Pyrotechnic, drone shows return - plus throw in dragon boat races and some free ice cream

Pyrotechnic displays and drone shows will add to the entertainment of Dragon Boat Festival goers who can also get free ice cream at the Wan Chai Harbourfront, the Tourism Board has announced as a series of events kicks off on Saturday.

A drone show with a Dragon Boat Festival theme lights up the sky at 8pm on Monday, combining many dynamic patterns, including dragon boat races and cartoon rice dumplings.

It will be followed by a pyrotechnic display at 8pm on June 15 which is part of the inaugural Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.

Smiley face motifs and the "HK" monograms will flash in the sky as well.

The international races will be held on June 15 and 16 near the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade in collaboration with the Hong Kong, China Dragon Boat Association.

Over 170 teams from 12 countries and regions - including the mainland, Macau, Singapore, Japan, the UAE and Thailand - will compete in 17 races.

The event will feature the PRC 75th Anniversary Celebration Trophy to mark the diamond jubilee of the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Honors up for grabs include the 18 Districts Trophy, Greater Bay Area Championship and the popular "Fancy Dress Competition."

Live coverage of the semifinals, championship and award presentations will be available on RTHK TV 32 on both days.

On Monday and June 15, from 6pm to 8pm, people can get a free cup of ice cream on a first-come, first-served basis and while supplies last.

For food and toy lovers, "Summer Chill Food Lane" and "Line Friends Hong Kong Summer Chill" will open on Saturday along the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.

From noon to 9pm everyday until June 16, people can enjoy a selection of 10 food and beverage kiosks offering craft beer, cold brew coffee, coconut sweets, doughnuts and nostalgically bottled Hong Kong-style milk tea.

At Line Friends Hong Kong Summer Chill, fans of the characters can snap pictures with Brown, Cony, Sally, Choco in their summer attire and dragon boat jerseys on the avenue.

From Saturday to July 1, a Line Friends pop-up shop on the avenue will provide a wide range of dragon boat race-exclusive merchandise, including Hong Kong-only goods created in association with regional brands.