************************************************************
Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a toasting ceremony for the 42nd Hong Kong Arts Festival Finale Ceremony at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre this evening (March 22):
Ron (Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Mr Ronald Arculli), Anthony (Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Anthony Chow), Mr Chen (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ICBC (Asia), Mr Chen Aiping), Tisa (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Ms Tisa Ho), Florence (Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to be here with you this evening. It is a privilege for me to provide the closing remarks to summarise the success of the 42nd Hong Kong Arts Festival.
The Festival has contributed tons to enrich Hong Kong's cultural life, through its marvellous performances every year. This year, the Hong Kong Arts Festival opened with a concert by Guerzenich Orchestra Cologne on February 18 and concluded with the Gala Concert by Savonlinna Opera Festival tonight. Over 130 performances were staged during the Festival, including two free performances at the Central and Western District Promenade, while there were over 300 Festival PLUS and education activities. These performances and activities were well-received and attended by about 180 000 people with over 93 per cent of the tickets sold. More than 1 500 international and local artists of passion, energy and strength participated at the Festival, making it a truly inspirational and fruitful month for art lovers in Hong Kong.
I would like to thank all the sponsors and patrons of the Festival, as well as the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous support over the years, and the ICBC (Asia) for sponsoring tonight's concert.
Now allow me to say a few words in Cantonese.
Ends/Saturday, March 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 23:28
NNNN