Hong Kong Flower Show opens today (with photos)
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     The annual spectacular Hong Kong Flower Show opened at Victoria Park today (March 10) with more than 350 000 flowers on display, including about 40 000 roses as the theme flower. The flower show is one of the events celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and will run until March 19.

     Officiating at the opening ceremony were the wife of the Chief Executive, Mrs Regina Leung; the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li; the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director (Charities and Community), Mr Cheung Leong; and the first runner-up and Miss Photogenic of Miss Hong Kong 2016, Miss Tiffany Lau.

     A colourful floral carpet has been laid out, stretching from the Sugar Street entrance to the showground stage to welcome visitors. The floral display features adorable pairs in the animal kingdom sculpted out of plants, together with heart-shaped archways, fountains and more to depict a scene of love and joy.

     The entrance at Hing Fat Street is equally attractive, featuring a Western-style garden composed of two landscaped plots. The front half features a fountain with a statue of Venus, while the rear half is a rose tunnel with a flower pagoda.

     The student drawing competition held today attracted participation from 2 200 students. They were all focused on drawing the beautiful scenes and displays through their perception and skills. Members of the public were also delighted in taking photos alongside attractive displays such as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)'s spectacular exhibit "Magnificent True Love", a beautiful tulip display, a mosaiculture display entitled "Park Fun" and more. The activities at the showground were diverse and entertaining, featuring harp, cello and gymnastics performances and more to draw the interest of the public.

     The flower show is fascinating at night as well, with light shows running daily at 7.30pm and 8.30pm. On March 11, 17 and 18, there will be a 90-minute performance from 8pm at the main stage for the enjoyment of the public.

     The flower show will be held from 9am to 9pm daily (the opening hours on March 11, 17 and 18 will be extended to 10pm). Admission tickets will be sold at the entrance to the Victoria Park showground throughout the show period. Octopus can also be used to pay for admission. Tickets are also available for sale at the LCSD's District Leisure Services Offices until March 17.

     For enquiries, please call 2601 8260 or visit the LCSD webpage www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/hkfs/2017/index.html.

     The flower show is organised by the LCSD. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is supporting the flower show for the fifth consecutive year, and has been the Major Sponsor of the flower show since 2014.

Ends/Friday, March 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:40

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