Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the Announcement Reception of Lumieres Hong Kong 2018 today (May 28):
 
Mrs Paule Ignatio (Acting Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau), Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), Dr Yuen (Chairman of the Board, Association Culturelle France - Hong Kong Limited, Dr Andrew Yuen), Julien (Lumieres Hong Kong Founding Director, Mr Julien-Loïc Garin), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to be with you all here today to announce the grand return of Lumieres Hong Kong in November this year. 
      
     Hong Kong is renowned for its glamorous and vibrant night view that is unparalleled by any other city around the globe. Late last year, we injected new music and lighting effects into the award-winning "A Symphony of Lights" to enhance the night vista of our Victoria Harbour. This mega multimedia light and sound show effectively illuminates and transforms our skyline into an outdoor audio-visual feast for the public and visitors every night.
      
     There is no better way to strengthen the glow and glamour of the Pearl of Orient than having a new and inspiring light show in our city. 
      
     Inspired by and developed in collaboration with the world-renowned light festival in Lyon, Lumieres Hong Kong made its debut last year. Light installations, video projections and art pieces were presented at the city's landmark sites and buildings to showcase Hong Kong's unique culture, heritage and architecture. The community's response to last year's festival was overwhelming. Over 500 000 local and overseas spectators participated in the three-day event, making it one of the top five light festivals worldwide and one of the largest in Asia. 
      
     We are most honoured to have Lumieres Hong Kong return to this Asia's world city this winter to offer another cultural adventure to us and our friends from abroad to rediscover the unique beauty and cultural heritage of Hong Kong through the medium of light. The second edition will be larger in scale, with an extended four-night exhibition period and a wider spectrum of local and overseas artworks. 
      
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is determined to further develop Hong Kong as a world-class premier travel destination and the events capital of Asia. To this end, we have spared no effort in enhancing our tourism facilities and supporting the development of new attractions and events. 
      
     The Tourism Commission has completed the revitalisation of the Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail in April 2018. Under the theme of "Art Across Time", 16 novel artworks designed by nine local artists were added to the Trail to demonstrate the rich historical and cultural characteristics of Hong Kong. This Historical Trial, in tune with PMQ as well as the heritage site Tai Kwun, comprising the former Central Police Station, the Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison, will certainly take centre stage in the historical narrative of Central and Western District.
      
     However, Government's effort alone is not enough. We need the support of the community to help enrich the cityscape and tourist attractions. Lumieres is a shining example in this regard. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Association Culturelle France - Hong Kong for making a tremendous effort in bringing this valuable and successful public art project to our city. I must also thank colleagues of Leisure and Cultural Services Department, a co-presenter of this mega event, for securing local and overseas artists and art groups to showcase their masterpieces at 14 landmarks, including the Fringe Club and Tai Kwun, across the city.
      
     On this encouraging note, I wish Lumieres Hong Kong 2018 another roaring success and all of you an enjoyable evening. Thank you.

Ends/Monday, May 28, 2018
Issued at HKT 20:38

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