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Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Raymond Young, at the press conference for the "International Military Tattoo" in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (April 11):
Dear guests,
The International Military Tattoo is a spectacular show to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. From June 22nd to 24th, we shall present three evening performances at the Hong Kong Coliseum. This will be the first time a major international military tattoo is staged in Hong Kong, with a total of 12 military marching bands and performing groups from the Mainland and Hong Kong as well as Australia, Russia, Scotland, Turkey and the United States. Here, I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Bank of China (Hong Kong) for their unswerving support as the sole sponsor of this show, in conjunction with the centenary of the Bank of China.
I am not going to repeat the names of each participating group here, but one thing I would like to point out is that members of those military bands are not only professional musicians but also regular military servicemen and servicewomen. We are happy to have also the participation of the Hong Kong Association of Choral Societies under the leadership of Chairlady Ms Barbara Fei. A chorus of over 400 members will join the finale performance with the bands to bring the Tattoo to a climactic close.
With more than 10 performing groups and near a thousand performers, the Hong Kong International Military Tattoo is set to be a highlight of the 15th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR. Tickets for the three shows will be on sale tomorrow at URBTIX.
To reach out to the community, we have arranged for some of the bands to give free performances at the Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza and the Piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on June 23rd and 24th, that is, Saturday and Sunday, from 4pm to 5pm.
On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, I would like to express our sincere thanks again to all the participating groups and wish the International Military Tattoo every success!
Thank you.
Ends/Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:49
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