Legendary bang to start the year

Almost 480,000 people rang in 2024 in the biggest New Year's Eve display as tonnes of fireworks set off from five barges lit up Victoria Harbour for 12 minutes.

Some people hoping to catch the best view of the "New Year New Legend" spectacle had been waiting since Sunday morning. The fireworks launched from five barges reached for the sky in different heights and angles, creating the changing seasonal scenes of spring, summer, autumn and winter as well as hearts and smiley faces.

The huge show spanned from Central to North Point, covering a distance of 1,300 meters and lasting for 12 minutes.

Over 479,000 people watched the fireworks on both sides of the harbor, police said.

"I feel tired because I got up at 5am to come here to secure a spot in the front. But it's worth it," said spectator Mr Lee.

"I'm happy and excited. I waited for a long time for the show and even had to queue for one-and-a-half hours to go to the bathroom," another said.

A first-time Hong Kong visitor from Hangzhou said he arrived at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront six hours before the show.

"As long as I can take good photos, even if it takes five to six hours of wait, it's still worth it," he said.

A tourist from Guangzhou said she had not visited Hong Kong for three years due to the pandemic but was lured by the hyped-up fireworks.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu was at the countdown event to savor the festive atmosphere and enjoy the show. Lee said: "Everything will be better in 2024, our health, income, the economy. Everyone's lives will be wonderful and Hong Kong will be even better."

Many people took photos and shook hands with Lee and wife Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Meanwhile, 15 malls owned by Sun Hung Kai Properties saw a 20 percent increase in business during the New Year holiday compared to the same period last year.

Sun Hung Kai Properties executive director Maureen Fung Sau-yim said the New Year, following Christmas, has continued to heat up the market.

"The government held the large-scale fireworks on New Year's Eve, attracting tourists to visit Hong Kong and further boosting the retail and catering sectors," she said. Fung said customers spent a lot at restaurants and clothing stores.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com