************************************************************
A series of lantern carnivals presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department began tonight (February 10) with the New Territories West Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival at Tuen Mun Park.
At the Cascade, spectacular lanterns depicting the legendary Four Beauties were on display while in the lawn in front of the Reptile House, lovely deer and panda lanterns added festive atmosphere to the carnival.
Stage performances included Chinese music, dance, magic, dragon and lion dance performances, golden oldies, Cantonese opera excerpts are featured. People joined in the traditional lantern quiz, fortune-telling, and nostalgic games while roving artists filled every corner of the carnival with fun.
Two other lantern carnivals will be held tomorrow (February 11) and Sunday (February 12). Details are as follows:
1. New Territories East Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival
February 11 (Saturday), 6.30pm-9.30pm
Sai Kung Wai Man Road Playground
Programmes: Chinese music, dance, lion dance performance, golden oldies, variety show, lantern quiz, fortune-telling, nostalgic games and roving entertainment.
2. Urban Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival
February 12 (Sunday), 7.30pm-10.30pm
Ko Shan Road Park and Ko Shan Theatre
Programmes: Chinese music, dance, magic, dragon and lion dance performances, golden oldies, Cantonese opera excerpts, lantern quiz, fortune-telling and roving entertainment.
A spectacular lantern display entitled "Radiant Romance" is now on display at Kowloon Park until February 26.
Greeting visitors at the main entrances at Haiphong Road and Austin Road are lanterns featuring the dragon, phoenix and flowers.
At the fan-shaped pool, spectacular lantern display "Morning Flower and Evening Moon in One String" depicts the legendary Matchmaker pulling the Red String to arrange marriages in the world.
Another set of lanterns "Bonded Couple Saying Love Forever" is set up at the lotus pond illustrating the well-known legendary characters "Cowherd and the Weaving Maiden". They are carried by giant birds with mandarin ducks, lanterns and twin lotuses around them.
Spectacular lantern "Renewal and Blessing in the Fruitful New Year" is put up at the landmark. With 12 coin lanterns representing the 12 ancient Chinese hours, they encircle the giant petal-shaped lanterns. It symbolises good fortune in the coming New Year. Colorful lanterns of flying bats and green bamboos are also displayed at the piazza.
Ends/Friday, February 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:30
NNNN
