International Arts Carnival opens tonight (with photo)
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     The annual International Arts Carnival opened today (July 9) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Officiating at the opening ceremony tonight was the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui.

     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the annual summer arts festival from July 9 to August 15, features over 370 events for family enjoyment.

     Performed by the UK's renowned Northern Ballet Theatre (NBT), "Peter Pan" kicked off the large-scale summer International Arts Carnival tonight.

     J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" has fascinated children and adults for over a hundred years and in this two-act ballet, NBT brings all the charm of this famous story to life. A splendid blend of classical ballet, wonderful flying feats, theatrical wizardry and enchanting original score, the production is a treat for both young and old, taking audiences on a magical adventure with Peter, adventurous Wendy, mischievous Tinkerbell and villainous Captain Hook.

     "Peter Pan" is performed between today and July 11 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Limited tickets are available.

     Other performances in the line-up include multi-media theatre, visual theatre, music, physical comedy, musical, puppetry and drama.

     Apart from performances, there are extension activities, such as outdoor carnival "Flight of Imagination", workshops, foyer demonstration, exhibitions, cultural tours and outreach performances throughout the carnival period.

     The free outdoor carnival "Flight of Imagination" featuring entertaining performances will be held on July 10 and July 11 between 3.30pm and 6.30pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza.

     This year's carnival also includes the notable "Let the Play Begin - Conference on Children's Theatre Arts in Asia (Hong KongĦD2010)", co-presented by the International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong) and Hong Kong Theatre Works Limited; and sponsored by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

     Tickets priced from $40 to $360 are now 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. Booking discounts of up to 20% are available for full-price performing arts/film programmes.

     Programme guides are available at URBTIX outlets or at the Carnival 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.

Ends/Friday, July 9, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:22

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