- 27 Nov 2004 -
"X'mas Extravaganza at the Avenue" Lighting Ceremony

(27 November, 2004, Hong Kong) The Avenue of Stars at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade was given a starry lighting up ceremony tonight (27 November).

The officiating guests for the "X'mas Extravaganza at the Avenue" lighting ceremony were Mr Stephen Yuen, Executive Director of AOS Management Ltd of the New World Group, and Ms Clara Chong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

At the ceremony, Mr Stephen Yuen said that the Avenue of Stars was just a baby at its seven-month's age. He thanked the support of various parties, making this baby now a healthy and lovely creature. To tourists, the Avenue is a must-go hot spot in Hong Kong; while to locals, it is an ideal leisure venue.

Mr Yuen further said that the Avenue has received seven million visitors since opening, who were all amazed by the special lighting effect it had on the ground, the unparalleled scenery of the Victoria Harbour, and the handprints of superstars.

At tonight's lighting ceremony, over 700 stars hoisted along the Avenue were lightened up. This was echoed by the external wall lighting of the New World Centre, all being illuminated simultaneously. To celebrate the lighting, staff of the Avenue of Stars had a cross-over with Wholala musical band to present Christmas carols to audience.

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has also provided 50 Wishing Christmas Trees for display at the Avenue. Visitors would be given a wishing tag for marking their wishes, hence putting up on the trees.

Ms Clara Chong, Executive Director of the HKTB said that the Board's Hong Kong WinterFest had just begun, featuring an array of enticing elements in Central's Statue Square. "This mega-event has made our city the focus of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Asia," she said. "We are very grateful to the Avenue of Stars Management Limited for arranging various entertainment programmes during the event period to further enhance the festive ambience throughout the city. These activities will add even more glittering appeal to Hong Kong WinterFest and help us reach our target of attracting 2.49 million visitors during the event period."

During the festive season, Avenue of Stars has arranged various kinds of performances, including choirs, dances and live bands, to be presented by over 50 organizations.

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