Editorial | District events cannot afford to disappoint Hong Kong public or economy
- Councils will need to put in a great deal of thought and effort if their activities are to be a success in still fragile Hong Kong
Hong Kong has promised more exciting carnivals for locals and visitors alike. Building on the official campaign featuring night bazaars and other attractions to help stimulate the post-Covid economy, the 18 revamped municipal councils will each roll out a signature event showcasing the “day and night vibes” of their districts. The initiative is to be welcomed, but it will take much thinking and effort to make it appealing and successful.
Among the plans are festive light decorations for the celebrated Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree in Tai Po, cosplay and lightsabre events in Sham Shui Po, as well as Thai boxing and associated cultural activities along with the Songkran water festival in Kowloon City’s “Little Thailand”. The district councils are expected to soon finalise their proposed projects to be held in the coming months.
For those who were unimpressed by the government’s Night Vibes campaign, they may find the proposals equally underwhelming. The ideas appear to be little more than just a repackaging of some regular events. However, they are convenient options for the government and new councils, which are understandably keen to show some results through a more proactive approach to district governance.
The difficulties in staging interesting and popular events must not be underestimated. Following the return of normality early last year, the authorities have since rolled out no fewer than three leading campaigns – Hello Hong Kong, Happy Hong Kong and Hong Kong Night Vibes – to boost tourism and consumption. But while they may have created some feel-good sentiments in society, to what extent the economy has benefited is another matter. An economic recovery remains a work in progress.
It is to be welcomed that the projects are being coordinated by the government. According to officials, the district events will be of three types, including promoting traditional festivals, adding new elements to long-standing customs, and introducing activities of new concepts. With all 18 bodies set to roll out their attractions in a reasonably short space of time, some overlapping will be inevitable. But the number of events also means a greater choice for the public.
However, effort will be needed to avoid staging something similar, uninspiring and lacking character. Some councils came under fire in the past when, under a special HK$100 million grant from the government, they rushed to commission their own projects or signature events that turned out to be disappointing. The revamped bodies must show they can accomplish something more meaningful and beneficial for the community. They should work with the government to produce more original and appealing events that can truly delight the public and benefit the economy.
