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Hong Kong’s National Day fireworks set for October 1 comeback after 5-year hiatus, as John Lee demands plans to light up nightlife

  • Pyrotechnics, the first in five years after annual display was from 2019 cancelled, to be part of other celebratory and promotional events
  • City leader also points to plans to revive and boost night economy to make it ‘lively and vibrant’ again after pandemic pall

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Residents enjoy a grand display of lights in the sky in 2018, the last time the annual National Day fireworks would be held in Hong Kong before the city descended into protest chaos and a pandemic. Photo: Dickson Lee

The National Day fireworks will return to Hong Kong on October 1 after a five-year hiatus, according to the city’s leader who also ordered that new plans be implemented to boost a flagging night economy.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday said the government would announce details on a series of night activities aimed at “reviving and boosting” evenings in Hong Kong next week.

The business and tourism sector welcomed the return of the fireworks, saying they would create a festive vibe in the city which could spur spending and attract tourists.

Addressing the press before the first meeting with his advisers in the Executive Council after a summer recess, Lee said the National Day fireworks would make a comeback on October 1.

The annual display was in 2019 cancelled amid the social unrest and did not return in the following three years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hong Kong leader John Lee has reiterated calls to rejuvenate the city’s nightlife. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong leader John Lee has reiterated calls to rejuvenate the city’s nightlife. Photo: Jelly Tse

“The colourful fireworks will once again light up Victoria Harbour to mark the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China,” Lee said. “This will be the first fireworks in Hong Kong after five years.”

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