HONG KONG.- Hong Kong’s first very own light festival,
Lumieres Hong Kong, has made its grand debut in November 2017. Throughout the three-night festival, 16 heritage landmarks in Hong Kong and Kowloon areas have attracted half-a-million spectators, with light projections and installations inspired by local history and culture, as well as The Village situated at Chater Garden, in the heart of the city. In collaboration with youth communities and organisations, Lumieres Hong Kong has curated an eventful programme of activities including workshops, guided tours, and performances, for a wide audience to partake.
With the vision to become a world-class annual light festival, Lumieres Hong Kong will be returning for a second edition this year, bringing in new local and international artists for a showcase of exchange between creativity and heritage promotion.
An announcement cocktail was held at the residence of the Chief Secretary, Victoria House to announce Lumieres Hong Kong 2018, which will take place from 29 November to 2 December 2018. Officiating Guest Mr. Matthew Cheung Kin-chung GBM GBS JP, Chief Secretary for Administration mentioned in his speech, “The community’s response to last year’s festival was overwhelming. Over 500 000 local and overseas spectators participated in the 3-day event, making it one of the top five light festivals worldwide and one of the largest in Asia. We are most honoured to have Lumieres Hong Kong return to this Asia’s World City this winter to offer another cultural adventure to us and our friends from abroad to rediscover the unique beauty and cultural heritage of Hong Kong through the medium of light.”
Dr. Peter Lam, GBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board expressed high anticipation towards the festival and attracting foreign visitors “The HKTB is extremely proud to support Lumieres Hong Kong again this year to promote it as a unique art and cultural event, and as part of an exciting and absorbing programme of Hong Kong winter events to entertain locals and visitors from around the world. Coming in a larger scale this year and combined with a host of colourful celebrations in the run-up to Christmas, we believe the event will bring light and joy to our city and warm the hearts of visitors and residents alike.”
“Looking at our past, heritage and legacy, Lumieres Hong Kong has the objective to connect it towards our future. A large-scale public free event, the Festival is dedicated to enhance the culture and heritage appreciation of the general audience, and to involve the different communities of our rich territory.” Said Dr. Andrew Yuen, Chairman of the Board of Lumieres Hong Kong. He then announced the return of festival ambassador Ms. Carina Lau, who will continue to promote the festival to local and international audience.
Following the speeches, Mr. Julien-Loïc Garin, Festival Founding Director of Lumieres Hong Kong, revealed this year’s heritage line up. New landmarks will be introduced to Lumieres Hong Kong 2018, as Kowloon Park, Fringe Club and the newly revitalised Tai Kwun join Clock Tower, Statue Square and others in a luminous make-over during the four-night festival featuring 15 artists , 8 of them are locals, and their creations, handpicked following a call for artistic proposals in April. The Hub will once again be staged at Chater Garden, with performances, workshops, activities from day to night, as well as food and beverage. Lumieres Hong Kong 2018 will carry on its mission to enhance the heritage appreciation of general public, and to allow audience to discover our city’s beauty under a new light.
Fête des Lumières de Lyon, the largest and most historical light festival in the world, will continue its support as event partner of Lumieres Hong Kong 2018, and join force to advocate Hong Kong’s reputation as ‘Asia City of Light’ to the world. Lumieres Hong Kong looks forward to creating a platform for Hong Kong and international artistic exchange, and nurturing more local talents.
