful banners, and kung fu artists.

     Hong Kong's float was number 38, which in Cantonese signifies "Luck" and "Prosperity".

     Mrs Agnes Allcock, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, which devised and organised the display said, "We welcome the new Lord Mayor Elect of London, Alderman Michael Bear and look forward to working with him. Our float in this year's Lord Mayor's Show demonstrates the vibrant, colourful life and traditions of Hong Kong, and invites people to take part by making wishes for health, wealth and long life ¡V something we can all relate to. We hope that people's wishes will come true and especially that they will visit Hong Kong, enjoy the sights and sounds of this great city."

     The Lord Mayor's Show developed since 1215 around the newly appointed Lord Mayor's journey to swear an oath of allegiance to the reigning monarch. More than half a million people take to the streets to see the parade each year, while the BBC broadcasts it live to millions people in Britain and globally. Hong Kong has a long tradition of working with the City of London and the Lord Mayor, who always makes a point of visiting Hong Kong during his tenure.

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan will be the first member of the Hong Kong Government to meet the new Lord Mayor when he visits London next week for the conference "Hong Kong: China's Global Financial Centre" on November 16.

     The musicians and flag bearers are from the Medway Dragon and Lion Dance Association in Chatham, Kent.

     For more information on the Lord Mayor's Show, please visit www.lordmayorsshow.org .

Ends/Sunday, November 14, 2010
Issued at HKT 09:12

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