Entries are now open for the 2004 Lantern Design Competition. Participants in the open division should send their entry forms by July 23 to the Leisure & Cultural Services Department's Entertainment Office, 6/F, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai or by fax to 2575 0864.

Forms are available at the department's major cultural venues and all public libraries, or can be downloaded here. For enquiries, call 2591 1340.

Apart from the open division, there are also primary school and secondary school divisions.

Each participant can enter just one design in one division, but the lantern can be made by a small group of no more than four people.

The handmade lanterns with labels issued by the organiser should be submitted to the Exhibition Hall, 1/F, City Hall Lower Block from September 21 to 23 from 10am to 7pm.

Competition to promote traditional Chinese crafts

The competition is jointly organised by the department and the Education & Manpower Bureau to promote the craft of lantern making and to arouse interest in traditional Chinese crafts.

A panel of judges will be made up of art teachers and arts administrators. The champion of each division will be awarded a book coupon of $1,800, the 1st runner-up $1,500 and the 2nd runner-up $1,200, while outstanding entries will be awarded book coupons of $400. Three prizes will also be awarded to those with special designs.

All lanterns will be displayed at City Hall from September 29 to October 8.