“Meteorological factors” were to blame for the cancellation of a patriotic “mega drone show” on Monday night, the government has said, as it apologised to revellers at West Kowloon Cultural District.
A thousand young people from various youth groups went ahead with song and dance performances as part of the “Next Generation Chorus Performance” to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
On Tuesday, a government spokesperson apologised for the cancellation: “[T]he implementing organisation expressed that the signal of the drones were seriously interfered, making the drones unable to position accurately. After investigation, it is believed to be related to meteorological factor; human factor was not involved. All related parties immediately tried their best to recover the situation, in the hope that the drone show could continue.”
Crowds waited for around 45 minutes, but – eventually – pre-recorded rehearsal footage of the 2,099-drone show was displayed on screens.
The spokesperson praised students for their performance: “The students displayed professionalism and made great efforts to perform, allowing the audience to feel the vibrant energy and patriotism of the youth.”
Movie tickets will be half-price during Tuesday’s National Day, with 25 per cent off most MTR fares. Children will have free rides on designated bus routes and ferries, and tram rides will be free for Octopus users.
There will be special deals at 3,000 eateries, as well as at the West Kowloon Cultural District, Ocean Park, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, and the Peak Tram.
All museums under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will open to the public free of charge on October 1 as part of the celebrations. Government leisure facilities, including badminton courts, golf facilities, and public swimming pools will also be free to the public.
This October 1 will mark the first National Day since Hong Kong passed the homegrown Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, otherwise known as Article 23.
