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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, (London ETO) took part in the City of London Lord Mayor's Show yesterday (November 14, London time) for the 11th year with a float showcasing Hong Kong's unique maritime heritage, and the vital role the sea and ships play in its past, present and future. Spread over two double-decker buses the London ETO's entry included mock-ups of a Star Ferry, a container ship and a cruise liner, and also featured a dragon dance troupe and traditional Chinese drummers.
The annual Lord Mayor's Show celebrates the swearing-in of the new Lord Mayor of London, and this year celebrates 800 years since it started in 1215. This year, Alderman Jeffrey Mountevans became the 688th Lord Mayor of the City of London. More than half a million people take to the streets to see the parade each year, while the BBC broadcasts it live to millions of people in Britain and globally.
Director-General of London ETO, Ms Priscilla To, which devised and organised Hong Kong's float, said: "We congratulate the new Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Mountevans, and look forward to working with him. Our float in this year's Lord Mayor's Show highlights Hong Kong's long maritime history, which dates back more than 170 years. And we look forward to ample opportunities in maritime and transport as Hong Kong prepares to play its role in the visionary concepts of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, or the "Belt and Road" initiative, outlined by President Xi Jinping in 2013."
London ETO has been taking part in the Lord Mayor's Show since 2005, with colourful and exciting displays highlighting the city's cultural heritage, including Cantonese opera, Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree and Cheung Chau Bun Festival, comic and animation characters from Hong Kong, and, in 2014, kung fu movies.
Ends/Sunday, November 15, 2015
Issued at HKT 09:33
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