HKTB epic four seasons fireworks illuminate Hong Kong

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) unveils ‘New Year, New Legend’ themed fireworks at Victoria Harbour, showcasing a grand pyrotechnic display to ring in 2024 with a spectacular audiovisual experience.

On the evening of December 31st, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is set to unveil its grandest New Year Countdown Celebrations under the theme “New Year, New Legend,” inviting both locals and global visitors to partake in the spectacle. This year’s countdown promises the most extensive and enduring fireworks display to date. Join us at Victoria Harbour as we usher in 2024 amidst a dazzling showcase of fireworks.

Mr. Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the HKTB, remarked, “The Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations stand out as one of Asia’s most captivating events, garnering widespread coverage from both Mainland and international media and attracting large audiences. This year’s festivities are poised to be the largest ever witnessed in Hong Kong on New Year’s Eve. Coupled with an East-meets-West musical performance, the event is sure to draw massive crowds eager to witness the spectacle firsthand. I am confident that this breathtaking audiovisual extravaganza in Victoria Harbour will not only enhance the lively nocturnal atmosphere across the city but also spotlight Hong Kong’s unique charm to the global audience.”

Unprecedented Fireworks Spectacle

As the clock strikes midnight at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour will transform into a breathtaking canvas for the “New Year, New Legend” fireworks extravaganza, spanning a 1,300-meter stretch from Central to North Point and lasting for an impressive 12 minutes.

Renowned fireworks designer Liu Lin, Chief of the Fireworks Project and Director of Fireworks Operation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, crafted the mesmerizing choreography. Inspired by the changing seasons, the performance takes the audience on a journey from winter through spring, summer, and autumn, completing the cycle of life with a return to winter. Liu stated, “The countdown firework performance symbolizes the optimism and diligence of the people of Hong Kong, embodying boundless vitality and innovation, giving rise to one legend after another.”

To achieve a captivating three-dimensional effect, five barges with 16 floats will be strategically deployed in two layers, launching fireworks from varying angles and heights, enveloping the night sky and harbor in a glamorous, spectacular display.

The accompanying sonata, a new arrangement by acclaimed musician Chiu Tsang-hei, seamlessly blends electronic, classical, and Chinese instrumental elements. Internationally renowned violinist Yao Jue will grace the middle section with a new rendition of a classical piece, showcasing the enchanting fusion of East-meets-West culture in Hong Kong.

The pyrotechnic show unfolds in five distinctive chapters: an introductory act, a trilogy of seasonal portrayals, and a grand concluding spectacle.

1. Opening Act: Yuletide Celebration The show begins by echoing the festive spirit of winter, with fireworks in the traditional Christmas colors of crimson and emerald, ushering in the New Year.
2. Act II: Spring’s Awakening With the revival of spring, a palette of vibrant colors bursts forth, symbolizing the reawakening of life.
3. Act III: Summer’s Zeal This segment mirrors the vivacity and zest of summer, with beach-inspired themes and dazzling pyrotechnics that embody the season’s fiery spirit.
4. Act IV: Autumn’s Enchantment In this part, the fireworks mimic the mesmerizing charm of autumn, with golden sparkles evoking the elegance of fall foliage and creating an enchanting atmosphere.
5. Grand Finale: Crafting a Collective Saga As winter makes its return, the sky lights up with an array of shapes and symbols, from hearts to joyful faces, culminating the display with a message of unity and limitless prospects, crafting a shared narrative.

This 12-minute countdown extravaganza is set to commence at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will feature an imposing representation of the year 2024, marking the occasion.

Wish Upon the Rooftop Pyrotechnics

Commencing at 11 pm, rooftop pyrotechnics will illuminate the sky every 15 minutes at three iconic Hong Kong Island landmarks: Harbour Centre, Harcourt House, and Cheung Kong Center. Beneath these brilliant pyrotechnic stars, individuals can make wishes for love, health, happiness, and abundance.

Expanded Vantage Points

Beyond traditional spots like the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, Central harbourfront, and Wan Chai’s Golden Bauhinia Square, new seaside facilities open up additional viewing locations. These include the waterfront promenade in West Kowloon Cultural District, the Wan Chai Harbour Chill waterfront promenade, and the East Coast Park Precinct in North Point. Sound systems at each vantage point will ensure the audience fully enjoys the synchronized firework music. Simultaneously, Radio 2 of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) will broadcast the show’s soundtrack, enabling people to revel in this audio-visual celebration at various harbor locations.

The “Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations” will be broadcast live on various platforms, including the HKTB’s official website (discoverhongkong.com), social media platforms (HKTB’s Facebook page and YouTube channel), ViuTV 99, and its website and mobile app. The HKTB will also share the celebrations globally through satellite broadcast, spreading the joy of Hong Kong’s festivities to audiences around the world.

To ensure the smooth execution of the event, traffic control measures and road closures will be implemented in phases in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Wan Chai on New Year’s Eve. For sea traffic, sailings in central Victoria Harbour will be suspended, along with services at Kowloon Public Pier. The public is advised to stay informed through announcements from relevant government departments.

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