CS unveils signature events and preparatory work for celebration of HKSAR 25th anniversary (with photos/videos)
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The theme for celebration of the 25th anniversary is "A New Era – Stability • Prosperity • Opportunity". It not only represents Hong Kong's exemplary achievements over the past 25 years, but also underscores the eager anticipation for and confidence in a brighter future.
Mr Lee, who chairs the Steering Committee overseeing the 25th Anniversary preparations, said that with the staunch support from the Central Government, Hong Kong has successfully implemented "one country, two systems" over the past 25 years while sustaining its role as an international metropolis.
Although Hong Kong has faced adversity, with safeguards of the National Security Law, improvements to the electoral system as well as implementation of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the city has transformed from chaos to stability and looks forward to even more prosperity.
Mr Lee pointed out that under the national development of the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a brighter future will be created for Hong Kong as people work together and grasp the new opportunities ahead.
Mr Lee added that the Government has planned over 100 events and will continue its efforts on this front, with a view to allowing wide participation by the community in the 25th Anniversary celebrations.
Efforts will be made to reach out to the elderly and underprivileged families. External promotion will also be enhanced to consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international city.
The extensive line-up of signature events to be held next year was unveiled at today's ceremony, along with a preview video.
Among the celebration events, a number of large-scale exhibitions will be staged to showcase precious cultural relics from the Dunhuang Caves, invaluable dinosaur fossils and a treasured collection of masterpieces by Italian Baroque painters from the National Museum of Capodimonte. These will supplement the opening exhibitions of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which are sure to draw big crowds.
Apart from major exhibitions, the Government will organise a series of arts and cultural events, including the Grand Parade by disciplined services and youth groups, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, FARMFEST, the flower show featuring Calibrachoa as the theme flower, an exhibition at the harbourfront with installations combining elements of science and art, and concerts. Along with "Celebrations for All", a district visit programme, and mega sporting events such as the Hong Kong Cyclothon and Hong Kong Games will allow celebrations to be enjoyed by all.
Riding on this opportunity, a number of international forums, conferences and symposiums will be held, including the Symposium on the 3rd Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Outline Development Plan for the Greater Bay Area, the Basic Law Legal Summit, the Legal Forum on National Security Law, the Asian Financial Forum, the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum, the Global I&T Summit and the International Society for the Performing Arts Congress.
The Government's offices overseas and in the Mainland will step up their outreach work and stage exciting activities in major cities, including a large-scale exhibition in Beijing in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the Motherland.
The catchy melody of the 25th Anniversary theme song produced by Radio Television Hong Kong was premiered with a live performance by composer Alan Cheung at the ceremony. Musician Keith Chan, who takes charge of planning the song, also shared his creative ideas through a video.
The ceremony was also attended by singers Gin Lee and Chantel Yiu, soprano Michelle Siu and fencer Cheung Siu-lun, who will join and sing the theme song.
The official logo and an artistic icon designed for the 25th anniversary celebrations were also unveiled. The icon uses burgundy as the background colour to highlight the prosperous backdrop of the Motherland, giving the HKSAR solid support. The numeral "25" in a silky ribbon form in gold colour brings out the festive tone, and is embedded with the Golden Bauhinia statue graphic which implies stability and close bonding with the Motherland.
A dedicated website for the 25th anniversary has been launched. Members of the public can find details of celebration activities and the latest updates at www.hksar25.gov.hk.
Mr Lee appealed to all sectors of the community to fully support and participate in the celebration events and programmes. He paid special tribute to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for reserving HK$630 million to sponsor a number of celebration programmes covering arts and culture, sports, caring for the community and green living.
The Government has introduced an accreditation scheme for community-organised events, welcoming the commercial sector, professional groups and community organisations to organise different activities to bring celebratory ambience around town. Accredited activities organised by community groups and organisations in support of the 25th anniversary will be included in the official Events Calendar, which will be uploaded to the dedicated website for wider publicity.
Organisations or persons interested in seeking accreditation for their events can submit applications to the 25th anniversary Project Planning Office by email to 25Aevents@hab.gov.hk.
The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui; the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Joe Wong; the Director of the Project Planning Office, Mr Eddie Mak; the Director of Broadcasting, Mr Patrick Li and the Acting Director of Information Services, Ms Grace Ng, also officiated at the launch ceremony.
Ends/Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Issued at HKT 22:40
Issued at HKT 22:40
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