Hong Kong Flower Show opens (with photos)
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     The annual spectacular Hong Kong Flower Show opened at Victoria Park today (March 16) with some 400 000 flowers on display, including about 40 000 dahlias as the theme flower.
 
     Officiating at the opening ceremony were the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li; the Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Anthony Chow; and Miss Hong Kong 2017, Miss Juliette Louie.
 
     A colourful tapestry of flowers flows from the Sugar Street entrance all the way to the showground stage to welcome visitors. The design layout of the floral display skilfully merges elements such as sea waves and a harbour, complete with a pier, sailing boats and a lighthouse. There is also an arch simulating waves. With lighting effects at night, it is a dynamic representation of the theme of the flower show, "Joy in Bloom".
 
     The entrance at Hing Fat Street is equally attractive, greeting visitors with undulating rainbow bands made of blossoms. Along the floral path are arches covered with vegetation and green features which have been designed to evoke leisure moments and happiness.
 
     The student drawing competition held today attracted participation by 2 400 students, who enjoyed drawing pictures of the scenes and displays. Members of the public were also delighted in taking photos of spectacular exhibits, a colourful three-dimensional floral wall, seas of tulips and dahlia displays.
 
     This year's flower show has enhanced environmental protection measures and encourages participating organisations, contractors, volunteers and the public to make concerted efforts to build a "green flower show".
 
     At the showground, there are recycling bins and recyclables collection points to collect cartoon boxes, plastic flower pots, wilted flowers and more, with green ambassadors on hand to guide the public. To help protect the environment, visitors are encouraged to carry their own bottles and bags.
 
     For the first time, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Environmental Protection Department will hold a Green Recycling Day after the completion of the flower show. Students, green ambassadors and green volunteers will assist in the recovery of flower display materials. In addition, flowers and plants suitable for replanting will also be distributed to schools, environmental groups and non-governmental organisations.
 
     The flower show will be held until March 25 from 9am to 9pm daily. Admission tickets are available for sale through "Tap & Go" and are also being sold at the entrances 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 23.
 
     For enquiries, please call 2601 8260 or visit the flower show webpage www.hkflowershow.hk/en/hkfs/2018/index.html.
 
     The flower show is organised by the LCSD. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is supporting the flower show for the sixth consecutive year and has been the Major Sponsor of the flower show since 2014.

Ends/Friday, March 16, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:25

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