International Arts Carnival opens (with photo)
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     The annual International Arts Carnival opened today (July 8) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Officiating at the opening ceremony tonight was the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui.

     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the annual summer arts festival from today to August 14 features over 410 events for family enjoyment.

     Opening the festival is "Moscow Circus on Ice", showcasing a unique blend of scintillating ice-skating and traditional Russian acrobatic artistry. Acrobatic artists donning skates, juggling and carrying out astonishing feats in the rink amazed and delighted the audience.  

     Other performances in the festival line-up include mask theatre, magic theatre, marionette theatre, dance, visual theatre, physical comedy, music, multimedia puppetry, drama and film. Apart from performances, there are extension activities such as the outdoor carnival "A Kaleidoscope of Stories", the summer fun party "Midsummer's Dream Masquerade", workshops, outreach performances, exhibitions and cultural tours.

     The free outdoor carnival "A Kaleidoscope of Stories", featuring a world of entertaining stories, will be held on July 9 and 10 between 3.30pm and 6.30pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza.

     Tickets are now available at URBTIX. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Booking discounts of up to 20% are available for full-price performing arts and film programmes.

     Programme brochures are available at URBTIX outlets or at the carnival website, www.hkiac.gov.hk.

     For programme enquiries, please call 2370 1044. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk. Credit card telephone bookings can be made on 2111 5999.

Ends/Friday, July 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:28

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