The second edition of the Asia+ Festival will be held from September to November, highlighting the arts and culture of nearly 30 countries from Asia, the Middle East and Belt & Road regions.

While addressing those gathered at the programme parade today, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung explained that the festival is an initiative that ties in with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, under which Hong Kong is actively developing into a centre for international cultural exchange.

At the Third Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation hosted by President Xi Jinping last year, the Asia+ Festival was recognised as an item on the list of "People's Livelihood & People-to-people Connectivity Projects", he added.

Apart from noting that the number of performances and activities of the festival’s second edition will increase from 29 last year to over 100, Mr Yeung pointed out that the "Middle Eastern Series" is a new addition this year that aims to showcase programmes blending the styles of the Middle East and the West.

The newly-added series comprises The Woven Sounds in which Iranian ethnomusicologist and musician Mehdi Aminian will lead his ensemble in a performance that revives the fading tradition of Persian carpet-making.

The Middle Eastern Series also includes a concert by Syrian-born award-winning clarinettist Kinan Azmeh. He will be joined by percussionist John Hadfield and five emerging local musicians for the performance.

There will also be workshops, talks and a masterclass for individual programmes.

Tickets will be available from tomorrow at URBTIX, except for the musical Finding Mr. Destiny. Call 3166 1288 for telephone bookings.