​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), supported two cultural events in London in September to promote the diverse arts and culture sector of Hong Kong to audiences in the United Kingdom (UK). 
     
     On September 11 to 12 (UK time), the London ETO partnered with the Fighting Spirit Film Festival to bring Armour of God, a classic Hong Kong martial arts epic, to London. Fans of martial arts and action movies were able to enjoy this Hong Kong classic, alongside a mixture of new and classic films from different places during the two days' Film Festival.

     On September 18 (UK time), the London ETO supported a Cantonese Opera Concert organised by the Islington Chinese Association. The Concert was organised in London as well as broadcasted online, allowing participants from around the UK and the world to enjoy an afternoon of music, singing, martial arts and performances about the story of Li Yu, the sixth son of the Emperor Li Jing of Southern Tang and the most accomplished poet of his time.

     Having delivered a virtual speech at the event, the Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law welcomed the opportunity to support the concert which promoted Cantonese opera, a distinctive art form that was officially inscribed onto the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

      "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is keen in promoting Cantonese opera and providing more opportunities for people to enjoy this art form. Having opened in 2019, the Xiqu Centre at the West Kowloon Cultural District is dedicated to promoting Chinese opera's rich heritage," said Mr Law. He also encouraged participants to visit Hong Kong and the Xiqu Centre to watch a performance in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Ends/Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Issued at HKT 0:25

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