A series of events, including a flag-raising ceremony, a reception, a variety show and fireworks will be held in Hong Kong on October 1 to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The flag-raising ceremony will be held at 8am at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Chief Executive Donald Tsang will join 2,500 guests, government officials, uniformed groups and community groups at the ceremony.

The Police band and a mixed choir from the Diocesan Boys' and Girls' Schools will play and sing the national anthem at the ceremony, followed by a sea parade and a fly-past by the disciplined services.

Public welcome to join

The public can watch the ceremony at a designated area with a capacity of about 1,000 people. Six plasma TVs and an LCD screen will be set up there. To ensure the smooth running of the flag-raising ceremony, people should follow the rules and directions the authorities give on site.

The National Day reception, to be hosted by the Chief Executive, will be held after the flag-raising ceremony at the Convention & Exhibition Centre's Grand Hall. About 4,000 guests, including Executive and Legislative councillors, consular corps, heads of missions in Hong Kong, senior government officials and members of community sectors will attend. The Hong Kong Dance Federation will perform at the reception.

In the evening, a variety show will be staged at 7pm at Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom. A spectacular fireworks display, lasting for about 23 minutes, will start at 9.15pm over Victoria Harbour.

People should note the special traffic arrangements for the National Day celebrations. Those planning to watch the fireworks display on either side of the harbour should follow the advice of police officers at the scene.