Extended Victoria Park lantern show attracts thousands for National Day

Thousands of Hongkongers, domestic helpers and tourists have taken advantage of the extended lantern show in Victoria Park as the National Day “golden week” holiday…

Thousands of Hongkongers, domestic helpers and tourists have taken advantage of the extended lantern show in Victoria Park as the National Day “golden week” holiday began in mainland China.

Many people arrived early at sunset on Thursday to avoid the huge crowds that had previously gathered for the International Lantern Spectacular, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which has attracted more than 500,000 visitors since its debut in September.

Before many of the lanterns were turned on in the evening, the South China Morning Post observed hundreds of visitors snapping selfies and walking around, including domestic helpers, tourists and locals.

Anant Raj and his family are keen to take part in the National Day celebrations. Photo: Connor Mycroft
Anant Raj and his family are keen to take part in the National Day celebrations. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Among the early birds was Anant Raj, a 36-year-old banking employee visiting the lantern show with his wife and their two young sons.

Raj, an Indian national who has lived in Hong Kong for a year, said the family was keen to take part in the National Day celebrations and would head to the harbourfront to watch the fireworks later in the evening.