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The annual International Arts Carnival opened today (July 11) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Officiating at the opening ceremony tonight was the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing.
Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the annual summer arts festival, which runs from today to August 17, offers over 380 events for family enjoyment.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Tsang said, "In celebration of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games as well as Hong Kong being a co-host city for the Equestrian Events, the carnival's highlight this year is a programme series entitled 'Sporting Fantasia', which includes tonight's opening programme 'AEROS' by the Romanian Gymnastics Federation, in addition to 'Park and Art' produced by the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong.
"The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will set up during the Games two Olympic Live Sites, one at Victoria Park and the other at Sha Tin Park, to broadcast live the exciting competition events and to provide a rich variety of free cultural, sports and leisure programmes to the public. I am sure that the International Arts Carnival together with the Live Site activities will promise a very memorable summer in this very special Olympic year for you and your family."
Combining gymnastics, art and aesthetics, physical dance theatre "AEROS" opens the International Arts Carnival with a breathtaking performance of physical virtuosity.
All performers in the show are outstanding gymnasts from Romania, some of whom are world and European champions. Coupled with dazzling stage lighting, these amazingly agile performers join forces with three world-renowned contemporary choreographers and the creators of percussion/theatre sensation "STOMP" to create a show blending stunning athleticism, special effects and original music. It is performed between today and July 13 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Limited tickets are available.
Other performances in the line-up include music, black light theatre, dance, musical, drama, juggling, puppetry and mask theatre.
Apart from the performances, a series of non-stop extension activities, such a Summer Fun Party, school and outreach tours, workshops, foyer demonstration, exhibitions and guided tours will be held throughout the carnival period.
The free outdoor carnival "Summer Fun Party" held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza today attracted members of the public to participate in its entertaining programmes. The party will continue tomorrow (July 12) between 4pm and 7pm, featuring hip hop dance, Cantonese opera, cartoon shows, playzones and much more.
Tickets for the International Arts Carnival priced from $40 to $320 are available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Package discounts of up to 15% are available for full-price performing arts/films programmes.
Programme guides are available at URBTIX outlets or at the website, www.hkiac.gov.hk
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk. Credit card telephone bookings can be made on 2111 5999 and telephone reservations on 2734 9009.
Ends/Friday, July 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:38
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