Big and bold celebrations

A large-scale exhibition in Victoria Park, bus and tram parades, and freebies in restaurants and transport will be launched today  to mark the 26th anniversary of the handover.

The three-day exhibition at the Causeway Bay park shows exhibits demonstrating Chinese traditional culture and technological development.

Visitors can also try on traditional costumes and get a feel of life in the Tang Dynasty at the theater.

Photo-taking spots with a large art installation and Hong Kong-style decorations are at the park’s one and two football pitches.

Technological enterprises from the Greater Bay Area show their products and services.

The government's Hong Kong Celebrations Association organized other activities, including celebration messages that will be shown on a giant screen on the wall of Sogo department store in Causeway Bay. 

A sea and land parade with 26 fishing boats, 26 buses and 10 trams will be held across the city today.

The MTR will offer free light rail and MTR shuttle rides today. Passengers do not need to tap the Octopus Card at the light rail stations and shuttle bus stations.

The rail operator also said it will increase the frequency of trains and buses, as well as increase two-car light rail services.

People can also join in a lucky draw on the MTR mobile app. The company is giving out 71,000 free train journeys and 26 whole-year passes, which total more than HK$25 million.

Star Ferry and trams will also be offering free rides today.

Children aged three to 11 with a child Octopus get unlimited free rides on buses operated by KMB and LWB this weekend.

More than 1,400 food shops and restaurants, including  McDonald’s, Cafe de Coral and Maxim’s, offer 29 percent discounts today so everybody can “eat happily” on the handover anniversary.

Citizens can use Leisure and Cultural Services Department facilities without charge, as well as visit Asia Expo free today. Entry to the Space Museum and the Heritage Museum is free.

The Jockey Club will host Hong Kong Reunification Raceday, allowing free admission to those aged 18 or above.

The government is hosting a flag-raising ceremony at 8am at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and other top government officials attending.

Lee will then officiate at a reception in the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre at 8.15am.

Motorists are reminded that police will implement special traffic arrangements at Golden Bauhinia Square and the nearby area during the celebration events.

Policemen have already been deployed at the entrance of the center’s old wing. The entrance of the new wing will be closed.

Officers are stationed on each street from the westbound Lung Wo Road to the Wan Chai portal of Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel and Fleming Road.

Police, meanwhile, arrested a 41-year-old decoration worker yesterday on suspicion of possessing imitation firearms and some knives and swords in a Tseung Kwan O flat.